Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that taking control of Iran’s oil reserves “remains an option,” signaling that Washington is considering a range of responses to the ongoing crisis.
While speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump highlighted past U.S. interventions in Venezuela as a reference point.
“It’s an option. We did very well with Venezuela’s oil,” he told reporters, though he offered no specifics on how a similar approach would work in Iran.
The Iran situation might present a far more complex scenario. Unlike Venezuela, the country’s geopolitical position, military capabilities, and regional alliances make any attempt to control its energy resources a delicate matter. Iran, a key member of OPEC, holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making the idea of external control highly significant for the global energy market.
The remarks come amid heightened hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, raising concerns about the stability of the region and the security of global energy supplies.
Trump’s comparison to Venezuela refers to the U.S. strategy of supporting opposition forces and redirecting oil revenues during efforts to challenge Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Despite the bold statement, the White House has not issued any formal policy plan regarding Iran’s oil sector. It remains unclear whether the president’s remarks indicate a concrete course of action or are intended as strategic messaging amid the crisis.
