United States President Donald Trump has said he would prefer to take control of Iran’s oil resources as tensions deepen in the Middle East, with Tehran continuing exchanges of attacks with Israel and US forces.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with the Financial Times, where he signalled a possible expansion of US strategic objectives beyond previously stated war aims.
“To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” Trump said.
The US president also suggested the potential seizure of key Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, the country’s main export hub.
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“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” Trump added. “It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while.”
The comments come amid heightened global concern over energy security, as the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February continues to disrupt critical oil supply routes.
Iran, a member of OPEC, holds one of the world’s largest crude oil reserves and plays a strategic role in global energy markets.
Tehran also controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Since the outbreak of hostilities, the waterway has been significantly restricted, intensifying pressure on global markets and supply chains.
The standoff over the strait has further escalated tensions, with Washington demanding its full reopening while Iran insists on maintaining control.
