Trump Says U.S. Could “Take the Oil in Iran”

U.S. President Donald Trump said he could “take the oil in Iran” and seize control of its key export hub, Kharg Island, as the U.S.-Iran war continues, raising global energy market fears and diplomatic uncertainty.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said his “preference would be to take the oil in Iran,” drawing a parallel to a U.S. military operation in Venezuela earlier this year where Washington gained control of that country’s oil industry following the capture of its leader.

Trump acknowledged that some in the U.S. question the idea, calling them “stupid people,” but said the option remains on the table. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t,” he said, adding that any such operation would likely require a prolonged presence.

Kharg Island is a linchpin of Iran’s oil exports, handling the vast majority of its crude shipments. U.S. military actions have already targeted military infrastructure on the island, and Trump has previously threatened further strikes on oil facilities if Tehran continues to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Seizing the island would mark a significant escalation in the conflict and could involve deploying ground forces, a move U.S. officials have described as risky given Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.

The president’s remarks come as global oil prices surge amid the war. Brent crude has climbed sharply as markets react to supply threats through the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability.

Additional U.S. troops, including Marines and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, have been sent to the region, giving Washington more military options even as diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries such as Pakistan.