President Donald Trump says taking control of Iran’s oil is ‘an option’ amid escalating conflict
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 27, 2026, 20:09 IST
US President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump said the United States could consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources, calling it “an option” during a Cabinet meeting while declining to elaborate further.
He compared the possibility to past U.S. actions in Venezuela, suggesting similar economic gains could be achieved. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where energy security and control over oil routes remain central to the conflict, raising concerns about potential further escalation in U.S. strategy.
He compared the possibility to past U.S. actions in Venezuela, suggesting similar economic gains could be achieved. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where energy security and control over oil routes remain central to the conflict, raising concerns about potential further escalation in U.S. strategy.
President Donald Trump said the United States could consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources, refusing to rule out the possibility as the conflict in the region intensifies.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump responded to a question about seizing Iran’s oil by saying, “It’s an option,” while declining to provide further details. His remarks add to growing speculation about how far the administration might go as military operations and diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously.
Trump drew a comparison to U.S. actions in Venezuela, where he claimed the United States benefited financially after intervening in the country’s oil sector. He said those efforts brought in “billions and billions of dollars,” suggesting a similar approach could be considered in Iran.
The comparison highlights a broader strategy in which energy resources are viewed as both an economic and geopolitical lever. However, analysts have noted that replicating such a model in Iran would be significantly more complex due to its size, military capabilities, and regional influence.
Iran remains one of the world’s major oil producers, and any attempt to take control of its oil infrastructure would have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets. The conflict has already disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil supply — contributing to volatility in fuel prices worldwide.
The idea of seizing oil assets also raises legal and strategic questions, including the potential for escalation, international backlash, and the need for a large-scale military presence on the ground.
Trump’s comments come as his administration continues to apply pressure on Iran through both military and economic means, while also pursuing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. By keeping options open, the administration appears to be signaling both flexibility and resolve.
Still, the president’s refusal to elaborate reflects a pattern of strategic ambiguity, leaving allies and adversaries alike uncertain about the next phase of U.S. involvement.
As the war approaches the one-month mark, the possibility of targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure underscores the high stakes of the conflict. Whether the statement represents a serious policy direction or a negotiating tactic remains unclear.
President Donald Trump said the United States could consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources, calling it “an option” during a Cabinet meeting while declining to elaborate further.
He compared the possibility to past U.S. actions in Venezuela, suggesting similar economic gains could be achieved. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where energy security and control over oil routes remain central to the conflict, raising concerns about potential further escalation in U.S. strategy.
For now, Trump’s comments reinforce the unpredictable nature of the situation, with energy security, military strategy, and diplomacy all deeply intertwined in shaping what comes next.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump responded to a question about seizing Iran’s oil by saying, “It’s an option,” while declining to provide further details. His remarks add to growing speculation about how far the administration might go as military operations and diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously.
Comparing Iran to Venezuela strategy
Trump drew a comparison to U.S. actions in Venezuela, where he claimed the United States benefited financially after intervening in the country’s oil sector. He said those efforts brought in “billions and billions of dollars,” suggesting a similar approach could be considered in Iran.
The comparison highlights a broader strategy in which energy resources are viewed as both an economic and geopolitical lever. However, analysts have noted that replicating such a model in Iran would be significantly more complex due to its size, military capabilities, and regional influence.
High stakes for global energy markets
Iran remains one of the world’s major oil producers, and any attempt to take control of its oil infrastructure would have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets. The conflict has already disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil supply — contributing to volatility in fuel prices worldwide.
The idea of seizing oil assets also raises legal and strategic questions, including the potential for escalation, international backlash, and the need for a large-scale military presence on the ground.
Part of broader pressure strategy
Trump’s comments come as his administration continues to apply pressure on Iran through both military and economic means, while also pursuing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. By keeping options open, the administration appears to be signaling both flexibility and resolve.
Still, the president’s refusal to elaborate reflects a pattern of strategic ambiguity, leaving allies and adversaries alike uncertain about the next phase of U.S. involvement.
Uncertain path forward
As the war approaches the one-month mark, the possibility of targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure underscores the high stakes of the conflict. Whether the statement represents a serious policy direction or a negotiating tactic remains unclear.
President Donald Trump said the United States could consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources, calling it “an option” during a Cabinet meeting while declining to elaborate further.
He compared the possibility to past U.S. actions in Venezuela, suggesting similar economic gains could be achieved. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where energy security and control over oil routes remain central to the conflict, raising concerns about potential further escalation in U.S. strategy.
For now, Trump’s comments reinforce the unpredictable nature of the situation, with energy security, military strategy, and diplomacy all deeply intertwined in shaping what comes next.