President Donald Trump said he would like the United States to “take the oil in Iran,” suggesting Washington could capture the country’s main export hub during the ongoing conflict.
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In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said controlling Iranian oil resources would be his preferred outcome of the war. He dismissed criticism from opponents in the United States who question the idea.
Trump raises prospect of seizing Iranian oil
“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump said, adding that critics who oppose the move are “stupid people.”
The president compared the situation to Venezuela, saying Washington intends to control that country’s oil industry for the long term following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Trump said the United States has multiple options to weaken Iran’s ability to export oil.
Kharg Island seen as key strategic target
Trump also suggested the United States could seize Kharg Island, the Persian Gulf terminal that handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude shipments.
The island is central to the country’s energy system, processing roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports and serving as a major loading point for tankers heading to global markets.
Asked directly about the possibility of capturing the facility, Trump said the decision had not been made.
“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” he told the newspaper. “It would also mean we had to be there for a while.”
Control of the island would effectively give the United States influence over Iran’s ability to sell oil abroad, analysts say, because most of the country’s crude exports pass through its terminals.
Conflict disrupts global energy routes
The comments come as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies across the region.
Iran has blocked or threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime energy routes. The narrow waterway normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
The disruption has pushed oil prices sharply higher and heightened fears about global supply.
Trump said US military operations against Iran had already made significant progress, but he declined to detail potential next steps.
Escalation raises regional stakes
The suggestion of seizing Iran’s main oil export facility signals a possible expansion of the conflict’s objectives beyond military targets.
Analysts say any attempt to take control of the island would likely require US forces to occupy the facility and remain there to maintain operations.
Such a move could also trigger retaliation from Iran against energy infrastructure across the Gulf, further threatening global oil supplies and regional stability.
The proposal underscores the growing link between the military confrontation and global energy markets, as both sides seek leverage over critical oil routes and export facilities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026
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