Trump Signals Reluctance to Seize Iran’s Oil Despite Earlier Calls

President Donald Trump has suggested the United States is unlikely to attempt to seize Iran’s oil resources, saying such a move would not have broad support among the American public, even though he personally favors the idea.

Get today's headlines by email

Speaking to reporters during the annual White House Easter egg roll on Monday, Trump said he would like to take control of Iran’s oil but acknowledged the political obstacles to doing so.

“I’d like to take the oil because it’s there for the taking,” he said. “Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home.”

The remarks represent a notable shift in tone after weeks in which the president had repeatedly raised the prospect of the United States taking control of Iranian oil assets during the ongoing conflict.

Balancing ambitions with domestic pressure

Trump reiterated several times that he believed the United States could profit from such a move.

“We’d make plenty of money,” he said, adding that his business background shaped how he viewed the issue.

“I’m a businessman first,” the president said, while recalling a previous U.S. operation in Venezuela in which Washington secured some oil proceeds.

However, Trump suggested the idea could face strong domestic opposition. Any attempt to seize Iranian oil fields or export facilities would likely require deploying ground forces to hold key infrastructure — a step that could deepen U.S. involvement in the conflict.

“I just don’t think the people of the United States would really understand,” he said.

Strategic targets under discussion

Energy analysts and military observers have closely watched the possibility of a U.S. operation targeting Iran’s oil sector, particularly the export hub at Kharg Island. The small Persian Gulf island handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude exports and is considered one of the country’s most strategically important energy sites.

Capturing or controlling the island would likely require troops on the ground to secure ports, pipelines and storage facilities. Expanding the operation further to take over oil production sites on the Iranian mainland—mainly located in the country’s southwest—would require an even larger and more complex military campaign.

For several weeks Trump has publicly floated the idea of taking Iran’s oil. In a social media post last Friday he wrote: “KEEP THE OIL, ANYONE?”, suggesting the move could be carried out easily given more time.

Strikes and threats amid wider conflict

The United States has already carried out missile strikes against military positions on Kharg Island during the conflict. U.S. officials have said the attacks targeted military installations rather than oil infrastructure.

At other times, however, Trump has threatened to escalate by striking Iran’s energy facilities directly. In late March, he warned that oil wells, power plants, and the Kharg export terminal could be destroyed if Iran did not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach a deal to end the fighting.

Despite those threats, Monday’s comments suggest the administration may be less inclined to pursue a strategy aimed at controlling Iran’s oil resources.

While Trump again said he personally supported taking the oil — invoking an older principle that “to the winner belong the spoils” — he signaled that domestic political realities could limit such ambitions.

Energy markets watching closely

The president’s remarks came during a day of escalating rhetoric toward Iran, including warnings that U.S. forces could target bridges and power infrastructure if the conflict continues.

Still, by indicating that a U.S. effort to seize Iran’s oil is unlikely, Trump appeared to reduce the immediate prospect of one of the most drastic scenarios being considered by energy traders and geopolitical analysts.

A military campaign aimed at controlling Iran’s oil sector would carry significant risks, potentially drawing the United States deeper into a prolonged ground conflict in the region.

For now, the president’s comments suggest that option may remain largely theoretical.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 April 2026