**Trump Proposes U.S. Control Over Iranian Oil Amid Ongoing Conflict**
In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States could either conclude its military engagement with Iran or opt to remain in the region and secure control over Iranian oil resources. This assertion has drawn sharp criticism from Iranian officials, who have labeled the idea as "delusional."
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump indicated that the protracted conflict, which has persisted for over six months, could potentially come to an end shortly after the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. He claimed that Iran was eager to negotiate, stating, "Iran wants to make a deal so bad" and that they were "calling constantly."
However, Iranian representatives have dismissed these claims, characterizing them as unfounded fabrications. They argue that the U.S. is misinterpreting its diplomatic overtures as demands. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that they are not seeking negotiations under the current circumstances, viewing U.S. actions as attempts at coercion rather than genuine dialogue.
Trump's comments included a controversial comparison to Venezuela, where the U.S. has engaged in oil dealings following the controversial removal of President Nicolás Maduro. In August, the Trump administration announced a deal granting a private venture concessions over 17 Venezuelan oil fields, which hold approximately 65 billion barrels of reserves. The U.S. government was set to receive equity and preferential rights to purchase production, although Venezuelan officials asserted their continued ownership and sovereignty over the resources.
The notion of U.S. control over Iranian oil has been a recurring theme in Trump's rhetoric. Earlier this year, he suggested that taking control of Iranian oil was "an option." In June, he escalated his threats by targeting Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iranian crude exports, stating that the U.S. could "assume total control" of Iran's oil and gas markets. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, responded to these threats by labeling Trump as "delusional and confused," warning that any attempt to encroach on Iranian territory would provoke a significant response.
Reports from U.S. media have indicated that Washington has contemplated seizing Kharg Island, though Pentagon officials have expressed concerns about the risks involved in such an operation. Additionally, there have been claims regarding the depletion of U.S. military stocks of air defense and cruise missiles, a statement that Trump has publicly contested.
The backdrop to these developments includes a recent escalation in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. military has claimed responsibility for the destruction of several Iranian oil tankers, while Iran has retaliated by asserting attacks on multiple vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including two U.S. Navy ships and eight tankers.
As tensions continue to mount, the international community watches closely to see how the situation will evolve, particularly in light of Trump's remarks and the implications they may have for U.S.-Iran relations moving forward.