Trump floats seizing Iran's oil 'like Venezuela', declares he doesn't care about a peace deal

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, March 26, said the United States could consider taking control of Iran’s oil supply as tensions between the two countries continue.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump outlined a range of possible approaches while maintaining a hardline stance on negotiations.

His remarks come amid ongoing military activity and limited diplomatic engagement. The president also referenced recent developments involving oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump weighs possibility of controlling Iran's oil infrastructure

Trump indicated that taking control of Iran’s oil infrastructure remains under consideration, though he did not provide specific details on how such a move would be carried out. 

“I mean, I wouldn’t talk about it, but it’s an option,” Trump said when asked whether the United States could pursue that course of action.

He suggested that a potential outcome in Iran could mirror US engagement in Venezuela, referencing past efforts to work with alternative leadership structures in that country. 

Trump cited what he described as economic gains from those arrangements. "Well, in Venezuela, we’ve done very well working with Venezuela," he said.

"Certainly, we’ve taken in billions and billions of dollars. And by the way, Venezuela is doing better right now than they’ve ever done in the history of their country, and sort of like a joint venture, but the United States has made a lot of money,” he added.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on Venezuela’s recent oil performance, stating that in early 2026 the country “generated more revenue from oil sales than they had most of all of last year” and that the “money’s not being stolen anymore.”

Trump further downplayed concerns about global oil supply disruptions linked to the conflict, emphasizing US domestic production capacity.

“We have so much oil. Our country is not affected by this. We have more, we have twice the amount of oil as Saudi Arabia or Russia, and soon it’ll be three times the amount,” he said.

Trump reveals oil shipment ‘gesture’ and signals limited interest in deal

Trump disclosed details of what he previously described as a “present” from Iran during ongoing indirect interactions. He said the gesture involved oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Trump, Iran allowed multiple oil tankers to transit the key shipping route as a signal during discussions.

He said the shipments demonstrated a willingness to engage. “They said, ‘to show you the fact that we’re real and solid and we’re there, we’re going to let you have eight boats of oil, eight boats, eight big boats of oil,’” Trump said, adding that additional vessels were also sent.

He described the episode as evidence that "they were right and they were real." 

Trump said the tankers moved through the strait carrying Pakistani flags, and he characterized the development as a significant gesture within the broader context of talks. 

Despite referencing ongoing contacts, Trump reiterated that he is not prioritizing a negotiated agreement with Iran.

“I read a story today that I’m desperate to make a deal. I’m not,” he said. “I’m the opposite of desperate. I don’t care.”

“In fact, we have other targets we want to hit before we leave,” he added, without elaborating.