Trump says US could seize all of Iran's oil, even the country
Trump told reporters the United States could seize Iran’s oil and claimed the Strait of Hormuz is under full U.S. control.
President Donald Trump said the United States could seize all of Iran's oil and even take control of the country if it chose to, making the remarks during a briefing with reporters.
"Iran can now take very little of it. If we want, we could take all of their oil — even the whole country! All their oil could be ours," Trump told reporters.
He was asked about the prospect of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East and described the situation as a stalemate. Trump also asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is under full U.S. control.
Trump stresses military and economic leverage
In his comments, Trump reiterated a line he has used previously about the U.S. capacity to exert control over Iranian energy resources. He framed the option of taking Iran's oil as part of broader pressure the United States can apply.
Washington has repeatedly signalled it retains advantages in its standoff with Tehran; Trump’s statements underline that those advantages, in his view, include the ability to control maritime chokepoints and natural resources.
Photo: press material from the event
