United States President Donald Trump claimed during a visit to Ireland on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, that Washington could maintain a presence in Iran to control its oil reserves, drawing a direct parallel to the administration’s strategy in Venezuela, according to reporting by Reuters.
Trump Oil Seizure Claims and Iran Conflict Background
According to Reuters, President Trump stated that the United States would eventually exit Iran unless officials decide to stay and take control of the country’s oil. “On the end we will get out, unless we decide to stay and take the oil like we did in Venezuela,” Trump said during his trip, adding that American revenues generated from Venezuelan oil had financed the war multiple times over. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran began on Feb. 28, following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed then-Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran targeted U.S. military facilities across neighboring countries and restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, causing global oil prices to soar.
Comparisons to Venezuela Energy Agreements
The proposed strategy mirrors agreements finalized in August regarding South America. According to The Hill, the Trump administration reached an arrangement allowing the U.S. to purchase 20% of oil from North American Blue Energy Partners—a private firm and Venezuela’s second-largest oil producer—at production cost. This acquisition supplies the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has been drawn down in recent years to counter price spikes tied to the Iran conflict and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, temporary Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez stated that a 25-year oil agreement with Washington allows Caracas to maintain sovereignty over 17 strategic oil fields while rebuilding its sanctioned energy sector, with potential revenues reaching vast sums annually depending on market prices, as reported by Al-Jazeera.
Diplomatic Stalls and Projected Timeline for the Conflict
While a temporary cease-fire was previously brokered through Pakistani mediation, fighting resumed after both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating terms. Trump asserted that the peace agreement has ended despite his claims that Tehran continuously reaches out to negotiate—an assertion previously denied by Iranian officials. According to Reuters and Ntvnews.id, Trump expressed hope that the war with Iran would conclude this year or shortly after the U.S. midterms in November, predicting that gasoline prices would drop sharply once hostilities cease.
Did you know? Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, which caused global oil prices to soar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Donald Trump say about Iranian oil?
According to Reuters, Trump claimed that the U.S. might remain in Iran after the conflict concludes to control its oil, comparing the prospect to arrangements involving Venezuelan energy resources.
How has the conflict affected global oil markets?
According to Ntvnews.id, Iranian closures and strict restrictions within the Strait of Hormuz have driven instability and high prices across global energy markets since the outbreak of fighting on Feb. 28.
What was the agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
According to The Hill, the U.S. agreed to purchase 20% of oil from North American Blue Energy Partners at production cost to replenish the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
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