By Muhammad Mamman
US President Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy by saying he would prefer to seize Iran’s oil resources, a statement that comes amid ongoing hostilities between Tehran, Washington and Israel and rising fears of a broader regional war. 
Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said the United States could potentially take control of Iran’s vast crude reserves — a move that would require seizing strategic territory such as Kharg Island, the Islamic Republic’s main export hub. 
“It’s something I’d love to do — take the oil in Iran,” Trump was quoted as saying, suggesting the US could exert control over the energy‑rich nation’s oil infrastructure if military circumstances allowed. 
A Risky Proposition with Far‑Reaching Consequences
Iran holds one of the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, making its energy wealth central to the country’s economy and global oil markets. Analysts warn that any attempt to seize these resources would mark a dramatic escalation in US‑Iran tensions and could deepen instability across the Middle East. 
The president also hinted that any such operation might involve a prolonged US presence — acknowledging that controlling key facilities would not be a short‑term mission. 
Tensions Rise as Oil Markets React
Trump’s remarks come as US troops and naval forces continue to build up in the region, and as global oil prices have surged amid uncertainty over supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for international energy traffic. 
Critics both at home and abroad have condemned the comments, arguing that they risk inflaming an already volatile conflict and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the violence. Supporters of Trump’s stance say pressure on Iran’s economy and energy infrastructure is a legitimate tool of statecraft.
