Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump suggested the US could stay in Iran to control oil.
- He compared this to the US deal in Venezuela, where it took control of a fifth of the country’s oil reserves.
- Trump stated that the US would only make a deal that is beneficial and that Iran has been calling for peace talks.
US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could remain in Iran to control oil, drawing a parallel with a deal in Venezuela. During a trip to Ireland for meetings and to watch the Irish Open golf championship, Trump made the remarks.
In a statement, Trump said, 'We’ll ultimately get out (of Iran), unless we decide to stay and keep the oil like Venezuela,' indicating that the US could maintain a presence in Iran for economic gain.
The comparison to Venezuela was made public in August, when the US announced a deal that allowed it to take control of a significant portion of Venezuela’s oil reserves, which has since generated substantial revenue for the US.
Trump added that the price of gasoline would 'drop like a rock' once the Iran war ended, suggesting that the US could benefit economically from a resolution to the conflict.
Turmoil in the Middle East has caused oil prices to fluctuate, with traders expecting prices to rise again following an attack on a Saudi oil pipeline. Trump’s comments come as the US continues to face challenges in the region, including ongoing tensions with Iran.
The president also stated that the US would only make a 'right deal' and that Iran has been calling for peace talks. However, Tehran has dismissed these claims in the past, indicating a lack of consensus on the issue.
Trump’s remarks reflect the ongoing complexities of US foreign policy in the Middle East, where the US has been involved in various conflicts and negotiations for years.
The suggestion of a continued US presence in Iran for economic gain has raised concerns among regional allies and international observers, who are closely watching the developments in the region.
We’ll ultimately get out (of Iran), unless we decide to stay and keep the oil like Venezuela.
Donald Trump, US President
