Iran-US War Latest: Trump Says He Could Keep Iranian Oil ‘Like Venezuela’ as Hormuz Talks Face Setback

The latest developments in the simmering Iran-US conflict have brought forth a peculiar declaration from President Donald Trump, one that has left observers and analysts scrambling to make sense of his intentions. During an offhand comment during a visit to Ireland, Trump mused that his administration could remain engaged with Iran for a while longer – not as a precursor to war, but as a means to “keep the oil” like Venezuela.

Trump’s statement appears to be more than just another example of his unpredictability. It reveals a calculated maneuver that underscores the shifting sands of geopolitics in the region. The notion of an Iran-style takeover of Venezuelan oil reserves, which has been under US control since August, offers a glimpse into the long-term strategy being pursued by Washington.

The strategic value of oil is crucial to understand in this context. As prices skyrocketed last week, touching levels not seen since the outbreak of hostilities between the US and Iran, Trump’s statement serves as a reminder that military interventions often lead to regime changes or outright control over resources. The spoils of war are rarely limited to mere destruction.

The Venezuela precedent is particularly telling in this regard. The US has been quietly exerting its influence over Venezuela’s oil production for years, with a significant portion of the country’s resources being funneled into US coffers. This arrangement stabilizes global energy markets and provides the US with leverage in negotiations with other countries.

Trump’s decision to draw parallels between Iran and Venezuela highlights the administration’s long-term approach to managing regional tensions. Rather than opting for a full-scale military intervention, which would risk destabilizing the entire Middle East, Washington appears to be banking on maintaining its influence through strategic partnerships and economic control.

The implications of this strategy are multifaceted. It suggests that the US is willing to play a long game in the region, ceding short-term gains for potential future advantages. This approach also underscores the importance of energy resources in international relations, where even the threat of military action can be used as a means to secure control.

The situation on the ground remains precarious. The recent attacks on Iranian and Saudi vessels have led to an uptick in oil prices, while Oman’s decision to postpone its meeting with Iran and regional countries has further muddied the waters. As tensions continue to simmer, it is becoming increasingly clear that Trump’s wild card comment was more than just a passing remark – it was a deliberate signal of Washington’s willingness to rewrite the rules of engagement in the Middle East.

In this game of cat-and-mouse, where regional players are forced to adapt to shifting alliances and interests, Trump’s Iran-Venezuela comparison has sent shockwaves throughout the diplomatic community. The US will stop at nothing to secure its place as a global energy powerhouse, and the price of gasoline may indeed “drop like a rock” once the war ends – but only if Washington gets its way.