US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could seek control of Iran’s oil resources after the war with Tehran ends, suggesting Washington may adopt an approach similar to its policy toward Venezuela.
Speaking on Sunday at the opening of an international golf tournament in Ireland, Trump said the United States could either leave Iran after the conflict or remain in the country if it decides to take control of its oil.
“If we decide not to take the oil like we did in Venezuela, then we will ultimately leave,” Trump said. “But if we do, we’ll have a presence.”
His comments suggest that Washington could maintain a security presence around Iran if it assumes control over the country’s oil resources.
Trump’s remarks come after the US administration took control of Venezuela’s oil sector following a military operation in Caracas last December, according to the report.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on January 8 that the United States would oversee Venezuela’s oil production and sales indefinitely, arguing that Washington did not want the country’s oil industry to descend into chaos.
The administration has also announced a long-term arrangement, reportedly extending up to 100 years, under which revenues from Venezuelan oil sales would be deposited into US-controlled accounts, with Washington determining how the funds would be used or distributed.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has backed the measure, saying it could help revive the country’s economy.
Trump’s comments in Ireland indicate that a similar policy could potentially be considered for Iran once the war ends.
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