Trump Boasts Again, Ready to Seize Iran's Oil "with Ease"

Jakarta - US President Donald Trump has revealed the possibility of the United States taking over Iran’s oil and seizing the country’s main export centre on Kharg Island with ease. The statement comes as the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran enters its fifth week.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday (29/3/2026), Trump said he is considering a move to gain control of Iran’s energy resources.

“I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily,” he said.

He mentioned that his “preference is to take the oil,” while comparing the option to the US military operation in Venezuela earlier this year, when Washington effectively gained control of the country’s oil industry after the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump’s comments come as the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran continues to widen in the region, increasing risks to the energy sector and infrastructure. The situation has also driven a surge in global crude oil prices.

May futures contracts for the international benchmark Brent were recorded up 2.92% to $115.86 per barrel in early Asian trading. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate futures rose 3.20% to $102.80 per barrel.

A report from The Washington Post on Saturday evening also indicated that the Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of ground conflicts lasting weeks in Iran, alongside the arrival of thousands of US troops in the region.