Trump says with more time, US can ‘take the oil’ in Iran

In a recent social media post, US President Donald Trump suggested the US could seize Iran's oil industry, claiming that with more time, the US could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, take Iranian oil, and profit from it. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy prices to rise. Trump has repeatedly promised to reopen the waterway, even suggesting US Navy ships would escort oil tankers. However, the US military has stated they are not prepared to escort vessels through the Strait due to security concerns. Trump's statement about "taking" Iran's oil is a notable escalation in rhetoric, potentially violating international law regarding a nation's sovereignty over its natural resources. Despite ongoing conflict, Iran maintains control over its resources.

In April 2026, amidst an ongoing war with Iran, Iran fired missiles at Israel and Gulf neighbors. President Donald Trump addressed the nation, stating that U.S. forces were nearing completion of their core strategic objectives, though heavy strikes would continue. Trump also addressed concerns about rising gas prices in the U.S. due to the war. He claimed the U.S. did not need the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting other countries dependent on it should secure it themselves. The article includes images of Trump's address, funerals for fighters killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq, and a ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz.