US President Donald Trump has said he would like to “take over Iran’s oil” and suggested the United States could seize the key export hub of Kharg Island. Financial Times published on sunday.
Trump called the idea a preferred course of action, noting, “To be honest with you, my favorite thing to do is take Iran’s oil, but some stupid people in the U.S. are saying, ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they are stupid people.”
The comments come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, along with signs of continued diplomatic engagement. Trump said both direct and indirect negotiations with Iran were underway, including through Pakistani “emissaries”, and described the talks as progressing well.
President Trump also added that Iran had agreed to allow an increased number of Pakistan-flagged oil tankers, now doubled to 20, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with the arrangement reportedly approved by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. “Starting tomorrow morning, we’ve put 20 large ships of oil through the Strait of Hormuz to the US,” Trump said.
Despite signaling optimism, Trump admitted uncertainty about the outcome of the negotiations. “I think we’ll come to an agreement with them soon,” he said, adding, “It’s possible we won’t.”
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