Trump floats seizing Iranian oil, claims Iran is desperate for deal

Trump floats ‘taking control of Iranian oil,’ says Tehran eager for deal

US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s leaders are “begging to make a deal” to halt the ongoing Middle East war, pushing back on suggestions that Washington is chasing talks.

He claimed Tehran signaled its willingness to negotiate by allowing 10 oil tankers to move through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, describing the passage as a “present” meant to show seriousness about ending the conflict.

Explaining earlier hints about a “gift” from Iran, Trump said eight “big boats of oil” were permitted through the waterway earlier in the week, followed by two more soon after.

He added that the “US taking control of Iran’s oil is an option.”

Trump said US actions had largely crippled Tehran’s leadership, leaving remaining figures struggling to coordinate, and stressed that Washington would only accept the “right deal” to secure peace at his first cabinet meeting on Thursday since the war began.

He said US operations against Iran are “extremely” ahead of schedule, noting an initial estimate of four to six weeks for the war that started nearly a month ago. “We estimated it would take approximately four to six weeks to achieve our mission. Twenty-six days in, we’re extremely, really, a lot ahead of schedule,” he told the meeting.

Trump also said the US cannot confirm Iran laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting, “We blew up all the mine droppers.”

He further argued the US does not need the Strait of Hormuz “at all,” saying America is “not affected as a coalition of ships stands ready,” voiced “very disappointed” with NATO over what he called insufficient rescue support, and warned Tehran to “permanently abandon” its nuclear ambitions or face a future in which the US would be its “worst nightmare.”