President Donald Trump said the United States could remain in Iran and “keep the oil,” comparing the possibility to his administration’s oil arrangement with Venezuela.
“We’ll ultimately get out [of Iran], unless we decide to stay and keep the oil like Venezuela,” Trump told reporters in Ireland on Sunday.
Trump said revenue generated from Venezuela had “paid for the war many times.” He did not provide details about how a similar arrangement with Iran would work or whether it would involve keeping U.S. troops in the country.
The president also said the conflict with Iran would end after the midterm elections. He claimed the Iranian government was eager to reach an agreement with Washington and was “calling constantly.”
Trump said he would agree only to what he considered the “right deal” for the United States. He also predicted gasoline prices would “drop like a rock” once the war ends.
The United States began strikes against Iran more than six months ago as part of an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump has repeatedly said Iran cannot be allowed to develop one.
The conflict has disrupted energy markets, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has attacked commercial oil vessels in the waterway, through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes. The disruptions have contributed to higher gasoline and energy prices.
The average U.S. gasoline price reached $4.31 per gallon on Sunday, more than $1.10 above its level a year earlier, according to AAA data cited by The Hill.
Oil prices have also remained elevated. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate were both trading above $100 per barrel as of Sept. 13, according to The Epoch Times.
Trump’s comments drew a direct comparison with his administration’s approach to Venezuela. The White House announced an oil agreement with Venezuela in August that gives the United States control over a portion of the country’s reserves.
The administration also reached an agreement for the United States to purchase 20 percent of the oil produced by North American Blue Energy Partners, Venezuela’s second-largest private oil producer, at the cost of production. The oil can be used to help replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Venezuela agreement as a win for both countries. He said it would provide the United States with stable reserves and low-cost oil while helping reduce gasoline prices.
Trump has previously discussed taking control of Iranian oil. In March, he called taking the country’s oil his “favorite thing” while defending his administration’s approach to the conflict.