Trump Weighs Seizing Iranian Oil To Gain Leverage Over China Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
President Donald Trump has revived a provocative idea in discussions with aides this week: the possibility of the United States seizing control of Iran’s oil sector as part of its strategy in the ongoing conflict with Tehran. The goal is strengthening U.S. geopolitical leverage, particularly against China.
People familiar with internal deliberations quoted by Bloomberg said Trump repeatedly raised the notion on Monday, portraying the potential move as a strategic advantage even as he acknowledged the political and military risks of further entangling the United States in the Middle East.
At a White House appearance, Trump was quoted saying that if given preference, he would “take the oil” because “it’s there for the taking,” emphasizing his belief that controlling energy resources translates into power on the global stage, Business Standard reported. Critics, however, warn that such a step would represent a dramatic escalation with major legal and diplomatic consequences.
According to Business Times, officials have pointed to past efforts, such as expanding U.S. crude exports and encouraging Western energy firms into Venezuelan production, as examples of how energy assets can bolster America’s influence.
Bringing Iran’s vast crude flows under U.S. influence, these aides argue, could bolster Washington’s bargaining position not only with Tehran but also with countries like China, which has long been a major purchaser of Iranian crude before sanctions and wartime disruptions affected those flows.
Any attempt to control Iranian oil infrastructure would occur against the backdrop of a tense and volatile market. Global oil prices have surged in recent days as conflict in the Middle East has intensified and uncertainty over supply has deepened. U.S. crude futures rose by more than $1 on Tuesday as Trump heightened his rhetoric against Iran, threatening further action if Tehran did not reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one‑fifth of the world’s seaborne crude normally passes, a report by Investing.com said.
Markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the region. Brent crude and U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate have hovered near or above $110 a barrel amid fears that prolonged conflict and disruptions to Gulf oil exports could tighten global supplies further. Analysts say that sustained higher prices could exert inflationary pressure worldwide and complicate monetary policy at a time when markets are already jittery.
