U.S. President Donald Trump stated today (March 9, 2026) that it is “too early” to discuss seizing Iran’s oil — even as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Iran has intensified volatility in global energy markets.
Speaking on NBC, Trump declined to comment on whether the United States would pursue such a move at this time. “I don’t want to talk about it right now,” he said, adding, “But certainly, the world is talking about it.”
He referenced Venezuela, where U.S.-backed operations in January led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has since taken steps to secure and utilize Venezuela’s oil reserves — reportedly securing over 80 million barrels of Venezuelan crude to date.
“Look at Venezuela. Some people have thought about it — but it’s too early to talk about it,” Trump said.
Taking control of part of Iran’s oil production could further strain U.S.-China relations. Approximately 80% of Iran’s crude oil exports go to China — the world’s second-largest economy and a key geopolitical rival of Washington.
In the same interview, Trump reiterated his criticism of Iran’s recent selection of Mojtaba Khamenei — son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — as the country’s new top leader. “I think they made a big mistake. I don’t know if it will last. I believe they made a mistake,” he said.