Trump's Bold Vision: 'Keep the Oil' in Iran, Mirroring Venezuela Strategy

Picture this: former President Donald Trump, enjoying a momentary respite during a busy trip in picturesque Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was juggling meetings and, quite possibly, catching some golf. It was Sunday, September 14, 2026, when he made some truly eyebrow-raising comments that have since ricocheted across global headlines. Among his remarks, one particular notion really stood out: the provocative idea that the United States might just "stay in Iran and keep the oil."

Now, this wasn't just a casual aside; it was a rather bold and, dare I say, somewhat audacious proposition. He wasn't just pulling this idea out of thin air, mind you. Trump drew a direct, striking parallel to a deal he had mentioned in Venezuela, suggesting a similar arrangement could be made. According to his account, a deal announced back in August saw the U.S. take control of a significant chunk – a full fifth, in fact – of Venezuela's precious oil reserves. And, he added, the revenue generated from that Venezuelan arrangement had, in his words, "paid for the war many times." Quite a claim, isn't it?

Beyond the oil discussion, the former President offered a glimmer of hope, or at least a firm prediction, regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. He expressed a strong expectation that the war there would finally draw to a close sometime this very year, 2026. Perhaps, he mused, it would wrap up just after the crucial midterm elections in the United States come November. And for those of us watching our wallets at the pump, he had even more reassuring news: once that Iran war finally ends, the price of gasoline, he declared, would "drop like a rock." A welcome prospect, indeed, for many households.

He didn't stop there. Trump also asserted that Iran itself was "calling constantly" for peace talks, suggesting a genuine eagerness from Tehran to negotiate a resolution. It’s an interesting point, to be sure. However, it’s worth remembering that Tehran has, in the past, quite firmly dismissed such assertions from Trump about their supposed constant calls for peace. So, while the former President painted a picture of eager negotiation from Iran's side, the historical context adds a layer of skepticism to that particular claim.

In essence, from the tranquil green hills of Doonbeg, Trump delivered a multifaceted message. It touched on controversial resource control, an optimistic timeline for conflict resolution, and the promise of economic relief, all while hinting at behind-the-scenes diplomatic overtures. These are, without a doubt, statements that carry significant weight and are sure to fuel considerable debate both domestically and on the international stage.