President Donald Trump on Sunday raised the possibility that the United States would remain in Iran after the war and retain some of its oil, an idea he linked directly to the oil deal reached by his administration with Venezuela.
During his stay in Ireland, where he attended the Irish Open and participated in golf activities, Trump said Washington could eventually withdraw from Iran, although he left an alternative open. “In the end, we will leave (Iran), unless we decide to stay and stay with oil, as in Venezuela,” he told reporters.
The president also argued that Iran seeks to negotiate with the United States and again anticipated that the conflict could end after the November parliamentary elections. “We will finally withdraw from Iran,” he said, while assuring that the Iranian government is “constantly calling for” peace talks. Tehran has previously rejected this characterization.
Reporter: “What do you make of the Gulf nations meeting with Iran on Monday?”President Trump: “I don’t care. That’s up to them. That’s fine. If they can be happy, you know, as long as Israel, along with the nations we're talking about, and they're happy. That’s fine?” pic.twitter.com/KazH1MSYGz
Trump presented as a reference the agreement announced in August with Venezuela, by which the United States envisages to acquire a part of the oil production of a Venezuelan private company at the cost of production. The project, according to statements of Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez, envisages the development for 25 years of 17 strategic sites, with a maximum output of more than 1.5 million barrels per day.
Trump said revenues from Venezuela have allowed “to pay for the war many times” and described the country’s situation as an opportunity for the return of U.S. oil companies. The possibility of applying a similar scheme in Iran arises as the war keeps the international energy market under pressure.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main routes for the world’s crude transportation, has caused an increase in fuel prices. Trump has insisted that oil and gasoline prices will fall “in a picket” when the conflict ends.
However, markets remain alert to any further supply disruption, especially after an attack on a pipeline in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said an agreement that is expected to be announced on the Strait of Hormuz will not mean its reopening as long as the United States does not resume its June commitments.
Trump was also questioned about future elections in Venezuela. he replied that they will be held “when they are ready”, without offering a specific date.
