Trump: 'Keep Iran Oil, Make Money,' Americans Won't Understand Amidst War

Former US President Donald Trump has made controversial statements regarding Iran's oil reserves and the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, asserting his preference to 'take the oil' and 'make plenty of money' from it. These remarks, made during a White House Easter event and later in the Oval Office, highlight a stark contrast between his business-centric approach and what he perceives as the American public's desire for troop withdrawal from the conflict. Speaking to reporters on Monday, April 6, 2026, Trump articulated his belief that while he would personally opt to seize Iran's oil, the American people 'just don't think they would understand' such a move. He explained his rationale by stating, 'I am a businessman first,' implying an economic motivation behind his desire to control Iran's valuable oil resources. This perspective was voiced amidst discussions about the escalating conflict, which has seen the US and Israel engaging in military action against Iran, a war explicitly mentioned as being launched in 2026. The broader context of Trump's statements is a significant military conflict between the US and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. Reports indicate that Iran recently rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, mediated by Pakistan, demanding concrete guarantees against future attacks, especially after two US aircraft were reportedly downed. Trump, despite his aggressive rhetoric, acknowledged public sentiment, noting that 'the American people would like to see us come home' from the conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos poll corroborated this, showing that more than three-quarters of Americans oppose sending ground troops into Iran, citing concerns for military personnel and rising energy costs. In addition to his comments on oil, Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Tehran regarding the critical Strait of Hormuz. He warned that Iran must reopen the strait by a specified deadline – reportedly by late Monday or Tuesday evening – or face severe consequences. Trump threatened expanded US strikes targeting Iranian power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure, asserting that the country could be set 'back to the stone ages' or 'obliterated' if it failed to comply. These threats followed his expletive-laced remarks on Easter Sunday, where he called on Iran to 'open the f***n' Strait' on Truth Social. Iran's parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf condemned these threats to civilian infrastructure as 'reckless,' reiterating Iran's defiant resistance. Trump further emphasized the military's effectiveness, stating that the US was 'obliterating' Iran and that the entire country 'can be taken out in one night,' adding, 'that night may be tomorrow.' He also remarked that even if the US withdrew immediately, it would take Iran 15 years to rebuild what has been destroyed. Despite suggesting an end to the war, he insisted that Iran 'cannot have a nuclear weapon,' labeling its leaders 'lunatics' and emphasizing the danger of putting such weapons in their hands. The implications of these statements are far-reaching. For India, a major energy consumer, stability in the Middle East and the unimpeded flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz are of paramount importance. Any escalation or prolonged conflict in the region, particularly involving a major oil producer like Iran, could lead to significant disruptions in global oil supplies and price volatility, directly impacting India's economy and energy security. India has historically maintained complex diplomatic ties with Iran, making the unfolding geopolitical situation particularly relevant for its foreign policy considerations. The news highlights the volatile nature of international relations in the near-future context presented. Trump's candidness about seizing resources, even if framed as a hypothetical business decision, underscores a potentially aggressive foreign policy stance that prioritizes perceived national economic gain over traditional diplomatic norms or public opinion. The recurring theme of American desire for troop withdrawal, juxtaposed with the military actions and threats, paints a picture of internal and external tensions surrounding the conflict.

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