Trump Says U.S. Will Strike Iran, Take Control of Oil and Gas Sectors

Donald Trump said the United States would strike Iran and later seize control of the country's oil and gas sectors, marking an expansion of rhetoric following two days of escalating military exchanges between Washington and Tehran.

The former president made the comments as tensions between the U.S. and Iran mounted following consecutive rounds of strikes. Military operations from both nations have increased in frequency and scope over the period.

Trump did not specify timing for the proposed strikes beyond indicating they would occur imminently. His statement regarding takeover of Iran's energy infrastructure represented a shift from previous U.S. military communications focused on defensive or retaliatory postures.

The exchange between the two nations represents the most significant military activity between them in recent years. Previous confrontations have centered on naval operations in the Persian Gulf, drone incidents, and limited strikes on military targets.

Iranian officials have not yet responded to Trump's latest statement. The Iranian government has characterized past U.S. military actions as unprovoked, while the United States has framed its operations as responses to Iranian threats or attacks.

Regional analysts have noted that continued escalation risks drawing additional nations into the conflict. Several Middle Eastern countries maintain military and economic ties to both the U.S. and Iran, creating potential complications for broader regional stability.

The two nations have maintained tense relations since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018. That withdrawal triggered new American sanctions against Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation through proxy forces and direct military action.

U.S. military assets remain positioned throughout the Middle East, including carrier strike groups and air bases in neighboring countries. These deployments provide capability for sustained operations should military action expand.