"Seizing Control of Iran’s Oil Also an Option"... Trump Pressures Negotiations by Hinting at Attack

Pressures Mount Again on Iran Ahead of Attack Deadline
Iran and U.S. Remain Far Apart on Deal
Diplomatic Efforts Expected to Continue

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has effectively set a ceasefire deadline by rescheduling the U.S.-China summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to May 14–15, is pressuring for a ceasefire agreement by hinting at possible military action against Iran. While Iran has left the door open for diplomatic negotiations, it continues to maintain its position that it is difficult to agree to the U.S. ceasefire proposal.

U.S. President Donald Trump AP Yonhap News

Trump in a Hurry... Mentions Possibility of Attacking Iran

On March 26 local time, President Trump, while presiding over a cabinet meeting at the White House, stated that seizing control over Iran's oil assets was among the options on the table. Having postponed an attack on Iran for five days, President Trump is once again pushing for a deal with Iran just one day before the deadline.

When reporters asked whether he was considering seizing Iran’s oil control, President Trump referenced the case of Venezuela and responded, “It’s one of the options.” He added, “We are doing very well by working with Venezuela. We have made a huge amount of money, and Venezuela is doing better now than ever in its history.”

This is interpreted as a threat aimed at Iran, signaling the possibility of a large-scale military assault if Iran does not agree to the proposed terms. In January of this year, the Trump administration captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through a military operation and extradited him to the United States.

Since then, a pro-U.S. interim government has taken power in Venezuela, and the U.S. has announced plans to acquire Venezuelan crude oil that was previously traded with China and other countries due to sanctions. In other words, the implication is that, as in Venezuela’s case, the U.S. could take control of Iran’s oil assets through a military operation rather than diplomatic means.

U.S. President Donald Trump observing the 'Firm Resolve' operation to arrest Maduro in January this year. Photo by Yonhap News

This appears to be a sign that the White House, having set an internal timeline for the end of hostilities, is expediting negotiations. Reflecting this, President Trump emphasized that Iran is the country more desperate for a ceasefire agreement.

President Trump stated, “I’m not sure we want an agreement,” stressing, “It’s Iran that’s desperate for a deal, not me.” He added that if an agreement is properly reached, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened.

Iran Responds to U.S. Ceasefire Proposal... Maintains Tough Stance

Iran still has not narrowed its differences with the United States. According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Iran delivered its response to the U.S. proposal via a mediator the previous night. Iran is currently awaiting a reply from the U.S. side.

Reportedly, Iran’s response included demands such as: ▲ cessation of ‘aggressive assassination acts’ targeting Iranian leadership, ▲ payment of compensation for damages and war reparations, and ▲ ending all hostile acts against resistance groups in the Middle East.

On the 5th, local photos depicting the situation in Iran were posted on the wall of the Embassy of Iran in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

While Iran remains open to dialogue with the United States, it considers the terms of the proposal excessive. The U.S. is demanding severe restrictions on Iran’s missile program, a complete dismantlement of its nuclear program, and an end to support for its regional allies in the Middle East.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the U.S. ceasefire proposal is “one-sided and unjust.” The official pointed out that the current negotiation does not meet even the minimum requirements for a breakthrough and only serves the interests of the United States and Israel.

The official emphasized that although a realistic peace plan has not yet been established, diplomatic efforts will continue. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that, instead of the U.S. proposal, Iran is considering other nuclear restrictions previously discussed, such as diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

For this to happen, Iran reportedly wants a reliable guarantee—preferably through a third country—that the United States and Israel will not attack Iran again.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.