Trump Eyes Iran Oil, Hints at Venezuela-Style Control

US President Donald Trump hinted at taking control of Iran's oil resources following a potential conflict. Speaking at the Irish Open golf championship, he drew a comparison with Washington's post-Maduro role in Venezuela.

'We have to make the right deal,' Trump said, adding that he would not accept an agreement that was 'not a good deal'. He stated that Iran is 'calling constantly' to seek a deal but emphasized that only a deal meeting US demands would be accepted.

Trump's remarks raise the prospect of applying a similar economic model to Iran as seen in Venezuela, where the US took control of oil sales and pursued arrangements giving US interests access to the country's vast crude reserves. The operation followed months of pressure by the Trump administration.

The conflict has disrupted energy markets, with oil prices rising above $100 a barrel, while US diesel prices hit a record above $6.20 a gallon. Trump said that once the war ends, US gasoline prices would 'drop like a rock'.