Trump Signals Flexible Iran Deadline, Floats Oil Takeover Option/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signaled flexibility on a Friday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He floated taking control of Iran’s oil supply as a possible option. Trump also said he is not focused on reaching a deal and may continue military operations.
Trump Iran Deadline Quick Looks
- Trump suggests Friday deadline may shift
- Negotiations continue through US envoys
- Trump floats takeover of Iran oil supply
- US received 10 oil tankers as goodwill
- Trump says US doesn’t need Strait of Hormuz
- Germany criticized for not supporting war
- Gas tax suspension still under consideration
- Trump signals continued military targets
- Uranium security question dismissed
- Trump praises Defense Secretary Hegseth
Deep Look: Trump Signals Flexible Iran Deadline, Floats Oil Takeover Option
President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that a Friday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains flexible, as negotiations continue and the United States maintains military pressure in the region.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump said he has not yet decided whether to enforce the deadline and would rely on recommendations from senior officials involved in negotiations, including Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner.
“I don’t know yet,” Trump said when asked whether Iran would be held to the deadline. “They’ll tell me whether or not it’s going along, and if it’s not going along, maybe not.”
The Friday timeline follows an earlier deadline that expired earlier in the week. Trump extended the timeline to allow more time for diplomatic discussions and suggested that negotiations still had room to develop.
“We have a lot of time,” Trump said. “A day in ‘Trump time’ is an eternity.”
Trump Floats Iran Oil Takeover
Trump also raised the possibility of the United States taking control of Iran’s oil supply, describing it as a potential option amid ongoing conflict.
“I wouldn’t talk about it, but it’s an option,” Trump said when asked about the possibility.
He compared the potential scenario to U.S. involvement in Venezuela, where Trump said Washington benefited financially after working with new leadership.
Trump claimed the United States could pursue similar arrangements in Iran, suggesting a “joint venture” approach that could generate significant revenue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the comparison, noting increased oil revenue from Venezuela under U.S.-backed leadership changes.
Trump Downplays Impact Of Strait Of Hormuz
Trump also sought to minimize the economic impact of disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
“We have so much oil. Our country is not affected by this,” Trump said, arguing that U.S. energy production reduces dependence on global oil flows.
He added that U.S. oil reserves and production capacity exceed those of major global producers and could continue growing.
Trump Says He’s Not Focused On Deal
Despite ongoing diplomatic talks, Trump emphasized that he is not concerned about reaching a deal with Iran.
“I’m the opposite of desperate,” Trump said. “I don’t care.”
He added that the United States has additional targets in Iran and is prepared to continue military operations.
“In fact, we have other targets we want to hit before we leave,” Trump said.
Trump reiterated that Iran must permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions if it wants the United States to halt military operations.
Iran “Present” Revealed As Oil Shipments
Trump also disclosed what he previously described as a “present” from Iran during negotiations. According to Trump, Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture.
Trump said eight tankers initially passed through, followed by two additional vessels as a sign of cooperation.
“They were right and they were real,” Trump said, adding that the tankers sailed under Pakistani flags.
Trump said the move demonstrated that negotiators were engaging in meaningful discussions.
Trump Criticizes Germany
Trump also criticized Germany for declining to support the conflict. He compared the situation to U.S. involvement in Ukraine, arguing that European allies should offer more assistance.
German officials previously stated that the Iran conflict was not a NATO matter and declined to participate.
Germany’s defense minister also questioned what European naval forces could accomplish that U.S. forces could not.
Gas Tax Suspension Considered
Trump said his administration is considering a suspension of the federal gas tax to help offset rising fuel prices but indicated the move is not imminent.
“It’s something we have in our pocket if we think it’s necessary,” Trump said.
He acknowledged that the conflict could lead to short-term price increases but predicted costs would eventually stabilize.
Trump Dodges Uranium Question
When asked whether the U.S. would attempt to secure Iran’s uranium supply, Trump declined to answer, calling the question inappropriate.
“Why would I ever answer a question like that?” Trump said, dismissing the inquiry as “ridiculous.”
Trump Praises Defense Secretary
Trump also praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he is “doing a great job” managing the conflict.
Earlier in the week, Trump noted that Hegseth preferred continuing military operations rather than pursuing a ceasefire.
Trump described that stance as a “good attitude,” emphasizing a focus on achieving victory.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about mixed messaging from the administration regarding war objectives and timelines.
As negotiations continue and military operations remain active, uncertainty surrounding the conflict continues to shape U.S. policy and global markets.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.