'Take The Oil Because It's There For The Taking', Says Trump As He Suggests Use Of Military Power To Obtain Iran's Oil

(MENAFN- Live Mint) US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said that if it were up to him, he would have preferred using military power to take control of Iran's vast oil reserves, AP reported.

However, he acknowledged that there's not much appetite for such a move among the American electorate. "Take the oil because it's there for the taking," Trump said. He added, "There's not a thing they can do about it. Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home. If it were up to me, I'd take the oil. I'd keep the oil. I would make plenty of money.”

Also Read | Trump Hormuz Deadline LIVE: Trump defends strikes, claims they aid Iranians

Trump made these remarks as he spoke to the reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll event, where he was answering a question regarding MAGA's support for the war.

The US President goes on to say that he would take "much better care" of Iranians as compared to how they are now being taken care of.

MAGA supports Iran war: Trump

Speaking to the reporters, Trump said that MAGA 'loves what he's doing', adding that while he has support, Republicans would still like to see an end to the war. He said, "But remember that wars last years, we're in there for 34 days, and we have obliterated a very powerful country. If it were up to me, I would like to keep the oil. But I just don't think people of the United States would understand."

Middle East conflict escalates

His remarks come at a time when the conflict in the Middle East has now entered its sixth week, with tensions only escalating further. On 5 April, Trump issued an expletive-filled deadline to Iran, asking it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately. The Strait of Hormuz was shut by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) days after the US and Israel waged a war in late February. Despite being a narrow waterway, Hormuz is responsible for transporting roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day.

Also Read | US-Iran war LIVE: Trump threatens Iran, says country can be taken out in a night

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***n' Strait, you crazy b****rds, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."

Following his threat on Easter, Trump on Monday said that Tuesday, 8 pm ET (5:30 am IST, the next day) is the final deadline for Tehran.

Iran rejects second ceasefire proposal

Earlier today, Tehran rejected a second ceasefire proposal from the US, calling it "illogical." The Islamic Republic has previously rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal put forth by Washington, days after Trump announced a five-day pause in fighting after what he claimed were "productive" talks with leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Also Read | Iran Rejects Ceasefire Before Trump Ultimatum Expires on Hormuz

While Tehran denied talks with Washington, it later said that a ceasefire can only be achieved on the terms and timeline of the Islamic Republic. Rejecting the ceasefire proposal by the US, Tehran laid out five conditions, in addition to the demands it made during the second round of negotiations in late February, before the US launched Operation Epic Fury.

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