Trump calls Iran leaders reasonable, seeks oil control

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — U.S. President Donald Trump described Iran’s leadership as “very reasonable” while confirming ongoing contacts and possible negotiations with the Iranian government. 

At the same time, he signaled intentions to seize Iran’s oil resources, highlighting a stark contradiction between diplomatic messaging and resource-driven strategic ambitions. 

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States and Iran were engaged in both direct and indirect contacts and expressed confidence that a deal could be reached, though he acknowledged uncertainty. 

However, in a separate interview, he openly stated a desire to “take the oil in Iran” and suggested the possible seizure of Kharg Island, a critical export hub handling the majority of Iran’s oil shipments.

The remarks come as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announcing Islamabad’s readiness to host negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. 

It remains unclear whether Washington and Tehran have agreed to participate in the proposed talks.

Despite talk of diplomacy, military escalation continues. The United States Department of War has deployed thousands of additional troops to the region, including Marines and special operations forces, providing the White House with the option of launching a ground offensive. 

Reports indicate that seizing Kharg Island would require such a deployment, reinforcing concerns that economic objectives are shaping military strategy.

Iranian officials have rejected U.S. overtures, accusing Washington of pursuing negotiations while preparing for further aggression. 

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Iran would not accept “humiliation” and vowed a strong response to any ground invasion.

The conflict, launched by Washington and Israel, has already killed thousands and triggered one of the most severe disruptions to global energy markets in decades. 

Trump claimed that regime change had effectively been achieved following strikes that killed senior Iranian leadership, including the country’s supreme leader, though he now portrays their successors as open to negotiation.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified their operations, carrying out more than 140 airstrikes across central and western Iran within 24 hours, targeting missile infrastructure and other sites. 

Iranian media reported damage to key locations, including Mehrabad Airport and industrial facilities. In response, Iranian missile and drone attacks have continued, with impacts reported in southern Israel near Beersheba.

The war’s economic fallout is rapidly spreading. Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows — has driven oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude approaching record monthly gains. 

Asian markets have declined significantly, reflecting fears of prolonged conflict, inflation spikes and a potential global recession.

At the same time, regional tensions have widened. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has entered the conflict, launching attacks toward Israel and raising the threat of further disruption to maritime trade through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping corridor.

Despite growing military involvement, domestic opposition within the United States is increasing, with many Americans reportedly wary of deeper escalation that could entangle the country in a prolonged and costly war. 

Analysts warn that Washington’s simultaneous pursuit of negotiation and resource control risks undermining any credible path to peace while further destabilizing the region.