US President Donald Trump stated at an Easter lunch at the White House on 1/4 that while the nation "could absolutely take their oil," he was "not sure if the people in this country have the patience for that." He added, "It's truly unfortunate; they want the war to end." This traditional, private family gathering with guests marked Easter.
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Trump spoke to guests during an Easter lunch at the White House on 1/4. Photo: White House
According to CNN, Trump's remarks suggested an acknowledgment of political pressure to conclude the military campaign targeting Iran.
Trump reiterated his desire to seize Iran's oil if the campaign continued, noting, "We can do this very easily. I like that." However, he acknowledged the public's sentiment: "The people in the country are like, 'win the war. You are winning big, just win and come home.'" He concluded that this alternative was acceptable, given the US's ample oil reserves.
A recent CNN poll highlighted public skepticism, with only one-third of Americans believing the President had a clear strategy for the Iran conflict. Many remained unconvinced by the costs associated with the war. The survey also revealed that a majority of respondents considered the economy, not the Middle East conflict, to be the most critical issue facing the US.
Conversely, speaking at the White House, Trump articulated the government's primary role as military protection for the nation, rather than supporting social programs such as childcare services, medicaid, or medicare.
He asserted, "We cannot handle all these individual matters or issues. States can handle them themselves, not at the federal level. We must focus on one thing: providing military protection. We must protect the country."
Trump spoke at the White House on 1/4. Video: Instagram/NBCChicago
A video of Trump's remarks, initially shared by a Business Insider reporter, was reportedly uploaded to YouTube by the White House. However, it was no longer visible on the platform by the evening of 1/4.
The White House has not yet commented on this development.
On 29/3, the President also stated his preference for seizing Iran's oil, adding, "but some foolish people in the US say, 'Why do that.' They are truly foolish."
He drew a parallel between taking Iran's oil and the situation in Venezuela, where US officials declared their intent to control Venezuela's oil and gas industry "indefinitely" following a raid to arrest President Nicolas Maduro on 3/1.
Controlling Iran's oil resources would likely necessitate the US seizing Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, a critical gateway for the country's oil and gas exports. This island, spanning 20 square kilometers, lies approximately 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast and over 480 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz.
However, any landing operation on Kharg Island would entail significant risks for US soldiers. In a nationwide address on the evening of 1/4 (morning of 2/4 Hanoi time), Trump announced that the US was "close to completing" its strategic objectives in Iran, though he did not specify a timeline for their completion.
Huyen Le (According to CNN, CNBC)
