Trump: We may keep Iran and retain its oil, similar to Venezuela

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that “the United States may stay in Iran and keep the oil,” drawing a comparison to a US effort to control five percent of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. During a visit to Ireland to hold meetings and watch golf, Trump affirmed that he expects the war with Iran to end this year, possibly after the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November. Speaking at the Irish Open golf tournament, Trump said that gasoline prices would “drop significantly” once the war with Iran ends. He added that he would only strike a “good” deal and would not agree to a “bad” one, noting that Iran is in constant contact to hold peace talks. The US president also presented an alternative option of continuing engagement with Iran, likening it to the US agreement with Venezuela announced in August. Trump clarified: “We will eventually get out of Iran, unless we decide to stay and keep the oil, like Venezuela,” adding that “US revenues from Venezuela have paid for the war many times over.”