US Can Take Oil in Iran if Given More Time, Trump Says

US President Donald Trump has made a statement on social media suggesting that the United States can “easily” reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran for several weeks. The US president wrote that with more time, the country could “take” Iran’s oil industry and make a fortune.

Trump had previously promised to send US Navy ships to escort oil vessels through the strait, but the military has stated that it is not yet ready to do so due to concerns about Iranian drones and missiles. The US president’s assertion that the US would “take” Iran’s oil marks an escalation in his rhetoric on the conflict.

The international law doctrine of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1962, states that countries have the right to control their natural resources, including oil and minerals. The Iranian government has maintained its sovereignty over its natural resources despite the ongoing conflict.

Trump has previously suggested replicating a model used in Venezuela, where the US has been involved militarily, but this would require prolonging the war. He also stated that the US could “take” Iran’s oil, but acknowledged that his country’s citizens may not have patience for a prolonged conflict.

The conflict between the US and Iran is entering its sixth week on Saturday. The Trump administration had initially estimated the war would last four to six weeks, but has since made no official end date.

Source: Al Jazeera