Trump’s Decades-Old Plan: Target Iran’s Oil Well Before War
A resurfaced video from 1987 shows Donald Trump advocating seizure of Iranian oil. The clip was posted on his social network, Truth Social. A political account shared the footage on March 30, 2026.
The recording features a young Trump speaking as a businessman. He urges the United States to take control of Iran’s energy resources after hostile actions.
The 1987 clip
In the interview, Trump suggested seizing oil installations along Iran’s coast. He said, “Let them have Iran, you take their oil.” The journalist had asked about threats from the Soviet Union.
Trump also proposed directly grabbing an oil facility to recover American losses. He predicted a war would start in the Middle East regardless of U.S. posture.
Recent public remarks
A day before the clip resurfaced, Trump told the Financial Times he favored taking Iran’s oil. He said critics in the United States were “stupid” for opposing such action. He mentioned Kharg Island as a possible target and said occupation might be required for some time.
He compared potential U.S. action to past moves in Venezuela. He asserted that Washington had gained control of Venezuela’s oil sector after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. That comparison came in his recent interview remarks.
Threats to infrastructure
Trump warned of wider attacks if talks fail to end the fighting soon. He said the U.S. could “completely obliterate” power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island. He also suggested desalination facilities might be targeted if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed.
At the same time, he posted that “great progress is being made” in negotiations to halt military operations. He tied any escalation to the reopening of the strait and a timely deal.
Iran’s energy profile
Iran ranks highly in global energy reserves. The U.S. Energy Information Administration lists it with the second-largest proven natural gas reserves. It also holds the third-largest proven crude oil reserves.
Reporting by Al Jazeera places Iran’s proven crude at about 157 billion barrels. That equals roughly 24% of Middle East reserves and 12% of global proven oil.
The country is the ninth-largest oil producer worldwide. Within OPEC, it ranks fourth. Output is roughly 3.3 million barrels per day.
Context and implications
The resurfaced footage underscores longstanding rhetoric about energy and conflict. The clip and recent statements reflect what critics call Trump’s decades-old plan to target Iran’s oil wells before any open conflict. The comments renew debate over the role of energy in U.S. strategy.
Filmogaz.com will continue monitoring developments and statements as the situation evolves.
