The start of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term has heightened tensions in the Middle East. With new sanctions on Iran, military threats, and economic pressure, questions arise... Does Trump aim to seize Iran's oil like in Venezuela? If there's a war plan, what is the true agenda behind it?
Trump and Iran's Long-Standing Conflict
Trump's first term (2017-2021) marked a tough period for Iran. He withdrew the U.S. from Obama's nuclear deal and adopted the maximum pressure policy—applying stringent sanctions to weaken Iran's economy. Consequently, Iran's oil exports plummeted by 80%. Now, following Trump's return in 2025, this policy has intensified.
Read More:
In June 2025, a 12-day war erupted between Israel and Iran, with the U.S. supporting Israel. Despite significant damage to Iran's IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), Iran retaliated. By January 2026, widespread protests in Iran over inflation, unemployment, and regime discontent have erupted. Although Trump has pledged support to protesters, it seems more a ploy to undermine Iran.
The Venezuela Example: How to Seize Oil?
Trump treated Venezuela as a test case. In January 2026, the U.S. ensured the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, charged with drug trafficking and corruption. But the underlying motive was oil. Despite its vast reserves, Venezuela's oil production had declined due to sanctions.
Source: aajtak
By supporting a new leader (like Juan Guaidó), American companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil are now investing there. Trump emphasized an
