Full Breakdown
Trump Links Iran Conflict to Venezuela Oil Deal in Ireland Remarks
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 13, President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at the Trump International Golf Course in Doonbeg, Ireland, during the Irish Open. He said the United States would “only make the right deal” and would not accept a deal he deemed “no good.”
Background & Context
The Iran-U.S. conflict began on February 28 when American and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, prompting Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The war has disrupted global oil flows and lifted U.S. gasoline prices. In August, the Trump administration announced a bilateral agreement with Venezuela that gives the United States a majority stake in more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves through a partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP). Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez described the deal as a 25-year project covering 17 oilfields with a target of over 1.5 million barrels per day.
Data & Statistics
- Average regular-gasoline price in the United States was $4.31 per gallon on September 13 (AAA).
- Brent and WTI crude prices stayed above $100 per barrel amid Middle-East tensions.
- The Venezuela agreement involves control of 65 billion barrels of oil, projected to generate roughly $200 billion in royalties and taxes over the first 25 years.
- The U.S. deal secures a 20 percent purchase right for NABEP’s production at cost, intended to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump framed the Iran situation as one where Tehran is “calling constantly” for peace talks, a claim Iranian officials have denied. He said the war would end after the November midterms.
Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez highlighted the partnership’s scope, noting the development of 17 oilfields and the production goal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Venezuela arrangement a “huge win” for both American and Venezuelan peoples, emphasizing its role in securing reserves and lowering domestic gas prices.
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s assertion of Iranian overtures. Analysts note that the suggestion of staying in Iran to “keep the oil” remains speculative, as no concrete agreement with Tehran has been disclosed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Iran’s willingness to negotiate, with Trump asserting ongoing peace overtures and Tehran denying any talks. While the Venezuela deal’s financial projections are detailed, no comparable information exists for any Iranian oil arrangement, leaving a gap in understanding a “stay-and-keep-oil” strategy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We'll ultimately get out (of Iran), unless we decide to stay and keep the oil like Venezuela,” — President Trump
- “This deal is a huge win for both the American and Venezuelan people,” — Secretary of State Marco Rubio
What’s Next
Trump indicated the Iran war is expected to conclude after the U.S. midterm elections in November, after which he anticipates a sharp decline in gasoline prices. No further official timelines for an oil agreement with Iran have been announced.