Trump: We may decide to stay in Iran and keep the oil, like Venezuela

Arif Jabo Agencies | Tariq Ankay | Abdo Jamil Al-Mekhlafi Agencies

Published on September 10, 2026. Published on September 10, 2026

US President Trump indicated that his country might remain in Iran and “keep the oil,” in an analogy to an American effort to control a fifth of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, adding that American revenues from Venezuela “have paid the price of war many times over.”

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Skip to the next part: Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know

Trump: We may decide to stay in Iran and keep the oil, like Venezuela

Trump predicts when the war will end and Pezeshkian: “Iran will never surrender”

Reports of targeting a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz

The upcoming Hormuz meeting in Oman faces Iranian and Gulf obstacles

Iranian report: Hormuz is the focus of talks between Iran and the Gulf states in Oman

The Houthis control the Bab al-Mandab region... and tens of thousands have been displaced from southwest Yemen

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Skip to the next part Trump: We may decide to stay in Iran and keep the oil like Venezuela

9/13/2026 September 2026

Trump: We may decide to stay in Iran and keep the oil, like Venezuela

US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday (September 13, 2026) that the United States may remain in Iran and “keep the oil.”

During a visit to Ireland to hold meetings and watch golf, Trump confirmed that he expects the war with Iran to end this year, perhaps after the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November.

Trump said during the Irish Open golf tournament that the price of gasoline will "fall dramatically" once the war with Iran ends.

The unrest in the Middle East has led to fluctuations in oil markets, as oil traders expect prices to rise again tomorrow, Monday, after an attack on an oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia.

Trump added that he would only conclude an “appropriate” agreement and would not conclude a “not good” agreement, saying that Iran was “continuously calling” to hold peace talks, an assertion that Tehran had previously denied.

But Trump also presented another option, which was to continue engaging with Iran, and likened this to the American agreement in Venezuela that was announced in August.

"We will eventually get out (of Iran), unless we decide to stay and keep the oil like Venezuela," Trump said, adding that American revenues from Venezuela "have paid the price of war many times over."

https://p.dw.com/p/5MXRQ

Skip to the next part Trump predicts when the war will end and Pezeshkian: “Iran will never surrender”

9/13/2026 September 2026

Trump predicts when the war will end and Pezeshkian: “Iran will never surrender”

Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, said today, Sunday (September 13/August 2026), through his official account on the “X” platform, “If the Americans are fighters, then let them confront our valiant armed forces,” according to the Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency (IRNA).

Bazashkian wondered about the justifications for targeting civilian infrastructure, food resources, and citizens’ livelihoods, denouncing the targeting of basic needs.

Pezeshkian added, "If they are devoid of human values, what are the motives behind depriving people of access to water, food, and medicine?"

Pezeshkian concluded his statements by emphasizing that the Iranian people will not break under the pressure of force or threat, repeating his phrase: “Iran will never surrender.”

Trump: The war with Iran will end after and perhaps before the congressional elections

For his part, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he expects the war with Iran to end this year, and perhaps after the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November, which will lead to a decline in oil prices.

"The war with Iran will end immediately after the election - and perhaps before it - but it will end immediately after it. And the price of gasoline will drop dramatically," Trump told reporters during the Irish Open golf tournament.

He added, "I'm telling you this: Iran desperately wants to reach an agreement. They are constantly calling. They want to reach an agreement. They have to reach an appropriate agreement. I will not conclude an inappropriate agreement."

https://p.dw.com/p/5MX5H

Skip to the next part: News of a commercial ship being targeted in the Strait of Hormuz

9/13/2026 September 2026

Reports of targeting a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian commercial ship was attacked early Sunday morning (September 13, 2026), off Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and wounding three others, state media reported. The United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Operations Monitoring Authority stated in a separate report that a ship was attacked with a projectile while it was crossing the strait, without revealing any details, according to what was reported by AFP. While no immediate statement was issued by the US military, which previously targeted ships flying the Iranian flag, as part of its continued imposition of a blockade on Iranian ports.

This development comes before talks between Iran and the Gulf states to be held Monday in the Sultanate of Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait has become the main point of attraction between Tehran and Washington since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed before the war, which prompted the United States to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.

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Skip to the next part. The upcoming Hormuz meeting in Oman faces Iranian and Gulf obstacles

9/12/2026 September 2026

The upcoming Hormuz meeting in Oman faces Iranian and Gulf obstacles

A senior Iranian official played down the chances of achieving a breakthrough during the meeting scheduled to be held in the Sultanate of Oman on Monday, with the participation of Gulf and Iraqi countries, to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

The official, who requested anonymity, said in statements to Reuters on Saturday that the meeting called for by Oman would discuss a number of issues, including the Strait file, but he ruled out that it would result in the signing of any agreement.

Proposed agreement and vague terms

On the other hand, an Iranian source revealed to the semi-official Tasnim agency that an agreement between Iran and Oman regarding transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz will be presented during the upcoming meeting in the presence of Iraq.

However, the source explained that the reopening of the Strait remains conditional on meeting seven demands that Tehran conveyed to the United States, without disclosing the nature or details of these conditions.

Gulf silence and a decisive Bahraini position

While the Sultanate of Oman did not issue an official announcement regarding the meeting, most Gulf countries remained silent about participating in it.

On the other hand, Bahrain clearly announced that it will not participate in any group meetings that include Iran at the current stage, stressing that the return of diplomatic relations between the two countries represents a basic condition for any future engagement in such meetings.

Bahrain: Navigation must be based on international law

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that any arrangements related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz should be based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and be approved by the International Maritime Organization.

Manama stressed the need to guarantee the right of transit passage for all ships without discrimination, fees or special permits, stressing the importance of the participation of all Gulf Cooperation Council countries in any arrangements related to the security of the Strait, given its direct connection to the security of their vital supplies.

Disagreement over sovereignty and transit fees

The current controversy comes in light of an ongoing dispute between Tehran and Washington over the management of the Strait. Iran is demanding recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, which would give it the right to impose fees on passing ships.

On the other hand, the United States rejects this proposal, and adheres to ensuring freedom of navigation in one of the most important sea lanes for energy transport in the world.

Oman continues mediation

For its part, the Sultanate of Oman, which controls the opposite bank of the strait, confirms that it is continuing mediation and negotiation efforts in coordination with other countries in the region, in an effort to reach understandings that guarantee the security of navigation and the stability of trade movement through the strategic sea lane.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MVw5

Skip to the next part of the escalation to dialogue... a high-level Iranian-Emirati meeting in India

9/12/2026 September 2026

From escalation to dialogue... a high-level Iranian-Emirati meeting in India

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in New Delhi, at the highest level of political communication between the two countries since the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

On Saturday (September 12) in the Indian capital, the Iranian embassy published a photo of the meeting on the “X” platform, in which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also appeared. A video of the meeting circulated on social media.

It is the most prominent meeting between Iranian and Emirati officials since the outbreak of war in Iran last February.

Relations between the two countries witnessed noticeable tension during the first weeks of the war, as Abu Dhabi adopted a hard-line stance towards Tehran, which included withdrawing its ambassador and closing a hospital and schools belonging to the Islamic Republic, after its territory was subjected to intense attacks with missiles and drones.

On the other hand, Iran confirmed that these attacks came as part of a response to military operations against it, noting that they targeted American interests and military bases used in attacks on it.

The level of targeting decreased significantly following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran last June. However, Abu Dhabi announced during August that Emirati oil tankers had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, before confirming at the end of the same month that its air defenses had intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters, and described the incident as a "dangerous escalation."

On September 2, the Iranian Armed Forces announced attacks targeting American sites in several countries in the region, including the UAE.

Before the outbreak of war, the UAE was considered one of Iran's most prominent trading partners. However, Abu Dhabi announced in August the cessation of trade and financial exchange with the Islamic Republic, coinciding with Washington’s announcement of launching an “economic war” against Tehran and tightening the sanctions imposed on it.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MVUw

Skip to the next part Iranian agency: Tehran and Muscat will sign a shipping routes agreement through Hormuz

9/12/2026 September 2026

Iranian agency: Tehran and Muscat will sign an agreement on shipping routes through Hormuz

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hinted at the possibility of reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to what the Iranian news agency ISNA reported today, Saturday (September 12, 2026), and linked this step to the condition that Washington ends its naval blockade and military attacks on Iranian ports.

ISNA reported that Pezeshkian made these statements in an interview with the Indian television channel, India Today, adding that the full text of the interview would be published later by the Iranian presidential office.

According to what was reported from Pezeshkian, Oman and Iran will sign the day after tomorrow, Monday, an agreement in the Omani capital, Muscat, regarding new navigation routes through the strait overlooked by both countries. Pezeshkian added that the foreign ministers of the Arab countries overlooking the Gulf will attend the signing ceremony, and the agreement will then be submitted to the International Maritime Organization.

Newspaper: America sets dates for tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

In the same context, the Financial Times reported on Saturday that the United States had asked oil tankers that pass through the Strait of Hormuz to sail at specific times only to ensure military protection for them, after Iran escalated its attacks on ships sailing at night.

Since May, Washington has been providing air protection for ships wishing to sail along a route that passes along the coast of the Sultanate of Oman on the southern side of the strait.

The newspaper said, citing emails sent by the US Maritime Coordination Center to naval advisors, that the period during which ships are protected has been reduced to two specific time periods per day since the beginning of September.

About 20% of global energy trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the United States and Israel began attacking Iran in late February, and Tehran responded by effectively closing the waterway using attacks and threats against ships.

The United States sought to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, in addition to economic sanctions, at a time when fighting between the two sides in the Strait has escalated again recently.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MV7N

Skip to the next part Postponing the Israeli-Lebanese talks until October

9/12/2026 September 2026

Postponing the Israeli-Lebanese talks until October

An American official said on Friday (September 11, 2026) that the next round of negotiations that was scheduled between Israel and Lebanon in Rome has been postponed until October.

Last month, the United States announced that the Israeli-Lebanese talks in the Italian capital would be held in early September.

But the official, who requested to remain anonymous, added that although the talks will not be held on their scheduled date, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will meet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Washington next week “to discuss current developments and continue implementing” the framework agreement reached in June.

On June 26, Lebanon and Israel concluded a framework agreement, after five rounds of negotiations in Washington, which stipulates the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of the Hebrew state from the lands it occupies in southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army, starting from “two experimental areas.”

The American official confirmed on Friday that the agreement “remains the only viable mechanism for restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s security.”

Destruction of a Hezbollah tunnel network under Ali Al-Taher Heights

After the United States and Israel launched war on Iran in late February, Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the conflict by firing missiles at Israel.

The fighting between the two sides calmed down after a memorandum of understanding was reached between Iran and the United States in June and the subsequent conclusion of an agreement between Lebanon and Israel. But Israeli raids on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent days.

The announcement of the postponement of the talks comes a day after Israel destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel network under the Ali al-Tahir Heights in southern Lebanon. After the Israeli army announced the bombing on Thursday, an earthquake measuring 4.1 degrees was recorded in southern Lebanon, according to the US Geological Survey.

A source familiar with the process of preparing for the talks told Agence France-Presse that their postponement was the result of several factors that prevented key figures from being able to participate. The source indicated that this includes preparations for the next session of the United Nations General Assembly, Jewish holidays, and the Paris conference to support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MUYQ

Skip to next part Iraq orders investigation into attack on Saudi pipeline

9/11/2026 September 2026

Iraq orders investigation into attack on Saudi pipeline

Iraq welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision not to respond after Riyadh announced that drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted the East-West pipeline. The Iraqi government stated in a statement that it "condemns the attacks that targeted the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and affirms its rejection of any attack that affects the security and stability of the Kingdom, or harms the established fraternal relations between the two countries."

She added, "Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, directs the opening of an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the attacks and the parties behind them, and taking legal measures against anyone proven to be involved." Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it had stopped work on the oil pipeline from the eastern region to the western coasts, after it was targeted on Thursday by drones originating from Iraq.

The official Saudi News Agency (SPA) quoted a source in the Ministry of Energy as saying, “The East-West pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions was subjected to several attacks on Thursday morning, September 10, 2026. The line was stopped as a precaution, and the attacks resulted in some casualties.” Shortly after that, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the targeting was carried out using drones launched from Iraq.

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Skip to the next part. The Turkish Foreign Minister discusses with his Saudi counterpart developments in the region

9/11/2026 September 2026

The Turkish Foreign Minister discusses with his Saudi counterpart developments in the region

A Turkish diplomatic source said today, Friday (September 11, 2026), that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed by telephone with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, developments in the region and the most recent attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia.

Last month, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement that includes a mutual defense clause similar to Article 5 of the NATO Charter. Turkey is a member of NATO.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MUKY

Skip to the next part: Hormuz report is the focus of talks between Iran and the Gulf states in Oman

9/11/2026 September 2026

Report: Hormuz is the focus of talks between Iran and the Gulf states in Oman

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that Iran and several Gulf countries will hold talks next Monday regarding the Strait of Hormuz