Trump Claims Venezuelan Oil Funds Iran War Costs at Rally
Trump's Rally Remarks on Venezuela and Iran
During a recent campaign event in Suffern, New York, President Donald Trump asserted that the oil obtained from Venezuela has significantly offset the expenses incurred from the ongoing conflict in Iran. Speaking at a rally for Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Trump expressed satisfaction with the US operations in Venezuela, which led to the ousting of former President Nicolás Maduro. He remarked, “How did we do in Venezuela? Not bad,” eliciting enthusiastic responses from the audience. Trump claimed, “We've extracted so much oil from Venezuela that we've covered the war costs about 25 times over.”
While precise financial details regarding the Iran conflict remain unclear, estimates from the Pentagon suggest that the war has cost the US between $25 billion and $50 billion in direct military expenditures. Some analysts predict that the total economic impact, including long-term costs and asset replacements, could soar to between $630 billion and $1 trillion.
Trump's comments come at a time of escalating tensions with Iran and renewed diplomatic initiatives involving Gulf states. Earlier this week, he mentioned postponing a planned military strike on Iran following requests from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that “serious negotiations are now taking place,” suggesting that Gulf leaders are optimistic about reaching a deal that would be favorable for the US and its allies. However, he cautioned that the US military is ready to execute a “full, large-scale assault on Iran” if talks do not succeed.
In response to the latest US proposals, Iran has communicated its demands through Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran is insisting on the unfreezing of its overseas assets and the lifting of sanctions. He noted that Iran's negotiating team has consistently advocated for these conditions in every discussion. Additionally, Iran seeks an end to the US blockade of its ports, a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, and compensation for damages incurred during the conflict. Conversely, the US has called for Iran to terminate its nuclear program and lift the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.