Bloomberg: US could gain leverage over China by controlling Iranian oil

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering establishing control over Iran’s oil sector, a move that could strengthen US dominance in energy and provide Washington with leverage over China, Bloomberg reports.

Sources familiar with Trump’s thinking say he has repeatedly discussed the possibility of seizing Iranian oil, describing it as beneficial for the US while acknowledging political risks. “If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it’s there for the taking. There’s not a thing they can do about it,” he told reporters.

According to Bloomberg, Trump believes controlling Iranian energy flows would bolster his position in negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China, as a major oil importer, has been affected by reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East conflict, leading to higher energy prices.

At the same time, White House officials have stated that there are no official plans for the US to seize Iranian oil, and such a move is not part of any potential peace agreement.

Bloomberg notes that China is likely assessing the potential impact differently. Beijing has long prepared for such a scenario by increasing strategic reserves, domestic production, and renewable energy capacity to mitigate potential economic disruptions.