New Delhi, March 30 -- US President Donald Trump has said he would like to "take the oil in Iran" and suggested that the United States could seize the key export hub of Kharg Island, according to an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday. Framing the idea as a preferred course of action, Trump remarked: "To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: 'why are you doing that?' But they're stupid people."

The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, alongside indications of ongoing diplomatic engagement. Trump stated that both direct and indirect negotiations with Iran are under way, including via Pakistani "emissaries", and described the talks as ...