New Delhi, March 30 -- US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to seize Iran's critical oil infrastructure, including the export hub of Kharg Island, as the Middle East conflict intensifies and energy markets reel from surging prices. In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump described control over Iranian oil as a preferred strategic objective in the Iran war.

"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," Trump said.

He compared the idea to the operation in Venezuela in January, when Washington captured President Nicolas Maduro and sought control of its oil industry.

Brent crude traded h...