On September 13, President Trump stated that the U.S. might remain in Iran to control its oil reserves, drawing a comparison to U.S. actions in Venezuela, though he did not specify whether this would involve a military deployment or detailed terms. This remark came amid ongoing U.

S. strikes on Iran and reported Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which have contributed to global energy price increases. The White House had not yet clarified the administration’s specific strategic intent or operational plans regarding Iran as of the report.

On September 14, 2026, Houthi forces announced the capture of the Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands, a move that may impact maritime traffic following the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran since February 2026. This development occurred amid ongoing tensions involving Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and amid claims that the Houthi maritime blockade has disrupted alternative oil export routes.

The long-term strategic consequences of these shifts in regional control remain subject to evolving military and diplomatic developments.

President Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, a development he linked to global fuel prices, though the Kremlin expressed welcome for the proposal while independent verification of a formal bilateral agreement remains limited.

Market responses included a stabilization in diesel futures near $5.04 per gallon, while critics noted that significant domestic fuel costs have intensified political pressure regarding the conflict’s economic impact.

Saudi officials reported that repairs to the East-West pipeline, which was shut down following an attack attributed to Iraqi militia drones, may take three to five weeks to fully restore service. While the 1,200-kilometer line could potentially operate at partial capacity during the process, the disruption affects a route designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional security concerns.