President Trump [AP Yonhap News]

On March 26 (local time), one day before the 'attack pause deadline,' U.S. President Donald Trump stated that seizing control of Iran's oil could be one of the options while pressuring Iran to reach an agreement.

This is interpreted as an attempt to pressure Iran into an agreement by hinting at a large-scale attack to seize control of its oil. U.S. media reports indicate that options for a 'final blow' that could bring Iran to its knees are being considered within the Trump administration.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting at the White House on the same day, President Trump said regarding the conflict with Iran, "They are lousy fighters, but they are great negotiators, and they are desperate for an agreement."

He then added, feigning uncertainty, "I don't know if we can do it, or if we want to do it," emphasizing that Iran is in a more desperate situation.

However, President Trump pressured Iran for an agreement, stating, "Iran must make a deal, or they will face continuous, relentless attacks from the United States."

He stressed that if a proper agreement is reached, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened, and the opening of the strait must be a component of the agreement.

When asked by reporters if he was considering seizing control of Iran's oil, President Trump mentioned the case of Venezuela and said, "It's one of the options."

He claimed, "We are doing very well with Venezuela. We have made a tremendous amount of money, and Venezuela is doing the best it has ever done in history."

This suggests that the Trump administration could apply a similar scenario to Iran as it did with Venezuela, where it arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier in the year, extradited him to the U.S., and became involved in Venezuela's oil interests.

Following Maduro's extradition, the Trump administration publicly announced and has since implemented a plan to acquire Venezuelan crude oil, which has been blocked from export due to U.S. sanctions, sell it on their behalf, and even decide how the revenue is used.

Therefore, President Trump's remarks imply that if the conflict continues, the U.S. military could use force to seize control of the oil that sustains Iran's economy. This is interpreted as a high-intensity pressure campaign, conveying the message that 'if Iran does not agree to the terms demanded by the U.S., they will lose everything.'

Regarding a 'gift' he received from Iran two days prior, President Trump stated that it involved Iran allowing a total of 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This was intended to show Iran's sincerity in negotiations by allowing passage through the strait.

President Trump [EPA Yonhap News]

He had mentioned on the 24th that he received a very big gift from Iran, only stating that it was related to the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction and lingering resentment towards NATO member states that did not comply with the request to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

He said, "I am very disappointed in NATO. This was a test for NATO," adding, "We will remember this."

He also added, "There's a great saying: 'Never forget.'"

Middle East Envoy Steve Lickoff also attended the cabinet meeting and confirmed that the Trump administration had presented Iran with a 15-point peace proposal.

He said that Iran also wants a compromise and added, "We will see if we can convince Iran that this is a point where there is no alternative but death and destruction."

He also publicly warned Iran, saying, "Do not miscalculate."

Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan stated, "We pray for an agreement and welcome an agreement," while emphasizing that attacks on Iran would continue.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessant announced that the U.S. government's insurance program for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would soon be launched.

He claimed that there is increasing activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and that daily vessel traffic will increase before the safety of the strait is secured.

During the cabinet meeting, held in the fourth week of the conflict with Iran, President Trump made jokes about perhaps running for president in Venezuela after his term, leading to frequent bursts of laughter from the attendees.

On March 23, President Trump unexpectedly announced that negotiations with Iran were underway and ordered a five-day pause in attacks on power plants and energy facilities. Reports also emerged that the U.S. military was reinforcing its troops in the Middle East, including its elite airborne units, and preparing various 'final blow' options, including ground warfare.