President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the American military had acted “like pirates” during a naval operation to seize a ship as part of the American blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We landed on the ship and took control. We took control of the cargo, took control of the oil. It’s very profitable,” President Trump said at a rally in Florida.
“We are like pirates,” he added to cheers from the crowd. “We are sort of like pirates. But we are not joking.”
Trump’s comparison between the American navy and piracy – illegal under international law – comes as Iran plans to charge fees to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran closed this strategic maritime passage after the start of American-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
The American government announced new sanctions on Friday against Iranian interests, warning that those who pay a toll to Iranian authorities to use the strait could face American penalties in return.
President Trump said on Friday he was “not satisfied” with a new offer from Iran to restart peace negotiations with the United States, renewing his threat to “obliterate” the Islamic Republic if diplomacy fails.
Possible military options being considered in Washington:
On Thursday, oil prices soared again, with Brent crude jumping 7.5% to over $126 in Asia, driven by fears of a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and possible military options being considered in Washington.
