President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the U.S. 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 of it. 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,” he added.
Trump’s comparison between the U.S. 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 route – through which a fifth of the world’s consumed hydrocarbons previously passed – after the start of American-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
The U.S. government announced new sanctions on Friday against Iranian interests and warned that those who pay a toll to Tehran authorities to use the strait would face American penalties in return.
President Trump said Friday that he was “not satisfied” with a new offer from Iran to restart peace negotiations with the United States, renewing his threat to “pulverize” the Islamic Republic if diplomacy fails.
On Thursday, oil prices surged again, with Brent crude soaring by 7.5% and surpassing $126 in Asia, amid fears of a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and potential military options being considered in Washington.
AFP
