President Donald Trump has likened the actions of the United States Navy to piracy as tensions escalate over Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports.
Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump described a recent naval operation in which US forces seized a vessel and its cargo amid the ongoing standoff with Iran.
“We land on top of it and we took over the ship. We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” he told supporters. “We’re like pirates… but we’re not playing games.”
The remarks come as the United States intensifies enforcement of its blockade, introduced after diplomatic efforts failed to resolve the crisis between the two countries. The blockade targets Iranian ports and aims to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme and regional activities.
According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), dozens of vessels have already been redirected to ensure compliance with the restrictions.
The standoff has also seen Iran tighten its grip on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies passes. Tehran has threatened to maintain restrictions on the waterway as long as the US blockade remains in place.
US defence officials have indicated that the operation could be prolonged. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated that the blockade would continue “as long as it takes,” while senior military leaders have said the measures apply to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, regardless of nationality.
The escalating confrontation has raised concerns among legal experts and global markets, with fears that disruptions to energy supply routes could have far-reaching economic consequences.
