Donald Trump has drawn comparisons between the US Navy and pirates while describing an operation to seize a ship as part of the ongoing American blockade of Iranian ports.
Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump said: "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."
"We're like pirates," he added, to cheers from the crowd. "We're sort of like pirates. But we're not playing games."
Legal Experts Raise Concerns
Trump's remarks come as legal experts express alarm over Iran's blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz and its plans to charge fees for ships passing through the waterway.
Tehran effectively closed the strait — a key route for oil and gas shipments — after the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran began on 28 February.
The US announced a blockade of Iranian ports last month after peace talks in Pakistan failed to achieve a breakthrough.
US Central Command Actions
The US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, said it had redirected 45 vessels to "ensure compliance" with the blockade as of Friday.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth told reporters in April that the blockade will last "as long as it takes," while top US military officer General Dan Caine said it "applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports."
Iran has vowed to maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz as long as Washington continues to blockade its ports.
Context of the Conflict
The US-Israeli air campaign against Iran began on 28 February, triggering a series of retaliatory measures. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and its closure has raised concerns about oil prices and international shipping.
Trump's characterization of the Navy as "pirates" has sparked debate, with critics arguing it undermines international maritime law, while supporters view it as a blunt acknowledgment of US tactics.
