Trump says US Navy acting 'like pirates' to carry out naval blockade of Iranian ports
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. Navy is acting 'like pirates' while enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports amid the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. He described the seizure of Iranian ships and cargo as a 'very profitable business,' drawing criticism for his remarks. The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies and raised concerns over potential war crimes due to threats against civilian infrastructure.
- ▪President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy was acting 'like pirates' during the blockade of Iranian ports.
- ▪U.S. forces have seized Iranian vessels, cargo, and oil in Asian waters and the Arabian Sea.
- ▪Iran has blocked nearly all ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began.
- ▪The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes.
- ▪The conflict has driven up global oil prices and raised concerns about war crimes due to threats against civilian targets.
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Trump says US Navy acting 'like pirates' to carry out naval blockade of Iranian portsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA view of Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska as the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer USS Spruance conducts its interception in a location given as the north Arabian Sea, in this screen capture from a video released April 19, 2026. CENTCOM/Handout via REUTERSPublished May 02, 2026, 10:03 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 10:03 AMWASHINGTON, May 1 - President Donald Trump said on Friday the U.S. Navy was acting "like pirates" in carrying out Washington's naval blockade of Iranian ports during the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran.Trump made the comments while describing the seizure by U.S.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.