Trump says US Navy acting ‘like pirates’ to carry out naval blockade of Iranian ports
President Donald Trump stated that the US Navy is acting 'like pirates' while enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports amid the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran. He described the seizure of an Iranian vessel and its cargo as a 'very profitable business,' drawing criticism for his remarks. The conflict has disrupted global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over potential war crimes.
- ▪President Donald Trump said the US Navy was acting 'like pirates' during the blockade of Iranian ports.
- ▪The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship and its oil in the north Arabian Sea.
- ▪Iran has blocked nearly all ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began.
- ▪The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran.
- ▪The conflict has disrupted global energy supplies and led to rising oil prices.
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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 US Navy's destroyer the USS Spruance conducts its interception in the north Arabian Sea on April 19. PHOTO: REUTERS Published May 02, 2026, 10:03 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 10:55 AMListenWASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on May 1 that the US Navy was acting “like pirates” in carrying out Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports during the US and Israel’s war against Iran.He made the comments while describing the seizure of a ship by US forces a few days ago. “We took over the ship, we took over the cargo, we took over the oil.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.