Trump Says U.S. Navy ‘Like Pirates’ in Enforcing Sea Blockade of Iran
President Donald Trump likened the U.S. Navy to pirates while describing the enforcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The blockade, initiated after the breakdown of peace talks and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has prevented dozens of vessels from transporting Iranian oil. The disruption has significantly impacted global oil markets, leading to rising fuel prices and economic consequences such as airline shutdowns.
- ▪The U.S. began a naval blockade of Iranian ports in April following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 45 commercial vessels and preventing Iran from selling approximately $6 billion worth of oil.
- ▪Iran previously blocked all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz but later allowed non-combatant nations to pass upon payment of a toll.
- ▪Trump stated the blockade would continue until Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic.
- ▪Global oil prices have surged, with U.S. gas averaging $4.39 per gallon and Spirit Airlines ceasing operations due to rising fuel costs.
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President Donald Trump compared the U.S. Navy to pirates when describing how it was carrying out his orders to blockade Iranian ports. "We took over the ship, we took over the cargo, we took over the oil. It's a very profitable business," Trump said on Friday evening, recounting a seizure of an Iranian ship. "We're sort of like pirates, but we are not playing games."The U.S. began a naval blockade of Iranian ports last month following the breakdown of peace talks between the two sides, ostensibly in response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Read more: Democrats Explore Suing Trump If He Ignores Congress on Iran WarThe energy transit route saw one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travel through it before the U.S.
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