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US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the United States Navy has acted “like pirates” in enforcing a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, as hostilities in the region continue to intensify.
Speaking late on Thursday, Trump was commenting on the recent seizure of a vessel by US forces.
“We took over the ship, the cargo and the oil. It is very profitable business. We are like pirates, but we are not playing games,” Reuter reported him saying.
The remarks come amid a widening confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with maritime security in the region increasingly under strain.
Several vessels linked to Tehran have previously been intercepted by US authorities while departing Iranian ports, including container ships subject to sanctions and Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters.
In response, Iran has imposed sweeping restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing passage primarily to its own vessels.
The strategic waterway accounts for roughly 20 per cent of global oil shipments and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas, making any disruption highly consequential for international energy markets.
The current escalation follows joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran launched on 28 February.
Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states hosting American military bases, broadening the scope of the conflict.
The violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region, while also fuelling a sharp rise in oil prices.
Ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon have further compounded the humanitarian toll.
Trump’s comments have drawn widespread criticism domestically, adding to concerns over what analysts describe as inconsistent and unpopular war objectives. His earlier threat to destroy Iran’s entire civilisation has also been heavily condemned.
Legal experts in the United States have warned that American strikes on Iran could potentially be construed as war crimes, particularly in light of threats to target civilian infrastructure.
As the conflict deepens, fears are growing over further military escalation and prolonged instability in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. - May 2, 2026
