The U.S. is acting like pirates during operations against Iran — Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the actions of the U.S. Navy in operations against Iran, stating that they are acting “like pirates.” His comments came amid the detention of ships linked to Tehran in various regions around the world, according to Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. Navy is acting “like pirates” during operations against Iran, commenting on recent instances of ship detentions and cargo seizures. His remarks came in the context of active U.S. naval operations targeting Iranian vessels subject to sanctions.
According to Reuters, the U.S. military has been detaining Iranian vessels as they leave Iranian ports, as well as tankers and container ships subject to sanctions, particularly in Asian waters. Some operations have involved the seizure of cargo, including oil, which the U.S. considers to be in violation of sanctions.
Commenting on one such operation, Trump stated: “We seized the ship, we seized the cargo, we seized the oil. It’s a very lucrative business. We’re like pirates. We’re like pirates, but we don’t play games.” His remarks underscored the tough and confrontational nature of U.S. actions in maritime waters, where Washington is tightening control over Iranian shipments.
Against this backdrop, the U.S. continues its policy of intercepting specific vessels linked to Iran after they leave ports or traverse international shipping lanes. This is part of a broader sanctions strategy aimed at curbing Tehran’s oil and logistics capabilities, which remains one of the key sources of tension in the region.
The U.S. approved a massive sale of military equipment to allies in the Middle East worth over $8.6 billion, bypassing the standard congressional review process. The decision was justified as an “emergency” requiring rapid approval of deliveries to a number of countries in the region.
