President Donald Trump told a Florida audience Friday night that U.S. Navy operations enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz amount to “a very profitable business,” comparing American forces to pirates as they seize ships tied to Iran.
Speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Trump talked about the naval campaign that began in mid-April after talks with Iran collapsed.
The U.S. moved to block Iranian ports and intercept vessels attempting to move oil and goods through the key waterway.
“It’s a very profitable business. We’re like pirates,” Trump said.
The comments come as the Navy carries out searches and seizures in international waters to cut off revenue to Iran.
Officials say the goal is to pressure Tehran into a new agreement on shipping and oil exports following months of tension.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade. U.S. forces have focused on stopping ships that paid disputed tolls to Iran or tried to evade the restrictions.
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Reports confirm that at least one Iranian-flagged cargo ship was seized after attempting to run the blockade. So far, more than 45 ships linked to Iran have been stopped and turned back.
Trump has described the operation as “genius” and “100 percent foolproof” in earlier remarks. He said no ships will play games with American forces and warned that any Iranian fast-attack boats approaching U.S. vessels would be destroyed.
The blockade followed failed negotiations in Islamabad. After those talks broke down, Trump ordered the Navy to prevent vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports. U.S. ships also work to clear mines laid in the area.
On social media, critics deemed the pirate comment reckless and said it damages America’s image as a defender of international law.
Some compared the actions to the very behavior Washington often condemns in other nations. Supporters argue the moves protect global shipping lanes and hit Iran where it hurts most, its oil income.
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Oil prices have fluctuated since the blockade started. Higher costs at the pump have added pressure on households already watching inflation numbers.
The Trump administration points to strong U.S. domestic energy production as a buffer for American consumers.
At the Palm Beach event, Trump described the operation in clear business terms and suggested seizing assets and disrupting Iranian trade would create gains for the United States.
The Forum Club, a nonpartisan group marking its 50th anniversary, has hosted speakers from both parties over the years. Tickets for Trump’s speech were limited.
Defense officials have not released the detailed value of any cargoes seized. They describe the mission as ongoing and necessary to enforce the blockade until Iran meets U.S. demands.
Iran has called the U.S. actions illegal and responded with its own limits on shipping in the strait at times.
Tehran accuses Washington of economic warfare. The dual restrictions have slowed traffic and raised insurance costs for tanker operators.
Trump’s use of tough military measures
This is not the first time Trump has used tough naval measures. Past administrations also turned to blockades or sanctions to pressure adversaries.
What stands out now, or rather raises eyebrows, is the president’s open talk of profits and the pirate comparison during an active military effort.
Meanwhile, the blockade operation continues amid the ongoing fragile ceasefire. Navy commanders have been rotating destroyers and support ships to maintain presence without overextending resources.
Experts note blockades can be hard to sustain and risk unexpected clashes.
Trump also alleged that Iran is willing to make a deal, but so far, the offer on the table has not impressed the U.S.
He maintains that the U.S. is not going to rush into a deal that would lead Iran to start another conflict in three years.
