[iNews24 reporter Kim Hyo-jin] President Donald Trump sparked controversy after he called U.S. Navy forces that seized a ship trying to bypass a blockade of Iranian ports \”pirates.\”
On the 1st (local time), AFP reported that Trump, speaking at an event in Florida, referenced the Navy’s seizure and said, \”We’re like pirates — kind of pirates, but this is no joke.\”
He added, \”We seized the vessels and confiscated all the cargo and oil. It’s a very profitable business.\”
AFP said the crowd at the event erupted in cheers after his remarks.
Earlier, after negotiations with Iran in Pakistan ended without success, Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. forces later seized several vessels that were attempting to leave the waters carrying crude oil and other cargo.
Iran has argued that the blockade and the seizures violate international law and applicable regulations.
The Trump administration says it will keep the blockade in place to squeeze the regime’s war funding. Defense Secretary Pete Hegses said the blockade would be maintained \”as long as necessary.\”
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