Trump Admits US Navy Acts “Like Pirates” in Iranian Ship Seizures

US President Donald Trump has openly acknowledged that the US Navy is operating “like pirates” during Washington’s naval enforcement actions against Iranian shipping routes.

Speaking on Friday, Trump referred to a recent seizure of an Iranian vessel by US forces and described the operation in striking terms.

“We took over the ship, we took over the cargo, we took over the oil. It is a very profitable business … We are like pirates. We are sort of like pirates but we are not playing games,” he stated.

Iran strongly condemned these actions, accusing the United States of what it called “legalization of piracy” and armed robbery on international waters. The criticism followed US interceptions of Iranian oil tankers under claims of court-issued seizure warrants.

US authorities recently announced the capture of vessels such as the M/T Majestic (formerly M/T Phoenix) and M/T Tifani in the Indian Ocean. These ships were reportedly transporting around 1.9 million barrels of Iranian oil each, confiscated under federal warrants tied to Washington’s sanctions policy.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated: “This is the outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas,” adding that the United States must be held accountable for violating international law and maritime security principles.

The wider geopolitical tensions intensified following earlier military escalations in the region, which included strikes and retaliatory responses involving missile and drone operations. Iran also responded by restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a surge in global oil prices.

A temporary ceasefire reportedly brokered in Pakistan later paused hostilities, though negotiations have since stalled amid unresolved demands between the two sides. Trump has continued to face global criticism for his rhetoric and policies regarding Iran, including controversial remarks about escalating the conflict.