Iran Condemns US “Piracy” Remarks as Admission of Illegal Naval Blockade, Escalating Maritime Tensions

Iran has strongly condemned recent remarks by Donald Trump regarding U.S. naval operations, describing his comments as an explicit acknowledgment of illegal behavior at sea. The Iranian Foreign Ministry responded after Trump reportedly described U.S. naval conduct as acting “like pirates” during enforcement actions targeting Iranian maritime activity.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a post on X on Saturday, “The President of the United States has openly described the unlawful seizure of Iranian vessels as ‘piracy,’ brazenly boasting that ‘we act like pirates,'”.

He further stated, “This was no verbal slip. It was a direct and damning admission of the criminal nature of their actions against international maritime navigation,” adding that the international community, including UN member states and the UN Secretary-General, must reject any normalization of such actions.

According to Iranian officials, the United States initiated a naval blockade on April 13 following a declared ceasefire period in earlier military tensions. Tehran claims the blockade was later extended beyond the agreed terms, resulting in the seizure of Iranian vessels, cargo, crew members, and in some cases their families.

Baghaei had previously criticized the policy, stating, “outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas.” “The United States must be held fully accountable for this brazenly lawless behavior, which strikes at the heart of international law and international free trade, and threatens the basic principles of maritime security,” he had added.

In response, Iran has reportedly increased restrictions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while also submitting formal complaints to the United Nations. Tehran says it reserves the right to take defensive measures in response to what it calls violations of international maritime law.