Trump Defends Naval Seizures as US Tightens Blockade on Iran

President Donald Trump has defended the United States’ naval blockade of Iran, describing recent maritime seizures as both effective and financially beneficial as Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran during the ongoing conflict.

Speaking on Friday, Trump said the US Navy had intercepted and taken control of vessels linked to Iran, including one ship seized in recent days. He described the operation in unusually blunt terms, likening American actions to piracy while insisting the United States was acting with purpose.

“We took over the ship, we took over the cargo, we took over the oil,” Trump said. “It’s a very profitable business. We’re sort of like pirates, but we are not playing games.”

The remarks came as the United States continues enforcing a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian trade and oil exports. Since the war began in late February, US forces have intercepted multiple Iranian vessels, including oil tankers and sanctioned cargo ships operating in regional and Asian waters.

Iran, in turn, has imposed severe restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing passage largely to its own vessels. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The conflict erupted after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf states hosting American military bases. Since then, the fighting has expanded across the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon.

The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, while also sending global energy prices sharply higher. Oil markets have remained volatile as traders assess the impact of prolonged disruptions to shipping in the Gulf.

Trump’s comments are likely to add to criticism already directed at his handling of the conflict. The war remains unpopular with many Americans, and his administration has faced mounting scrutiny over both its military strategy and its rhetoric.

Last month, Trump drew condemnation after threatening to destroy Iran’s “entire civilization,” a statement that prompted alarm among international observers and legal experts. Some analysts have argued that threats to civilian infrastructure could violate international law.

Despite calls for restraint, the White House has maintained that its actions are aimed at forcing Iran back to the negotiating table and protecting US interests in the region.

With diplomatic efforts stalled and military operations continuing, tensions remain high. The naval blockade and Iran’s restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz have become central flashpoints in a conflict that is reshaping global energy markets and testing international security.