Iran Criticises Trump Comments on US Seizure of Iranian Ships as ‘Piracy’

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding the seizure of Iranian vessels, describing his statements as an explicit admission of unlawful maritime conduct. The comments have further intensified already strained relations between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing disputes over sanctions and naval activity in strategic waterways.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, in a post on social media platform X, criticized Trump for publicly characterising US actions against Iranian vessels as “piracy.” Baghaei said the US President had “openly described the unlawful seizure of Iranian vessels as piracy” and accused him of “brazenly boasting” about such operations. He added that these remarks were not accidental but a clear acknowledgment of actions that violate international maritime norms.

US President Donald Trump, speaking at a public event in Florida on Friday, defended American naval operations against Iranian-linked vessels. He reportedly stated that US forces acted “like pirates” during the interceptions, claiming that American personnel had taken control of ships, cargo, and oil. Trump further described the operations as “a very profitable business,” remarks that quickly drew criticism from Iranian officials and international observers.

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In response, Baghaei urged the global community, including United Nations member states and the UN Secretary-General, to strongly reject what he described as the normalization of “blatant violations” of international law. He emphasized that such statements undermine established maritime rules and could weaken the global framework governing freedom of navigation and trade routes across international waters.

The diplomatic confrontation comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has accused Washington of enforcing what it calls an illegal blockade, while the US maintains its actions are linked to sanctions enforcement and regional security operations. The Strait remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.

These latest exchanges are part of a broader backdrop of geopolitical friction following recent military escalations and failed diplomatic negotiations between the two sides. Iran has increased its maritime enforcement activity in the region in recent months, further deepening concerns over shipping security and stability in the Gulf, where tensions have repeatedly flared over vessel inspections and naval confrontations.

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