Trump calls US blockade of Hormuz ‘a very profitable business’
President Trump described the US Navy’s seizure of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as “a very profitable business,” saying “we’re sort of like pirates, but we’re not playing games.” He defended the blockade, noting Iran had used the strait as a weapon for years, adding “they closed it, then I closed it on them.”
President Donald Trump bragged on Friday about the financial gains from the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the seizure of Iranian vessels, cargo, and oil has become “a very profitable business.” Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump said: “We took over the cargo. Took over the oil, a very profitable business. Who would have thought, we’re sort of like pirates, but we’re not playing games.” Defending the blockade, Trump argued that Iran had used “the Hormuz Strait as a weapon for many, many years,” adding: “They said they’ll close it. So, they closed it, then I closed it on them.”
Doubt on nuclear deal
On ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, Trump cast doubt on whether a deal is even desirable. “Frankly, maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all,” he said, though he later claimed that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely. The US and Israel began strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation and the closure of the strait. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but no agreement was reached. Trump later unilaterally extended the truce at Pakistan’s request without a new deadline.
Coalition plans
Reports indicate the Trump administration is seeking to form an international coalition to restore maritime traffic in the strait. Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic.
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