Brazil President Slams Trump's Takeover of Strait of Hormuz, Calls Fee Collection 'Piracy'

(TSNA reporter Tang Ya-ling, São Paulo, April 13) Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva today sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% fee on all cargo vessels, calling the plan 'pirate behavior.'

According to Brazilian news website G1 and other media, Lula stated that the United States, which has long fought against piracy, is now 'becoming pirates themselves,' describing the act of profiting from war as 'uncivilized and undemocratic.' He emphasized that Brazil, though not involved in the conflict, is already suffering indirect impacts due to rising food prices caused by the war. Lula also warned that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, Brazil's oil exports could face additional costs and delays, further affecting the domestic energy market and foreign exchange revenue.

Earlier, Trump announced in U.S. media interviews and on his social platform Truth Social that the U.S. military would resume blockading Iranian ports and take control of the Strait of Hormuz, collecting fees to cover the costs of maintaining security. He ordered U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to begin the blockade operation at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the 14th, covering all Iranian ports and oil terminals. The U.S. warned that unauthorized vessels entering or exiting the blockade zone could be intercepted or seized.

Iran's military responded immediately, stressing that it would not allow U.S. interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and warned that regional countries cooperating with the U.S. would be considered as 'declaring war on Iran.' Iran further criticized the U.S. action as a serious threat to global energy supply security and vowed to inflict 'greater humiliation' on the U.S.

The European Union and several Asian countries have expressed concern over the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and takeover of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the preservation of freedom of navigation and urging de-escalation. Japan and Australia emphasized the importance of energy supply security, while the EU demanded the immediate restoration of free passage through the strait.

Reports indicate that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy shipping route, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil trade passing through it. The latest U.S.-Iran standoff has driven international oil prices higher, as markets fear further deterioration of the Middle East situation. As a major oil exporting country, Brazil could face direct impacts on export earnings and domestic energy prices if the shipping route is disrupted or costs increase. (Editor: Chen Cheng-gong) 1150714