Lula Denounces U.S. Hormuz Transit Fee as ‘Piracy’ Amid Escalating Tensions

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized U.S. plans to impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, warning that such a move would effectively turn the United States into a “pirate” state.

The remarks come after former President Donald Trump vowed to reinstate a blockade of Iranian ports on the strategic waterway and levy a 20 percent charge on all cargo passing through the strait to fund its security. Tehran had blocked the critical oil-shipping corridor following U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February, prompting Washington to halt shipping to and from Iranian ports. Although restrictions were eased in June under an interim de-escalation agreement, Trump has pledged to reimpose them following a renewed flare-up in hostilities.

Speaking at a public event in São Paulo state, Lula said: “President Trump tweeted that he will unblock the Strait of Hormuz. But for every ship unblocked, every ship removed from the strait, the oil owner must pay him 20 percent. This used to be considered piracy.”

“A major nation like the United States, which I believe has fought against piracy for a long time, cannot now become a pirate,” he added. The 80-year-old leftist leader, who is seeking a fourth term in October’s presidential election, warned that the conflict is driving up prices for basic foodstuffs in Brazil — including beans, rice, tomatoes, and onions — as well as fuel.

His administration has introduced temporary measures to curb fuel price spikes after the Iran war sent global oil prices surging. Lula noted that revenues from a 12 percent tax on crude oil exports, implemented in March, are being used to offset the impact of rising costs on consumers.

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