Brasilia: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized US President Donald Trump's proposal to charge commercial vessels a 20% fee for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling the plan "piracy." Speaking to reporters, Lula said charging ships to pass through one of the world's busiest international waterways would violate long-established principles governing global maritime trade.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lula remarked, "Back in the day, that used to be called piracy," in response to Trump's announcement. This development occurred shortly after Trump declared that the US would reinstate a blockade on Iran and assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the US would become the "guardian" of the strait and charge commercial vessels a fee for providing security.

Trump emphasized that the fee would serve as reimbursement at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, covering costs necessary for ensuring safety and security in this critical region. The policy's implementation was declared to begin immediately following the announcement.

The proposal arises amidst renewed military tensions between the US and Iran, with both nations exchanging strikes and asserting claims over security responsibilities in this strategically vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime trade route, connecting the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and facilitating about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

International maritime law typically guarantees the right of transit passage through international straits, prompting legal experts to question whether any nation can unilaterally impose charges on vessels exercising that right. While Lula did not specify if Brazil would take diplomatic action, he stressed that international waterways should remain open to global commerce under established international rules.