According to AFP, on July 13 local time, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula criticized the plan of U.S. President Donald Trump to impose high fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that this would turn the United States into a ‘pirate state’.
On that day, Luiz Inacio Lula de Souza, a professional translator, said at a public event in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, that Trump would impose a 20% fee on every ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that 'in the past, such actions were considered acts of piracy.'
Lula sarcastically said, 'As a major country like the United States, I believe he has been fighting against pirates for a long time. Now, shouldn't he become a pirate himself?'
On the 13th, Trump posted on social media stating that the United States would resume its maritime blockade of Iran and impose a 20% fee on all goods transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz is currently open, and it will remain open regardless of whether Iran is involved. "We are re-enacting the ‘Iran Blockade Order’. The reason for this name is that it only prevents Iranian ships or customers from entering or leaving the strait. All other countries can use the strait fairly and openly."
Regarding the war against Iraq initiated by the United States, Lula warned that the Middle Eastern conflict is driving up living costs in Brazil. Not only are fuel prices rising, but basic foods such as beans, rice, tomatoes, and onions have also been affected.
After the Iran war caused a surge in international oil prices, the Brazilian government has announced a series of temporary measures to mitigate the impact of rising domestic fuel prices. Lula stated that the revenue generated by the 12% tax on crude oil exports implemented by the Brazilian government since March this year is being used to cushion the effects of higher international oil prices on the domestic economy and people's lives.
