Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has voiced strong opposition to a proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump regarding the transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Brazilian leader reacted sharply to President Trump's plan to impose a 20 percent fee on cargo ships passing through the strait under the protection of US military forces.
Lula da Silva stated that the United States lacks the authority to demand payment for free passage in international waters. He characterized the initiative as "piracy" and condemned it as a violation of international maritime law.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, serving as a vital artery for global energy supplies, with a significant portion of the world's oil production passing through its narrow waters. Analysts suggest that any unilateral attempt to impose fees or restrict navigation in this region could significantly escalate geopolitical tensions and disrupt global trade routes, potentially leading to increased energy costs worldwide.