Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move "piracy" and a violation of international law.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the United States has no legal authority to impose charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Lula described the proposed transit fee as an act of "piracy," arguing that a country that has long opposed piracy should not engage in similar practices itself.

"The United States cannot become a pirate," Lula said, adding that Washington has no right to levy taxes on ships using the strategically important waterway.

Lula also said the Strait of Hormuz had remained open to international shipping before U.S. military action against Iran, arguing that recent tensions in the region were the result of Washington's policies.

He maintained that imposing transit charges on international shipping would violate international law.

The Brazilian president warned that continued conflict in the Middle East would have far-reaching economic consequences beyond the region.

He said higher oil prices were already driving up the cost of essential food products, including beans, rice, tomatoes, and onions, placing an additional burden on households.

Trump earlier announced that the U.S. had reinstated a maritime blockade targeting Iran and that a 20% transit fee would be imposed on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. (ILKHA)