Strait of Hormuz: Lula compares Trump's planned toll to 'piracy'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called 'piracy' the 20% toll that Donald Trump wants to impose on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Lula spoke on July 13, 2026 in São Paulo, stating that the United States has no legal legitimacy to demand this payment. He noted that Brazil is not a party to the conflict between Washington and Tehran, and found it paradoxical that the US, having fought piracy, now adopts its methods.