Global
In May 2026, President Trump sparked controversy by likening US Navy actions during the Iranian blockade to "piracy," calling the seizure of oil tankers a "profitable business." As Washington ramps up its maritime operations in mid-2026, legal experts warn of potential war crimes regarding infrastructure targeting. This 2026 escalation persists amid the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, further straining global energy supplies and internal US political support for the conflict.