Lula criticizes Trump plan for Hormuz shipping fee

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized President Donald Trump's plan to charge fees on ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it would make the United States act like a pirate state.

Trump has said he would reinstate a blockade of Iran's ports on the strait and impose a 20 percent charge on all cargo shipped through Hormuz. The source said the charge would be intended to pay for keeping the narrow waterway open.

According to the report, Tehran began blocking the important route for petroleum shipments after the United States and Israel carried out attacks in late February. Washington then stopped shipping to and from Iranian ports. Those limits were eased after the two sides reached an interim agreement in June on ending the war, but Trump has said he would restore them after renewed fighting.

Speaking at a public event in Sao Paulo state, Lula said Trump's approach would once have been considered piracy. He said a country such as the United States, which he said had long fought piracy, should not become a pirate.

Lula also warned that the conflict was pushing up the cost of basic foods in Brazil, including beans, rice, tomatoes and onions, as well as fuel. The report said Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth term as president in October elections.

Brazil's government has announced temporary steps to limit fuel price increases after the Iran war caused global oil prices to rise. Lula said revenue from a 12 percent tax on crude oil exports, introduced in March, was being used to reduce the effect of the price increases.