In a visit to the Maua Institute of Technology in the state of Sao Paulo, Lula commented on statements made by Trump, who recently asserted that the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. leader also stated that his country should be reimbursed with the equivalent of 20 percent of all cargo transported to cover security costs for that maritime route—a move Lula labeled as piracy, describing it as undemocratic and uncivilized.

Regarding the war involving Iran, Lula noted that while Brazil is not participating in the conflict, it is suffering the economic consequences. “Brazil hasn’t fired a single shot or killed anyone, yet the cost of the war is affecting the prices of beans, rice, and tomatoes,” he said.

Lula also addressed national biodiesel production, stating that no additional tariffs would be charged to foreign countries wishing to purchase the fuel.

Furthermore, he defended the 12 percent tax on crude oil exports—a measure adopted by the federal government to mitigate the impact of the Middle East war on the Brazilian fuel market.

According to Lula, as cited by Poder360, the additional revenue generated by this measure helps fund fuel subsidies and stabilize the prices of fossil fuels and their derivatives amidst international market volatility.

jdt/mar