President Donald Trump has drawn sharp attention after describing US naval operations against Iran as 'sort of like pirates', while recounting the recent seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Speaking at an event on Friday, Trump praised the US military's capabilities before detailing an incident in which American forces intercepted and took control of a ship at sea. His remarks come as tensions remain high over Washington's naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump Details Ship Seizure, Uses 'Pirates' Analogy

Trump said US forces fired into the engine room of a vessel that he claimed was attempting to breach what he referred to as an 'iron wall'. He appeared to be referring to last month's interception involving the Iranian-flagged ship Touska by the USS Spruance.

'The ship stopped. They used tugboats, and then we landed on top of it… we took over the ship. We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It's a very profitable business,' Trump said, before adding that such operations were 'like pirates'.

His characterisation has added to criticism already surrounding US actions in the region, particularly the enforcement of a naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked vessels.

Trump Refuses to Reveal Iran Strike Plans Amid New Truce Proposal By Tehran: 'Why Would I...'

Iran Condemns Action, Warns of Retaliation

Iran had earlier denounced the seizure, describing it as 'maritime highway robbery' and 'piracy'. Its military warned that the country's armed forces would respond to what it termed 'US armed piracy', according to statements carried by state broadcaster IRIB.

The United States has seized several vessels linked to Iran in recent weeks, including tankers and sanctioned container ships in Asian waters, as part of efforts to tighten pressure on Tehran.