Iran has adopted new tactics for attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, deliberately seeking to keep global oil prices elevated and influence the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Two senior Iranian officials described the strategy, approved at the highest levels of the regime, to Reuters.

The officials said Tehran began changing the frequency and methods of its attacks approximately 10 days ago, targeting ships it considers to be violating restrictions on passage through the strategic waterway.

The Revolutionary Guard has increasingly relied on smaller vessels and reconnaissance operations to identify potential targets as American military pressure has weakened portions of Iran’s conventional maritime capabilities.

Iran also intends to expand operations beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters near Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

One Iranian official said Tehran’s objective is to prevent President Donald Trump from reducing oil prices ahead of the November elections. American naval authorities continue warning commercial shipping operators about the severe threat posed by Iranian forces in the region.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)