Iran is reportedly adopting new tactics to target commercial vessels in and beyond the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to keep global oil prices high and influence the outcome of the United States midterm elections scheduled for November.
Two senior Iranian officials disclosed the strategy to Reuters, saying Tehran had intensified its operations against vessels it considers to be violating its maritime restrictions.
The officials said the revised strategy, introduced about 10 days ago, involved changes in the nature and frequency of attacks on ships. One official said the aim was to frustrate efforts by the United States and its allies to bring down global oil prices ahead of the elections.
Iran has sought to tighten its control over the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel launched strikes against the country on February 28, 2026. The strategic waterway previously handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, making disruptions a major concern for international energy markets.
According to the report, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also adopted new surveillance tactics following damage to the country’s coastal radar infrastructure during US strikes. A US military official said Iranian forces had begun using unarmed personnel aboard small boats to identify potential targets and relay information to strike units.
The Iranian officials further indicated that Tehran intended to expand its operations beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and other nearby waters, including areas off the coasts of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Recent attacks on commercial shipping have heightened concerns about maritime security. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported incidents involving vessels in the region, while data cited by Reuters indicated that attacks had increased to their highest level since the conflict began.
The escalating tensions have also affected oil prices. On Wednesday, October 14, Brent crude rose to about $106 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at approximately $94 per barrel, amid concerns over further disruptions to supplies.
The conflict has become a significant issue ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, in which control of Congress will be contested. Higher fuel prices have added pressure on the administration of President Donald Trump, whose government has maintained economic and naval pressure on Iran while pursuing negotiations to end the conflict.
The latest developments underscore the growing connection between the conflict in the Middle East, global energy security and domestic political pressures in the United States. However, the claims about Iran’s electoral objectives are based on accounts from unnamed Iranian officials and have not been independently established as the sole motive for the attacks.
