🇮🇷🇺🇸⚡️ — Iran has adopted new tactics for attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to keep global oil prices elevated and influence the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, two senior Iranian officials told Reuters.

The officials said the strategy, approved at the highest levels of Iran's leadership, began roughly 10 days ago and involves changes to both the frequency and methods of attacks against ships Tehran considers to be violating its restrictions.

Iran also plans to expand operations beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters.

One Iranian official said Tehran intends to prevent President Trump from lowering oil prices ahead of the November elections, describing the strategy as a calculated effort to disrupt U.S. attempts to stabilize energy markets.