Iran has recently changed its methods to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Two senior Iranian officials emphasized that these changes are aimed at maintaining high oil prices and influencing the U.S. midterm elections.
Iran's Efforts to Control the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, has become a critical point for Tehran since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iranian facilities last February. By restricting traffic in this waterway, Iran is attempting to gain leverage over Washington. Recent threats and attacks by Iran have significantly impacted maritime traffic in the region and caused oil prices to rise.
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Iran's New Tactics and Increased Attacks
Two Iranian officials stated that Iran has recently employed new aggressive tactics against ships that they consider to be violating their restrictions. One of these officials noted that this new approach has led to an increase in attacks on ships. The goal of this strategy is said to be influencing the outcomes of the U.S. elections.
One official mentioned: "Our goal is to thwart the efforts of the United States and its allies to lower global oil prices." This strategy has been adopted at high levels of Iranian leadership and is fully coordinated within the country's governmental system.
A U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Iran has significantly changed its tactics. After the destruction of many of Iran's radar capabilities, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun using unarmed observers in small boats to identify potential targets, including U.S. Navy ships.
Last week, in an incident that had not been previously reported, the U.S. Navy discovered that Iranian observers were using a dhow to identify targets for the Revolutionary Guard. U.S. forces approached the vessel, asked its occupants to leave, and then destroyed it. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Due to the damage inflicted on its navy, Iran has been unable to prevent the increase in oil exports from this strait. In recent days, the number of attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level since the beginning of the war. These attacks include drone strikes and other aggressive actions that have been independently confirmed by maritime security sources.
Expansion of Iran's Operations to Other Waters
According to an analysis of maritime security sources, Iran is expanding the geographical scope of its operations beyond the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman and further waters. These officials pointed out that Tehran will not allow Donald Trump to lower oil prices before the November elections.
Iran is moving towards a situation where no ship that violates its restrictions will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. One official stated: "This will soon turn into a complete closure." These developments are taking shape as tensions in the region continue and the global energy market faces further disruptions.
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