Iran changes tactics in the Strait of Hormuz / Attacks on commercial vessels intensify

Iran has changed its tactics for attacking ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to keep oil prices high and influence the U.S. midterm elections, two Iranian officials told Reuters.

The new strategy was reportedly decided at the highest level of leadership in Tehran and implemented approximately ten days ago. According to the officials, it involves changing the type and pace of attacks, as well as expanding operations toward the Gulf of Oman and waters near Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

A U.S. military official said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is using unarmed spy boats to identify targets. Last week, U.S. forces reportedly intercepted and destroyed such a vessel, with no casualties.

At least five incidents targeting oil tankers and other commercial vessels, including drone attacks, have been reported in the past 48 hours. According to maritime security sources, the pace represents a new escalation since the beginning of the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is essential to global energy trade, with approximately one-fifth of the world's traded oil and liquefied natural gas previously transiting this route. Iran maintains that no vessel violating its restrictions will be safe, and a complete closure of the strait could follow.