Iran’s increasing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have made October one of the most violent months in the waterway since the war began, as Tehran looks to exploit US President Donald Trump’s political vulnerability ahead of midterm elections.
Two Emirati cargo vessels sank in the past 24 hours after being struck; Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran was deliberately ramping up strikes to keep oil prices elevated before Nov. 3.
Washington’s lack of response is “remarkable,” a Eurasia Group analyst said: “Trump continues to promise action, but only after [midterms].” That’s also when Washington could be more amenable to joining Saudi Arabia’s strikes against the Houthis, another analyst suggested: “Trump’s preference is for it to happen afterwards.”
— Brendan Ruberry