Iranian officials: Tehran seeks to punish Trump in the midterm elections
Iranian officials: Tehran seeks to punish Trump in the midterm elections
10-19-2026
Information/Translation..
A report by The Washington Post on Monday confirmed that for the Iranian leadership, the next few weeks represent a critical period. With the expectation that Trump will become less concerned about rising energy prices after the midterm elections, Tehran is rushing to inflict as much damage as possible at the moment, by escalating its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian officials and diplomats in the region.
The report, translated by Al-Maalomah Agency, stated that Iranian officials said that “Tehran is focusing on the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, and considers the period preceding them a crucial opportunity to exert pressure on Trump. These officials, along with other officials and diplomats included in this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the diplomatic issues at hand.”
Data from the global analytics firm Kpler shows a rise in oil shipment prices through the Strait of Hormuz between mid-August and late September, with daily export volumes approaching pre-war averages on several days last month.
Amina Baker, head of Middle East energy at Kpler, said that as long as shipping costs and risks remain high, global energy prices will also remain high. She added that the situation should not be seen as a return to pre-war conditions, noting that geopolitical risks are currently driving up the price of a barrel of oil by $30.
Iranian officials have described the expanded US operations as smuggling operations. In an interview with the Kayhan newspaper, Iranian MP Feda Hossein Maleki stated that these actions have made the situation in the Strait “extremely complicated.” Maleki said that “Iran is obligated to firmly defend this important international waterway, which is part of our territory and sovereignty.”
The US midterm elections are receiving extensive coverage in Iranian media, with talk shows discussing the issue. State television is reporting on rising energy prices and discussing how Republican losses could hinder Trump’s ability to wage wars in the second half of his term. Newspapers also regularly publish daily updates on Trump’s approval ratings.
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