NYT: Iran seeks to pressure US through higher oil prices

Iran is seeking to drive up US gasoline prices ahead of the midterm elections while increasing pressure on Washington's Middle Eastern allies, The New York Times reports.

The report said the current wave of attacks is part of a strategy coordinated by Tehran and its allied armed groups during a ceasefire earlier this spring.

While these groups were previously viewed primarily as a means of deterring attacks on Iran and pressuring the United States to reduce its regional military presence, they are now increasingly being used to destabilise the region.

The New York Times reported that Tehran hopes to disrupt oil exports from the Middle East, a move it believes could push up fuel prices in the United States while reducing the revenues of Washington's Arab allies.

Iranian officials also believe that increased economic pressure could make neighbouring countries more willing to cooperate on issues related to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the report, Tehran believes US President Donald Trump and Washington's Arab partners are unwilling to engage in a large-scale war, leaving Iran with room to continue applying pressure.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov