Trump claims Iran is 'making up fake hits' on tankers to drive up oil costs ahead of elections

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of fabricating reports of attacks on oil tankers and naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz to drive up oil prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump made the claim in a Truth Social post on Thursday, also accusing Iran's regime of killing protesters and reaffirming his commitment that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon. Iranian state media reported four tankers were hit.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of fabricating reports of attacks on oil tankers and naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz to drive up oil prices ahead of the November midterm elections. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump wrote that Iran is 'making up fake hits, mines, and everything else' and claimed that more oil is passing through the Strait of Hormuz now than before the conflict began. Trump also accused Iran's regime of killing protesters and reaffirmed his commitment that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a campaign rally in Iowa, Trump said the war had come at a political cost but was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He suggested the US could carry out further military action against Iran, saying Washington 'may do it a little bit further.' Meanwhile, Iran's IRGC Navy reported that four oil tankers were hit and caught fire overnight, according to Iranian state media IRNA, adding to concerns about renewed escalation in the region.