Axios claims: In order to prevent the escalation of the war before the elections, Centcom has stopped attacks against Iran in the strait in recent weeks, but Iran has increased attacks on ships in order to raise the price of oil and increase the pressure on Trump before the elections.

Axios claimed: In recent weeks, Centcom has almost completely stopped attacks against Iran's anti-ship missiles and offensive drone launchers in the Strait.

An American official said that the suspension of the attacks - which was ordered by the White House and was carried out to prevent the escalation of the war before the mid-term elections - made Iran more confident about carrying out attacks.

As a result, Centcom worries that increased attacks on ships will make shipping companies hesitate to cross the strait — leading to lower oil exports and a jump in oil prices.

US officials say Iran is also attacking more ships in an attempt to boost oil prices and increase pressure on Trump ahead of the midterm elections.