Iran says 7 oil tankers attacked in Strait of Hormuz amid fears of return to war

Seven oil tankers were set ablaze or damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, Iran claimed on Thursday, amid rising tensions and fears of a potential return to full-scale war. The incident occurred just days before a crucial election in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face defeat, and prior to the U.S. midterm election next month, which has already generated voter discontent over high fuel prices caused by alleged U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

"Netanyahu wants to attack Iran, that's not even a question," Danny Citrinowicz, a researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies and a former Iran specialist, told The Associated Press. He criticized the Israeli government for hastily pursuing another confrontation with Iran without revising their strategy. Citrinowicz alleged that a clear Netanyahu victory in the upcoming October 27 election would likely result in an attack.

While opposition candidates primarily focus on domestic matters, Citrinowicz believes the region is on the brink of conflict.