Trump accuses Iran of staging attacks, laying mines to boost oil prices

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of "doing everything it can to raise oil prices" ahead of the US midterm elections, adding that Tehran is "even fabricating attacks, laying mines, and resorting to other methods."

In a post, Trump said the volume of oil currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz "exceeds what was transported before the conflict began," according to his statement.

Trump escalated his criticism of Tehran, describing it as a "truly evil regime" and accusing it of continuing to "kill protesters and anyone who stands in their way." He claimed that "75,000 protesters have been killed in less than seven months," and expressed shock that the world and the Democratic Party "seem not to care."

Direct quote:

Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and it never will. — Donald Trump

Trump's post comes a day after a New York Times report revealed that the US and Israeli militaries have drawn up plans for new, intensified strikes against Iran following the midterm elections.