Iran escalates rhetoric, threatens Hormuz blockade ahead of U.S. elections

Iran is intensifying anti-U.S. rhetoric and threatening blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and strategic attacks, aiming to politically weaken Trump during the U.S. election period. The move raises the cost of conflict and highlights Trump's unfulfilled promise to avoid endless wars. The actual implementation of a blockade remains uncertain, but the escalation signals heightened geopolitical risk.