Trump says Houthis trying to increase oil prices before US elections

What happened: US President Donald Trump said Yemen's Houthi rebels are stepping up attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia to drive up energy prices before the US midterm elections, and repeated a threat of expanded US military action in the Middle East after the November vote. Key numbers: Trump cited 301 percent inflation in Why it matters: Trump's February decision to launch a war on Iran with Israel has caused surging energy prices and cost of living concerns. Democrats hope voter frustration over the war and rising costs will help them win control of one or both houses of Congress. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

US President Donald Trump said Yemen's Houthi rebels are stepping up attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia to drive up energy prices before the US midterm elections, and repeated a threat of expanded US military action in the Middle East after the November vote.

Trump's February decision to launch a war on Iran with Israel has caused surging energy prices and cost of living concerns. Democrats hope voter frustration over the war and rising costs will help them win control of one or both houses of Congress.