Iran prepares for possible larger US strikes, Bloomberg reports

October 3, 2026 at 04:31 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Iran is preparing for possible new US strikes that could be larger than previous ones, Bloomberg reported citing an Iranian official. The official said Iran retains the ability to respond despite a severe economic situation. Washington continues to expand sanctions and is sending additional forces to the region.

Key Facts

Iran's inflation has approached 90%, and the rial lost about a quarter of its value against the dollar in the last two months, Bloomberg reported.
In September, Iran did not load any crude oil onto tankers for the first time since the conflict began, according to Bloomberg's preliminary estimates.
The US is sending the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and about 10,000 sailors and marines to the region, Bloomberg reported.
Saudi Arabia's oil exports rose to about 6.1 million barrels per day in September from 3.4 million in August, according to tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
On September 30, US President Donald Trump said 'something' will happen with Iran in the near future, and he did not rule out strikes before the November 3 congressional elections.

Economic Pressure

Iran's inflation has approached 90%, and the rial lost about a quarter of its value against the dollar in the last two months, Bloomberg reported. In September, Iran did not load any crude oil onto tankers for the first time since the conflict began, according to Bloomberg's preliminary estimates. Deliveries to some Chinese refineries continue from floating storage reserves, Bloomberg said. After the blockade began, Iran redirected part of its trade through land borders and the Caspian Sea, but the capacity of these routes cannot fully compensate for restrictions in the Persian Gulf, Bloomberg noted.

US Military Buildup

The US is sending the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and about 10,000 sailors and marines to the region, Bloomberg reported. After the carrier's arrival, three American carrier strike groups could be in the Middle East, though it is unclear whether the two groups already operating there will remain, the agency said. On October 1, Washington placed sanctions on Iran's largest automakers and several railway companies. On September 30, US President Donald Trump said 'something' will happen with Iran in the near future, and he did not rule out strikes before the November 3 congressional elections.

Regional Oil Flows

Saudi Arabia's oil exports rose to about 6.1 million barrels per day in September from 3.4 million in August, according to tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. JPMorgan estimates Middle East oil supplies at 17.5 million barrels per day, or 98% of the level before the conflict began. Regional officials surveyed by Bloomberg disagree on the extent to which Iran retains control over the Strait of Hormuz. On September 26, Trump confirmed he rejected Iran's proposal to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which included a seven-day countdown to opening the strait and a cessation of hostilities in the region.