Pressure builds on Iran as Trump expands U.S. military presence - Bloomberg

Investing.com -- Iran is facing mounting economic and military pressure as the U.S. expands its presence in the Middle East and regional oil exports recover, Bloomberg reported exclusively, citing officials and analysts.

President Donald Trump’s administration is sending the USS Theodore Roosevelt and about 10,000 additional sailors and Marines toward the region. Its arrival could give the U.S. three carrier strike groups in the Middle East, though one of the existing carriers could depart.

Iran’s economy is also under growing strain. Inflation is approaching 90%, and the rial has lost about 25% against the dollar over the past two months and almost half its value this year.

A U.S. blockade has sharply reduced Iran’s crude exports. Preliminary estimates showed the country loaded no crude onto tankers in September, though some Chinese refiners continue receiving oil from floating storage.

Tehran has redirected more trade through land borders and the Caspian Sea, but those routes lack the capacity to fully replace Persian Gulf shipments.

At the same time, Iran’s ability to restrict regional energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz appears to be under pressure. Saudi crude exports climbed to about 6.1 million barrels per day in September from 3.4 million in August.

JPMorgan estimates Middle East crude shipments have recovered to 17.5 million barrels per day, equivalent to 98% of pre-war levels.

Officials offered conflicting assessments of Iran’s control over Hormuz, with one regional defence official saying Tehran retains substantial influence and another saying its grip is weakening.

Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has suggested restoring access for nuclear inspectors in exchange for sanctions relief, according to diplomats cited by Bloomberg.

Washington has also expanded economic pressure, imposing sanctions on major Iranian automakers and rail companies on Oct. 1 after earlier measures disrupted Iranian aviation links.

Iran, meanwhile, is preparing for the possibility of renewed U.S. bombing, according to an Iranian official. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it would respond to any new U.S. or Israeli attack.