Iranian warnings over severe economy and military readiness

An Iranian official in Tehran stated that the country's economic situation is extremely painful, while noting that Iran is adapting to the heavy pressures. Bloomberg reported, citing the official who requested anonymity to speak freely, that Iran is preparing for a new US bombing campaign that could be larger than previous ones, and possesses the capability to respond. The official added that Iranian leaders are feeling the weight of pressure after seven months of conflict with the United States. Meanwhile, inflation in Iran is approaching ninety percent, while oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are recovering despite threats of Iranian attacks. US President Donald Trump is deploying another aircraft carrier to the region, along with ten thousand navy and marine personnel. A US blockade is strangling Iran's crude oil exports, while diplomatic efforts remain stalled. According to Bloomberg, Iranian officials see little prospect of a peace agreement before the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, believing there is a high probability of escalation afterwards. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Friday its readiness to deliver an immediate, painful, and regrettable response to any US or Israeli attack, according to Iranian state broadcasting. The pressures on Iran's influence in the Strait of Hormuz coincide with a difficult domestic economic situation, as soaring inflation erodes the purchasing power of citizens. Furthermore, the Iranian rial has lost about twenty-five percent of its value against the dollar over the past two months, driving up the cost of imported goods and increasing pressure on households and consumers. These developments point to the concurrence of economic pressures and fears of renewed military escalation, as Iran prepares, according to the official, for the possibility of a new US bombing campaign.