Pentagon reportedly readies for major Iran strikes as Brent crude tops $105

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Axios reported on Oct. 8, citing U.S. officials, that the Pentagon has instructed U.S. Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran. The directive was issued several days ago, set no launch date, and President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to order strikes.

U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios that renewed operations could come before the Nov. 3 midterm elections and might include “massive bombing of Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets,” though they described the possibility as relatively low. The Atlantic and NBC separately reported that the White House has asked the Pentagon to develop strike options that could be exercised ahead of the midterms.

Oil markets reacted sharply: December Brent futures rose 5% intraday to top $105 a barrel, with November WTI gaining about 4.9% to around $92.57 — both two-week highs. Hurricane Isaias, which forced production shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico, added to the supply concerns. Asked about the Axios report, a White House official said: “President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States.”