Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Possible Land Blockade to Intensify Pressure on Iran

The United States and Israel are reportedly considering a land blockade on Iran as part of efforts to increase economic pressure on the regime, according to the British newspaper The Telegraph. This proposal is one of several options discussed by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in the White House's Oval Office on Tuesday. The plan would involve pressuring Iran's neighboring countries and regional partners to tighten or close border crossings, thereby restricting Iran's import and export flows.

A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph that the idea is to effectively block Iran from moving goods in or out, which could significantly impact its economy. Former US military official Sean McFarland noted that while a land blockade would be nearly impossible to implement, cutting off Iran's trade could isolate it economically and force it to its knees. However, Iran's extensive borders with countries like Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan complicate such efforts, as cooperation from these nations would be required.

Washington may view Pakistan and Iraq as potential weak links, despite neither being close US allies. Trump is reportedly exploring various escalation options to compel Iran back to negotiations, believing current strategies, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, have been exhausted. The land blockade would complement his "maximum pressure" campaign, which began with a naval blockade aimed at crippling Tehran's economy.

Iran is expecting shipments of hundreds of Chinese rocket launchers under a new $70 million military deal, which includes portable air defense missile systems. These shipments typically pass through southern Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, which could be targeted by a blockade. Intelligence reports suggest Iran's leadership is divided between factions worried about economic collapse and those advocating continued confrontation.

A White House source stated that "all options are on the table," while an Israeli source highlighted severe fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations in Iran. There is also speculation that the land blockade proposal might serve as a diversionary tactic amid ongoing tensions.