US and Israel Discuss Land Blockade on Iran to Increase Economic Pressure

The United States and Israel are reportedly considering imposing a land blockade on Iran as part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on the Iranian regime. This option was discussed during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. The blockade would involve persuading Iran's neighboring countries and regional partners to tighten or close border crossings to restrict Iran's import and export activities.

A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph that one possibility is a complete closure of Iran's land borders, effectively preventing any goods from entering or leaving the country. Retired US Lieutenant General Sean McFarland described such a blockade as "almost impossible" but acknowledged that cutting off Iran's trade would isolate it economically and could force it to capitulate. However, he noted that this strategy would require military components and cooperation from multiple countries, given Iran's extensive land borders with Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.

The blockade might focus on key border crossings, such as the one between Iran and Turkmenistan. Washington views Pakistan and Iraq as potential weak points but recognizes that countries cooperating with the blockade could face economic repercussions and retaliatory threats from Iran. Blocking major ports or border crossings could also hinder Iran's ability to rearm, especially as Tehran expects shipments of rocket launchers and air defense systems from China under a $70 million military cooperation deal.

According to sources, Trump believes the current strategy, including efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, has run its course, prompting consideration of new escalation tactics to bring Iran back to negotiations. The land blockade aligns with the "maximum pressure" campaign that began with a maritime blockade. Some analysts suggest the blockade proposal might be a deliberate diversion to mislead Iran about US and Israeli plans.

Intelligence assessments indicate divisions within Iran's leadership between those fearing economic collapse and others advocating continued confrontation. Severe shortages of gas and diesel have led to long fuel queues in Iran. The Trump-Netanyahu meeting was described as positive and friendly, with discussions covering three options: reaching an agreement, continuing the maritime blockade, or resuming attacks. Netanyahu did not favor any single option. A senior Israeli source emphasized that Israel is fighting not only for its own survival but also against barbarism. The US conducted a heavy wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday night in response to Iranian attacks on bases in Jordan, following a surprise Iranian assault on US bases there after five days of calm. A White House official stated that "all options are on the table."