The U.S. and Israel Are Discussing the Possibility of Blocking Iran's Land Borders — The Telegraph
The United States and Israel are holding consultations on possibly increasing pressure on Iran, specifically by blocking its land borders. This scenario is being considered as part of broader measures to limit Tehran’s capabilities.
According to The Telegraph, during a meeting on Tuesday in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed increasing economic pressure on Iran through “kinetic and non-kinetic means.” One option involves the U.S. and Israel persuading Iran’s neighbors and regional partners to tighten controls or even close border crossings, which would significantly restrict the country’s imports and exports.
“What if we simply blocked the land border? Let’s say Iran couldn’t import or export anything. Then anything could happen,” said a high-ranking Israeli official, describing one of the scenarios discussed by the parties.
In particular, the blockade could focus on the strategic border crossings between Iran and Turkmenistan—Ince Borun and Saraks.
At the same time, implementing such a scenario would require cooperation from Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Although many of these countries are not allies of Tehran, participating in the blockade could have economic consequences for them and increase the risk of retaliatory strikes by Iran.
In Washington, as the publication notes, Pakistan and Iraq may be viewed as the most vulnerable links, although neither of these countries is among the United States’ closest allies in the region.
A blockade of ports or key border crossings could also limit Iran’s ability to rearm. In particular, according to media reports, Tehran is expecting a shipment of hundreds of man-portable air defense systems from Beijing, and ships carrying Chinese cargo are calling at the ports of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar in southern Iran.
According to a source familiar with the discussions who spoke to the publication, Trump believes that his current strategy regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz has reached an impasse. According to an Israeli official, Trump and Netanyahu also considered three possible scenarios for further action: reaching an agreement with Iran, continuing the naval blockade, or resuming strikes. However, Netanyahu did not express a preference for any of them.
The source added that the U.S. president is considering various options for increasing pressure that could force Iran to return to the negotiating table.
A White House spokesperson, commenting on the report, stated: “The Commander-in-Chief has all options at his disposal,” according to The Telegraph.
Earlier, Trump announced that a highway in Morocco would be named after him.
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