U.S. and Israel Discuss Potential Land Blockade of Iran, Officials Say

U.S. and Israeli officials are said to be evaluating a land blockade of Iran that would involve restricting the movement of goods across Iran's 3,380-mile land border with Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan. The idea was mentioned in a report by the U.K.'s Telegraph, which cited a meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which they discussed increasing economic pressure on Tehran using both "kinetic and non-kinetic means."

A senior Israeli official told the newspaper, "What if you just blocked the land? Suppose Iran can’t bring anything in and cannot take anything out. Anything will happen," and later added, "We are protecting not only our lives but yours as well, and we’re fighting the battle of civilisation against barbarism."

U.S. officials have not confirmed the specific proposal, though a White House spokesperson reiterated that President Trump is keeping "all options at his disposal." Military analysts note that implementing a blockade would be difficult because Iran shares borders with several states that have varying degrees of alignment with Tehran, including Iraq, which maintains close ties.

Retired General Sean MacFarland, who commanded U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, described the plan as "almost impossible," citing the complexity of Iran's regional relationships. The Telegraph suggested the discussion might be intended to mislead Iranian intelligence, while other observers argue it reflects uncertainty within the Trump administration as the conflict enters its sixth month.

NBC reported that President Trump expressed frustration over the prolonged nature of the conflict, and a U.S. official said there is "no unity" on the overall strategy, noting tactical successes but a perceived strategic setback. The White House has denied that a land blockade is being pursued.