Israel, US consider land blockade against Iran to increase economic isolation - report

The US and Israel are considering a land blockade against Iran to further its economic isolation, according to a Telegraph report. The plan would require cooperation from Iran's neighbors, who face retaliation. Retired US General Sean MacFarland says economic isolation could bring the regime 'to their knees,' though he calls the endeavor 'almost impossible.'

The United States and Israel are considering implementing a land blockade against Iran to further Tehran's economic isolation, according to a report by The Telegraph published on Friday. US President Donald Trump discussed the plan with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in Washington on Tuesday, along with several other 'kinetic and non-kinetic' options. A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph that the blockade would prevent Iran from bringing anything in or taking anything out, and described the fight as 'the battle of civilization against barbarism.' The plan would require cooperation from Iran's neighbors, including Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, all of whom would face retaliation from Iran. The report comes as Iran attempts to rearm following US and Israeli operations earlier this year. Retired US General Sean MacFarland noted the significance of the blockade, saying that taking away Iran's ability to trade would bring them 'to their knees,' though he described the endeavor as 'almost impossible.' The Telegraph noted that the plan may be a ruse to draw attention from 'real' military plans.