According to a report in the British Telegraph, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed increasing economic pressure on Tehran by blocking land borders and key trade crossings. Sources who spoke with the newspaper assessed the move could impair Iran's ability to rearm but would require broad regional cooperation and face significant challenges.
The British Telegraph reported Friday afternoon that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed escalating the economic pressure campaign against Iran by blocking its land borders and key trade crossings. The report, citing unnamed sources, assesses that the measure could degrade Iran's ability to rearm but would require extensive regional cooperation. The new detail adds a specific operational dimension to the discussions that have been unfolding throughout the day.
The Zioneer's thread on this story began at 12:40 Jerusalem time with The Telegraph's initial report that the US and Israel were examining a land blockade. Within minutes, Israel Hayom confirmed the discussions, followed by a senior US official telling The Telegraph that the two leaders had discussed the option for the first time. A senior Israeli political official later briefed reporters, confirming that the two leaders discussed economic pressure on Iran and maintaining the siege, noting that Iran faces severe gas supply shortages and public unrest fears.
The economic pressure campaign against Iran has been a central theme in Trump-Netanyahu coordination. As The Zioneer has reported, the two leaders have previously discussed tariffs, sanctions, and the possibility of collapsing Iran's economy. The Telegraph's latest report suggests the administration is exploring additional tools to tighten the squeeze on Tehran without direct military action.
The Telegraph's report is based on unnamed sources, and the operational feasibility of a land blockade remains uncertain. Such a step would require pressuring Iran's neighbors, including Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan, to restrict overland trade. No official confirmation has been provided on the timeline or specific mechanisms.
10 developments
- StrongTrump reportedly preparing to immediately lift naval blockade on Iran
- StrongReport: US informs Israel of plan to escalate strikes on Iran, target Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site with heavy bombers
- DevelopingIsrael reportedly seeks Trump's green light for Iran strike
- DevelopingTrump says he wants to impose tariffs on Iran, according to reports
Source and signal
- Open-source intake