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The United States and Israel are considering a land blockade against Iran as a further step to intensify the country's economic isolation, according to reports citing senior Israeli officials and a US administration source. The proposal, first reported by The Telegraph, comes amid ongoing military and diplomatic tensions following earlier strikes and a fragile ceasefire.
Coverage comparison
Two outlets—the Jerusalem Post and TASS — English—reported on the proposed land blockade, both attributing the initial report to The Daily Telegraph. The Jerusalem Post emphasized the discussions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and included commentary from a senior Israeli official and a retired US general. TASS, meanwhile, focused on the broader context, including the timeline of US-Israeli operations and the potential regional implications for Iran's neighbors.
Both reports agree that the blockade would require cooperation from Iran's neighbors, listing Pakistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey. However, the two outlets differ in emphasis: the Jerusalem Post highlights the strategic rationale and quotes Israeli officials, while TASS underscores the possible retaliatory measures Iran might take against neighboring countries that comply.
Key claims
- The US and Israel are considering a land blockade on Iran, as reported by both the Jerusalem Post and TASS — English, citing The Telegraph.
- A land blockade would require cooperation with Iran's neighbors, including Pakistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, a claim carried by both outlets.
- US President Trump discussed the plan with Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to the Jerusalem Post, which cites a senior Israeli official's account of their meeting in Washington.
- A White House official said that Trump "has all options at his disposal," as quoted by TASS, attributing to the US administration.
- The Jerusalem Post quotes a senior Israeli official who described the fight against Iran as "the battle of civilization against barbarism," and said of previous strikes: "We took out that lump of cancer because if we hadn't, we'd be dead."
- Retired US General Sean MacFarland commented on the significance of a land blockade, describing the endeavor as "almost impossible," according to the Jerusalem Post.
- TASS — English provides context on the recent conflict timeline: the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28; Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June calling for a cessation of hostilities; and the US resumed strikes against Iran on July 8, accusing it of violating the agreements.
Perspectives
- US/Israeli officials: A senior Israeli official, quoted by the Jerusalem Post, sees the blockade as a necessary continuation of military efforts against Iran, framing the conflict in civilizational terms. A White House official, cited by TASS, says the administration considers all options.
- US military analysis: Retired General Sean MacFarland, quoted by the Jerusalem Post, casts doubt on the feasibility of a land blockade, calling it "almost impossible," suggesting logistical and diplomatic hurdles.