Report says officials examined broader pressure options while feasibility remains uncertain
LONDON: The United States and Israel have reportedly discussed the possibility of expanding economic pressure on Iran by exploring measures that could further restrict overland trade, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed additional options after months of military strikes and economic pressure failed to produce the desired political outcomes, according to unnamed sources familiar with the discussions.
Among the ideas reportedly considered was increasing pressure on countries bordering Iran to tighten controls at key land crossings in an effort to limit the movement of goods into and out of the country. However, neither the White House nor the Israeli government has publicly confirmed that such a plan has been adopted.
Regional challenges could complicate implementation
According to The Telegraph, advocates of the proposal argue that restricting overland trade could increase economic pressure on Tehran by limiting imports and exports.
However, analysts note that implementing such a strategy would be complex because Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Iraq, Pakistan and Turkey, each with its own political and economic interests. Securing broad regional cooperation would therefore present significant diplomatic and logistical challenges.
The report also noted that several neighbouring countries maintain independent foreign policies and may be reluctant to participate in measures that could disrupt regional trade.
No official decision announced
The reported discussions come as Washington and its allies continue to evaluate options for increasing pressure on Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to The Telegraph, some officials view additional economic restrictions as a possible extension of the existing maximum-pressure campaign. Others caution that the reported discussions may represent contingency planning rather than an imminent policy decision.
At the time of publication, no formal announcement had been made by the United States or Israel regarding a land blockade or coordinated closure of Iran’s border crossings.
The claims published by The Telegraph rely on unnamed sources and have not been independently verified. Iran has not publicly responded to the reported discussions, while the governments of neighbouring states have not announced any plans to alter cross-border trade with Iran.
🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷 The U.S. and Israel are reportedly discussing a full LAND BLOCKADE of Iran…
After months of strikes failed to put the regime on its knees, Trump and Netanyahu talked this week about cutting off everything that moves in or out… by land.
That would mean pressuring… pic.twitter.com/ZHFecPLcih
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 31, 2026
