US-Israel Consider Ground Blockade of Iran

U.S. Central Command/DOK U.S. Central Command

JAKARTA - The United States and Israel are reportedly considering imposing a land blockade on Iran as part of efforts to increase economic pressure on the country.

The Telegraph's report on Friday, July 31, said the possibility was discussed in a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office, White House, this week.

The land blockade is said to be one of a number of options being considered by Washington and Tel Aviv to pressure Iran to return to the negotiating table.

According to the report, the success of the plan depends on the support of Iran's neighboring countries and its allies in the region.

The countries are likely to be asked to close border crossings to hamper the flow of goods in and out of Iran.

However, the US government is aware that a number of countries, such as Pakistan and Iraq, may not be willing to support the move.

The report also said that countries that decide to follow Washington's policy could face economic and security consequences if Iran takes retaliatory action.

On June 18, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding that regulates the cessation of the conflict that began on February 28.

However, since July 8, US forces have launched several attacks against Iran. The United States Military Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the attacks were carried out in response to Iran's actions against merchant ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran then retaliated by launching an attack on US military bases in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump then declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was no longer in effect.