Iran Trade Chief Warns Blockade Costs Outweigh War Damage

A senior figure in Iran-China trade says the U.S. sea blockade hurts the economy more than the recent war. He notes that shortages and crisis now exceed those seen during the 40‑day conflict earlier this year.

He argues Iran must end the blockade, using any means—talks, pleas, threats, or even renewed conflict—because trying to live with it could spill over into bigger problems. He warns that believing the blockade can be bypassed while still governing is the worst mistake.

Citing decades of sanctions, he says past work‑arounds left the economy weak and corruption high. The naval block raises costs dramatically: a container shipped to China now costs about $3,000, while a land route jumps to $12,000. With two million containers moving through southern ports each year, he estimates an extra $18 billion in transport costs annually.

He says relying on overland routes can keep basic supplies flowing for a short time, but the economy will eventually stall. He urges the United States to understand that repeated blockades could trigger severe retaliation, and that Tehran will not simply watch its market collapse.