Iran business leader admits U.S. blockade will inflict more economic damage than war, and the ‘worst thing that could happen’ is trying to evade it

President Donald Trump is doubling down on wielding economic pressure to squeeze Iran as his military options dwindle, and Tehran’s business community warned the naval blockade will cause far-reaching harm.

In an interview with Iran’s Khabar Online outlet, the head of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce said “the consequences of the blockade far outweigh those of a direct war.”

Majidreza Hariri added that the economic crisis and shortages currently ravaging Iran under the blockade are more severe than they were during the 40-day war earlier this year.

As a result, Iran must find a way to end the blockade one way or another, whether by way of negotiations, pleading, threats or even renewing war against the U.S., he said. That’s because trying to cope with the blockade would lead to dangerous spillover effects.

“The worst thing that could happen today is believing that the naval blockade can be circumvented and attempting to govern the country despite its continuation,” Hariri said.

He pointed to Iran’s decades-long experience under Western sanctions, saying the methods that were used skirt th...