Iran says U.S. blockade could hurt more than war, urges avoidant missteps

Majidreza Hariri, head of Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, says the U.S. naval blockade would inflict more economic damage on Iran than direct war and warns that attempting to circumvent it could cripple the economy. He cites higher transport costs—per‑container rates rising from about $3,000 to $12,000 via land routes—potentially adding about $18 billion a year with 2 million containers moving through Iran, and notes Tehran could retaliate while seeking sanctions relief through negotiations as experts warn the economy is near collapse.