Former Mossad chief advocates for Hormuz blockade over third war against Iran

Former Mossad director David Barnea stated late Wednesday night in New York that an extended and full-fledged blockade of Iran at the Strait of Hormuz represents the best available option to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Speaking to an audience in the United States, Barnea outlined a strategy that prioritizes economic pressure as the most effective lever at the current stage of the conflict.

While Barnea acknowledged the strategic value of a third major military attack on Iran, he noted that such an operation would significantly harm the global economy. He argued that a strike alone would not likely eliminate the nuclear threat or other dangers posed by the Islamic Republic, even though it could contribute to the eventual fall of the regime.

Barnea explained that the blockade strategy relies on the vulnerability of the Iranian economy. He stated that the regime would struggle to survive if its financial structure collapsed due to a lack of income from oil exports. This approach, he suggested, is more useful overall than either launching another war or attempting to negotiate a comprehensive deal.

The former intelligence chief emphasized that this option requires significant endurance, patience, and determination. He highlighted the resilience of the Iranian population, noting that millions are waiting to seize freedom from the regime. Barnea described the Iranian people as having proven their noble courage in the face of ongoing challenges.

His nuanced position contrasts with the stance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has pressed unequivocally for a third war against Iran. It also differs from the position of US President Donald Trump, who has shown theoretical openness to a partial nuclear deal with Tehran. Barnea's recommendation seeks a middle path that maximizes pressure while minimizing immediate global economic disruption.

Regarding the prospects for diplomacy, Barnea remains skeptical. He is opposed to any agreement with Iran unless it comprehensively dismantles the nuclear program. Since he believes the Islamic Republic would never fully comply with such stringent terms, he doubts that diplomacy can resolve the issue on its own.

Barnea described the likelihood of securing a deal that Iran would respect as low. He argued that an agreement with what he termed a terror regime, whose aspiration is to develop nuclear weapons, would be perceived as a prize for its current strategy of destruction. He warned that such a deal would essentially provide the regime with a gift of immunity and permanent stability.

He cautioned that in any negotiated deal, Iran would continue to try to acquire a nuclear weapon in the long term. Barnea stated that an agreement ensuring zero nuclear capabilities is unlikely to be honored by the regime, which he said has slaughtered thousands of its own people.

Addressing the political dynamics in Washington, Barnea commented on President Trump's decision-making. He noted that the US president paid a huge political price for doing the right thing, illustrating that correct choices are not always the popular ones. Barnea also shared anecdotes related to his involvement in previous operations, including the beeper explosions and the assassination of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

The former Mossad director concluded by warning that while war is a highly effective option, it carries massive consequences that would shake up the global energy market and economy. He maintained that a military attack would lead to a faster collapse of the regime, which is already fighting for its survival, but the blockade remains the preferred immediate strategy.