Notre Dame professor Asher Kaufmann speaks on US blockades

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame professor Asher Kaufmann is warning of significant economic consequences as tensions involving Iran continue to rise. 

Kaufmann stated, "This was a weapon that the Iranians introduced into the war, and now the United States is doing the same, or at least is threatening to do the same, vis-a-vis Iran, and we are in a situation, in my view, that will test the endurance and resilience of both parties. The consequences of closing the strait are primarily economic on a global scale, and the question for Iran and for the United States is who has a stronger resilience to cope with these economic consequences?"

Additional US priorities in ongoing negotiations reportedly include pressuring Iran to halt support for regional proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.