A former Biden administration official on Tuesday said that President Donald Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "might be helpful" in forcing Iran to negotiate.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, who served as a top national security spokesman under then-President Joe Biden, acknowledged the potential effectiveness of the strategy during a television appearance, signaling rare bipartisan recognition of Trump's hard-line approach, The Hill reported.
"I think as a potential diplomatic tactic, it might be helpful," Kirby said during a TV interview, noting the blockade could increase pressure not only on Iran but also on key allies like China that depend heavily on Gulf oil shipments.
The blockade, ordered by Trump over the weekend, aims to choke off Iran's oil exports by intercepting vessels traveling to and from its ports.
The move is part of a broader effort to force Tehran back to the negotiating table following stalled talks over its nuclear program and ongoing hostilities with Israel.
Kirby suggested the pressure could push Beijing to take a more active role in diplomacy.
"What this could do is encourage the Chinese to be more helpful with Iran and get them back to the negotiating table," he said, emphasizing China's reliance on energy flowing through the region.
The comments come as U.S. and Iranian officials consider a second round of high-level talks, potentially as soon as this weekend, according to Reuters.
The first meeting in Pakistan — the most direct engagement between the two countries in decades — ended without a breakthrough, though both sides signaled openness to continuing negotiations.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, described Washington's proposal as its "final and best offer," underscoring the administration's insistence that Iran dismantle its nuclear enrichment capabilities.
While critics have warned the blockade could escalate tensions in an already volatile region, some foreign policy experts, including former diplomat Richard Haass, have also argued that increasing economic pressure could force Iran to reconsider its position.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy choke points, with a significant portion of global oil supply passing through it.
Any disruption has immediate ripple effects across international markets, raising both risks and leverage for the United States.
Kirby cautioned, however, that the blockade could create uncertainty for commercial shipping, as companies weigh the risks of operating in contested waters where Iranian forces could still pose a threat.
Still, for supporters of the policy, the acknowledgment from a former Biden official reinforces the argument that strong economic and military pressure is necessary to bring adversaries like Iran to the table.
With a fragile ceasefire in place and negotiations hanging in the balance, the coming days may determine whether Trump's aggressive strategy delivers results or further intensifies the conflict.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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