A former senior official from the Biden administration said Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz could serve as an effective tool to push Iran back into negotiations.

Retired Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby, who previously acted as a leading national security spokesperson under President Joe Biden, said during a television appearance that the strategy may carry diplomatic value, reflecting a notable degree of agreement across party lines regarding Trump’s tougher posture, according to The Hill.

“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 naval restrictions, ordered by Trump over the weekend, are intended to cut off Iran’s ability to export oil by stopping ships moving to and from its ports.

This step is part of a larger campaign aimed at compelling Tehran to return to talks after negotiations over its nuclear program stalled and tensions with Israel continued.

Kirby indicated that the move could also influence China’s behavior, potentially prompting Beijing to become more engaged in resolving the standoff.

“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.

His remarks come as American and Iranian officials weigh the possibility of holding another round of high-level discussions, possibly as soon as the coming weekend, Reuters reported.

An initial round of talks in Pakistan — marking the most direct dialogue between the two sides in decades — ended without a breakthrough, although both countries expressed willingness to keep the process going.

Vice President JD Vance, who headed the U.S. delegation, characterized Washington’s proposal as its “final and best offer,” signaling that the administration is demanding Iran fully dismantle its uranium enrichment program.

Despite warnings from critics that the blockade risks heightening tensions in an already unstable region, some analysts, including former diplomat Richard Haass, have argued that stronger economic pressure could force Iran to shift its stance.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world, carrying a large share of global oil supplies.

Any interruption to traffic through the strait can quickly impact global markets, increasing both the risks involved and the leverage available to the United States.

Kirby also warned that the blockade could introduce new uncertainty for commercial shipping, as companies assess the dangers of operating in waters where Iranian forces could still pose a threat.

Even so, supporters of the policy point to Kirby’s comments as validation of the view that sustained economic and military pressure is essential to bringing adversaries like Iran to the negotiating table.

With a delicate ceasefire holding and negotiations at a critical juncture, the next few days could prove decisive in determining whether Trump’s hardline approach yields progress or leads to further escalation.