Parsi: U.S. Blockade of Persian Gulf Would Backfire on Trump

Quincy Institute expert says threats to close Strait of Hormuz are negotiating tactics, not signs of renewed conflict.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:07am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary oil tanker ship silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset sky, reflecting in the calm waters of the Strait of Hormuz, conveying the atmospheric tension and high stakes surrounding this critical global chokepoint.As tensions simmer over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a lone oil tanker navigates the calm waters, a reminder of the high stakes and global consequences of any disruption in the region.Quincy Today

Trita Parsi, a foreign policy expert at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, says President Trump's threats to block the Strait of Hormuz should be viewed as negotiating tactics rather than signs that the U.S. and Iran are on the brink of renewed conflict. Parsi argues that a U.S. blockade would only worsen Trump's own political situation.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, and any disruption there could have major economic and geopolitical consequences. Parsi's analysis suggests Trump may be using the threat of a blockade as leverage in ongoing negotiations with Iran, rather than seriously considering military action.

The details

Parsi says neither the U.S. nor Iran has directly threatened to restart the war or end diplomacy, so Trump's rhetoric about blocking the Strait should be seen as negotiating tactics rather than signs of an imminent conflict. He argues that a U.S. blockade would backfire on Trump by further damaging the global economy and his own political standing.

  • Parsi's comments were made on April 13, 2026.

The players

Trita Parsi

A foreign policy expert at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a think tank focused on promoting a more restrained and prudent U.S. foreign policy.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, as part of ongoing negotiations with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“Neither the U.S. nor Iran has threatened or said that they will restart the war, or have said that diplomacy is over, so the threats coming from President Trump to block the Strait of Hormuz should be seen as tactics or exercises within the current negotiations.”

— Trita Parsi, Foreign Policy Expert

The takeaway

Parsi's analysis suggests Trump may be using the threat of a Strait of Hormuz blockade as negotiating leverage rather than seriously considering military action, which could backfire by further damaging the global economy and his own political standing.