Economist Nouriel Roubini warns that the United States' planned naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz resembles a high-stakes game of chicken with Iran. He argues that Iran has the capacity to endure such measures longer than the U.S., potentially gaining strategic advantage by disrupting shipping and maintaining elevated oil prices. According to Roubini, this prolonged standoff could weaken global economic growth while giving Tehran room to recover its influence in regional markets.
Speaking at the Greenwich Economic Forum in Hong Kong, Roubini emphasized that sustained tensions in the strait may not yield the intended outcomes for the U.S., as Iran could leverage energy market volatility to its benefit. The situation underscores the risks of escalation in critical maritime chokepoints, where geopolitical maneuvering directly impacts commodity flows and international trade stability.