The United States has asked China to use its influence to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows. The request came after Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that the Iranian parliament had approved a plan to block the strait, although the final decision rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in a Sunday interview on Fox News, said China has a lot to lose if Iran follows through on the threat, as it is the largest buyer of Iranian oil. “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that,” he said. “If they close the Straits, it will be economic suicide for them.” He also warned that the U.S. has “options to deal with that,” but said other countries should be equally concerned, since many rely on oil passing through the strait.
Tensions rose following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, global oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching $78.89 per barrel on Sunday, its highest price since January. Analysts say any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would send prices even higher, potentially affecting fuel and food costs worldwide.
China’s imports of Iranian oil surpassed 1.8 million barrels per day last month, making it Tehran’s most important energy customer. Other major Asian economies like India, Japan, and South Korea also depend heavily on oil that passes through the strait.
Energy analyst Vandana Hari said Iran would be taking a major risk by closing the route, warning that it could lose critical regional support and damage its relationship with China. “Iran has little to gain and too much to lose,” she told the BBC.
The U.S. says its military is now fully prepared for any possible Iranian retaliation. However, Beijing has criticized the U.S. strikes, saying they harmed Washington’s global credibility and urged all parties to de-escalate. China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong called for restraint, warning against further fueling the conflict.
With both military tensions and oil prices rising, the situation in the Middle East remains fragile.
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