Washington/Beijing (National Times): Amid escalating Middle East tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to intervene diplomatically and stop Iran from potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Rubio’s appeal comes in response to reports from Iran’s state-run Press TV, which stated that the Iranian parliament had approved a proposal to shut the Strait. However, the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The Strait, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, facilitates the passage of nearly 20% of the global oil supply.
Speaking on Fox News, Rubio emphasized the importance of China’s role, given its status as Iran’s top oil customer. “I encourage the Chinese government to call them [Iran] about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” he said. “If they close the Strait, it would be economic suicide for them. We have options to deal with it, but this would hurt other countries far more than it would hurt us.”
Oil prices surged following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with Brent crude spiking to $78.89 per barrel, the highest since January. Analysts warn that any disruption in the Strait could cause further spikes, intensifying global economic stress. “The US now has an overwhelming defence posture in the region to counter any Iranian retaliation,” said Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Financial. “But the risk of further escalation is very real.”
China, which imported over 1.8 million barrels of oil per day from Iran last month, finds itself in a critical position. Other major Asian economies such as India, Japan, and South Korea also rely heavily on oil transported through the Strait. Analysts say a closure would not only rattle oil markets but could also strain Iran’s relations with its Gulf neighbors and its most significant economic partner, China.
Energy expert Vandana Hari stated, “Iran has little to gain and too much to lose by closing the Strait. It risks antagonizing both its regional neighbours and alienating China, its biggest oil customer.”
The geopolitical strain comes on the heels of the U.S. joining the Iran-Israel conflict over the weekend. President Donald Trump claimed Washington had “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites in a major military action. However, independent verification remains limited. The UN nuclear watchdog reported that it was unable to assess the extent of the damage at Iran’s fortified Fordo nuclear facility.
Trump has issued further warnings to Iran, cautioning of even harsher actions if Tehran continues its nuclear pursuits. Meanwhile, China has criticized the U.S. strikes, accusing Washington of deepening instability in the region. China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong called for “immediate restraint and a ceasefire,” while state media accused the U.S. of dragging the region toward an “uncontrollable” situation.
With tensions at a boiling point and oil markets rattled, global stakeholders are watching closely for diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis, with China now at the center of that conversation.
