Amid rising tensions, the US government has called on China to take action against Iran's potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil transport. This comes after Iran's parliament expressed support for the closure, prompting fears of skyrocketing oil prices and regional instability.
US Appeals to China to Mediate Iran's Threat to Strait of Hormuz
US Appeals to China to Mediate Iran's Threat to Strait of Hormuz
Secretary of State Rubio urges China to influence Iran over possible closure of vital shipping route, warning of global economic fallout.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reached out to China, urging its government to intervene and prevent Iran from potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, a pivotal maritime passage for oil transportation. This appeal follows reports by Iran's state media that its parliament has supported a plan to close the strait, although the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. Rubio emphasized that any disruption to this key shipping route could have severe economic repercussions globally, particularly for China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil.
He stated during an interview, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them (Iran) about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil." Oil prices have already begun to rise following recent US military actions against Iranian nuclear targets, with the benchmark Brent crude hitting $78.89 per barrel, the highest price in five months.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for the transportation of about 20% of the world’s oil, and its closure could lead to soaring prices that would impact the global economy. Marco Rubio indicated that the consequences would be detrimental to various countries, emphasizing that Iran should reconsider any plans to close the strait, which he described as "economic suicide" for Tehran.
Data suggests that China’s oil imports from Iran exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day last month, highlighting its dependence on Iranian crude. Other Asian countries like India, Japan, and South Korea also rely on oil from this vital passage. Energy analyst Vandana Hari noted that Iran has “little to gain and too much to lose” from closing the strait, suggesting it would alienate its Gulf neighbors and jeopardize its relationship with key markets like China.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region following a series of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with President Donald Trump asserting “obliteration” of Tehran's nuclear capabilities. However, the effectiveness of these strikes remains uncertain, with the United Nations reporting they have been unable to assess the extent of the damage incurred.
In response to the US actions, China criticized Washington's credibility and called for a halt in military aggression, advocating for a peaceful resolution. China’s UN representative Fu Cong implied that the US's involvement has exacerbated tensions in the already volatile Middle Eastern landscape, urging restraint from all parties to avoid destabilizing the situation further.
