The United States has called on China to intervene diplomatically to prevent Iran from closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire global economic consequences if oil shipments are disrupted.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the appeal during an interview with Fox News on Sunday, stating that China, as the largest importer of Iranian oil, holds significant leverage over Tehran. His comments came after Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that parliament had approved a plan to shut the Strait, though final authorization rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said. He warned that any closure would be “economic suicide” for Iran and added that while the US has options to respond, the move would hurt other countries’ economies even more.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with around 20% of global oil supplies passing through it daily. It serves as a vital route for major oil and gas producers in the Middle East to export their products.
Following the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites under Operation Midnight Hammer, oil prices surged, with Brent crude briefly touching a five-month high of $81.40 a barrel before settling back to $78 on Monday morning.
Energy analyst Saul Kavonic of MST Financial noted that the region is now heavily militarized. “The US is now positioned with an overwhelming defence posture in the region to be prepared for any Iran counter-attacks,” he said, adding that oil markets remain exposed to severe escalation.
Iran’s potential move has drawn concern from several nations. China alone imported over 1.8 million barrels per day of Iranian crude last month, according to ship-tracking firm Vortexa. Other major Asian economies like India, Japan, and South Korea also rely heavily on oil that transits the strait.
Energy expert Vandana Hari told the BBC that Iran has “little to gain and too much to lose” from closing the waterway. “Iran risks turning its oil and gas producing neighbours in the Gulf into enemies and invoking the ire of its key market China,” she said.
Meanwhile, China has sharply criticized the US strikes. Its UN Ambassador Fu Cong called for immediate de-escalation and restraint. “All parties should restrain the impulse of force… and adding fuel to the fire,” he told reporters.
The Global Times, China’s state-run newspaper, echoed this sentiment in an editorial, blaming the US for complicating and destabilizing the Middle East. It warned that Washington’s involvement was pushing the situation toward an “uncontrollable state.”
While US President Donald Trump claimed that the airstrikes had “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it has been unable to verify the extent of the damage, particularly at the underground Fordo facility. Iran has downplayed the impact, saying only minor damage occurred.
Tensions remain high in the region as diplomatic efforts clash with military posturing, and global energy markets continue to react to developments in real time.
