US Calls on China to Influence Iran Against Strait Closure

In a recent statement, the United States has urged China to intervene with Iran regarding its potential plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and gas shipments. This appeal follows military actions taken by the US against Iranian nuclear facilities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of the Strait of Hormuz during an appearance on a news program, noting that approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas passes through this vital waterway. He highlighted that Iran's parliament has approved a proposal to shut down the strait, which Rubio described as an economically detrimental move for Iran itself.

Rubio stated that such an action would not only be a significant escalation of the ongoing tensions but could provoke a strong response from the US and its allies. He pointed out that the Iranian economy is heavily reliant on the strait for its oil exports, and closing it would be a severe miscalculation.

The US military recently conducted extensive strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, employing advanced weaponry, including bunker-buster bombs and numerous missiles. This military escalation has intensified the conflict in the region, prompting further reactions from Iran, which has vowed to defend its interests vigorously.

Rubio warned that any retaliation from Iran in response to US actions would be a grave mistake, reiterating that the US is open to dialogue with Tehran under appropriate circumstances. He urged other nations to consider the broader economic implications of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that such a decision could have far-reaching effects beyond the immediate region.

While the Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet commented on the matter, the US is keen on seeing China leverage its relationship with Iran to prevent any disruptions to global oil supplies.