US Wants China to Help Stop Iran from Closing Key Sea Route

The United States has called on China to step in and talk Iran out of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway that carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the plea during a Fox News interview, urging Beijing to use its strong ties with Tehran to calm tensions. His remarks followed reports that Iran’s parliament had backed a plan to shut the Strait, though the final decision lies with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Rubio didn’t mince words. “They depend on the Strait for their own oil,” he said, referring to China. “If Iran closes it, that would be economic suicide for them. And while we have ways to respond, this is something that will hit other economies even harder than ours.”

The situation heated up after US forces struck Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, causing oil prices to spike. Brent crude briefly jumped to over $81 per barrel, its highest in five months before settling around $78. The tension is already being felt in global markets, and the fear is that it could get worse fast.

Experts warn that any action disrupting the Strait could have major ripple effects. Prices at the pump could shoot up, and the cost of goods could rise worldwide. That’s because oil isn’t just for cars, it fuels shipping, power plants, and even food production.

For China, the stakes are even higher. It’s the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, importing nearly two million barrels per day. If the Strait is blocked, China’s supply chain takes a direct hit. Other countries in Asia like India, Japan, and South Korea also depend heavily on crude that travels through this route.

Some analysts believe Iran is playing with fire. “Iran would risk alienating its own neighbors and angering China if it actually shuts down the Strait,” said energy analyst Vandana Hari. “There’s more to lose than gain.”

The US, meanwhile, says it’s ready for anything. Military assets are already in position in the Gulf, prepared for possible retaliation from Iran. But while the US flexes its muscles, China is pushing for de-escalation.

In a statement, China’s UN ambassador urged restraint and called on all sides to avoid adding fuel to the fire. Beijing also criticized the US airstrikes, saying they’ve worsened the conflict and hurt America’s credibility on the global stage.

China’s state-run newspaper, Global Times, echoed that sentiment, accusing the US of dragging the region into deeper instability. They warned that the conflict could spiral out of control if things aren’t dialed down soon.