US Urges China to Dissuade Iran from Closing the Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

Washington, D.C. – Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to use its influence with Iran to prevent the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Rubio’s comments follow reports from Iran’s state-run Press TV that the Iranian parliament has approved a plan to block the strait, although the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. The move has alarmed global markets, as any disruption to oil transit through the strait could have catastrophic economic consequences.

The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy supply—nearly 20% of the world’s oil flows through this narrow waterway, which is used by major oil-producing nations in the Gulf. A blockade could send oil prices soaring and strain economies worldwide, especially in Asia.

Rubio, speaking in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, addressed Beijing directly:

“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. If they close the strait, it would be economic suicide for them.”

He added that while the U.S. has “options to deal with that,” he emphasized that other countries, particularly those dependent on Gulf oil, should also take the threat seriously.

Oil Prices Surge as Military Conflict Escalates

The geopolitical shockwaves have already rattled energy markets. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Brent crude prices spiked to $78.89 a barrel, the highest level since January. Energy analyst Saul Kavonic from MST Financial warned that the price rally could be just the beginning:

“The U.S. now has an overwhelming defense posture in the region, prepared for potential Iranian retaliation. But the real risk is that this situation could escalate much further,” Kavonic said.

China’s Strategic Position and Oil Dependency

China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, imported over 1.8 million barrels per day from Iran last month, according to data from ship-tracking firm Vortexa. Other Asian economies, including India, Japan, and South Korea, also rely heavily on crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

Beijing has expressed concern over the growing instability. On Monday, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong criticized the U.S. strikes on Iran, calling for restraint and a ceasefire.

“All parties should restrain the impulse of force and avoid adding fuel to the fire,” Fu said, as quoted by state broadcaster CCTV.

China’s state-run Global Times echoed this sentiment in an editorial, accusing the U.S. of complicating the conflict and pushing the region toward an “uncontrollable state.”

Experts Warn Iran Risks Losing Allies

Analysts say that Iran stands to lose more than it could gain by blocking the strait. Vandana Hari, an energy market expert, told BBC News:

“Iran risks turning its oil- and gas-producing neighbors into enemies and angering its most important customer, China, by attempting to close the Strait.”

Despite Iran's claims of minimal damage to its Fordo underground nuclear site, uncertainty remains. The UN nuclear watchdog said it was unable to verify the extent of destruction due to lack of access.

Conclusion

The developing situation in the Middle East is testing global alliances and energy security. While Iran maintains that its nuclear infrastructure is largely intact, the region teeters on the edge of escalation. The U.S. has warned of “far worse” consequences if Iran pursues its nuclear ambitions, while China has called for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.

As the Strait of Hormuz becomes a potential flashpoint, all eyes are now on Tehran, Washington, and Beijing — and on whether diplomacy can prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.