The United States has called on China to intervene diplomatically and dissuade Iran from executing a controversial plan to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. This follows reports by Iran’s state-run Press TV that Iranian lawmakers had approved a proposal to shut the Strait, although the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council.
The development comes amid heightened tensions after the US launched strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. While President Donald Trump claimed the strikes had “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iran downplayed the impact, stating only minor damage occurred at the fortified Fordo site.
Senator Marco Rubio, speaking to Fox News, underscored the global economic stakes, warning that any attempt to close the Strait would be “economic suicide” for Iran. He added that countries heavily reliant on the passage—particularly China, the largest importer of Iranian oil—should actively discourage Tehran from such drastic actions.
Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruption could send oil prices soaring, as already witnessed following the US strikes. Brent crude surged to $78.89 per barrel on Sunday—the highest since January.
Energy experts say the impact of a closure would be catastrophic, not just for Iran but also for its regional neighbours and primary oil clients in Asia, including India, Japan, and South Korea. China alone imported over 1.8 million barrels of Iranian oil per day last month, according to ship tracking data from Vortexa.
Energy analyst Vandana Hari warned that Iran has “little to gain and too much to lose” by escalating tensions in the Strait. Such a move risks alienating its Gulf neighbours and its biggest economic ally, China.
Beijing has condemned the US military strikes, accusing Washington of inflaming the situation. China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong urged restraint from all parties and called for an immediate ceasefire to avoid further destabilisation.
As geopolitical friction intensifies, the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint with global ramifications economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
