US Appeals to China to Deter Iran's Potential Closure of Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Surge

The United States has urged China to engage in diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from closing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The closure could have severe consequences for the global economy by disrupting oil shipments.

During an interview with Fox News on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that China, as the largest importer of Iranian oil, has considerable influence over Tehran. Rubio's comments followed reports from Iran's state-run Press TV that its parliament had considered a plan to shut the strait, although the ultimate decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.

Rubio stated, "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil." He added that any closure would be tantamount to "economic suicide" for Iran and could harm other nations' economies even more than the US, despite having options to respond.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the world's oil supplies passing through it daily. It is an essential route for major oil and gas producers in the Middle East to export their products.

In the wake of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching a five-month high of $81.40 per barrel before stabilizing at $78 on Monday morning.

Energy analyst Saul Kavonic from MST Financial commented on the situation, noting that the region is now heavily militarized. "The US is now positioned with an overwhelming defense posture in the region to be prepared for any Iran counter-attacks," he said, pointing out that oil markets remain vulnerable to significant escalation.

The potential closure of the strait has raised concerns among several countries. According to ship-tracking firm Vortexa, China imported over 1.8 million barrels per day of Iranian crude last month. Other major Asian economies such as India, Japan, and South Korea also heavily rely on oil transported through the strait.

Energy expert Vandana Hari expressed skepticism about Iran's move, telling the BBC that closing the waterway would result in "little to gain and too much to lose" for Iran. "Iran risks turning its oil and gas producing neighbors in the Gulf into enemies and invoking the ire of its key market China," she explained.

Meanwhile, China has criticized the US airstrikes, with its UN Ambassador Fu Cong calling for immediate de-escalation and restraint. Speaking to reporters, he urged all parties to avoid actions that would exacerbate tensions.

The Global Times, China's state-run newspaper, similarly criticized the US, stating in an editorial that Washington's involvement has complicated and destabilized the Middle East, warning of an increasingly uncontrollable situation.

While US President Donald Trump asserted that the airstrikes had "obliterated" Iranian nuclear sites, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that it has been unable to verify the full extent of the damage, particularly at the Fordo underground facility. Iran, on the other hand, has downplayed the impact, claiming only minor damage occurred.

Tensions remain elevated in the region as diplomatic efforts are met with military maneuvers, and global energy markets continue to respond to these unfolding events.