Washington, June 23 (V7N) – The United States has urged China to persuade Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, amid rising tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that the Biden administration is closely monitoring threats from Tehran to block the strait and is relying on diplomatic channels, including Beijing, to de-escalate the situation. “We are asking China to use its influence to dissuade Iran from making a catastrophic mistake,” Rubio said.
Iranian officials had earlier warned that they may shut down the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Saturday’s U.S. strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. The strait is a vital chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Rubio cautioned that any Iranian attempt to close the strait would trigger “serious consequences,” both militarily and economically. The U.S. Navy maintains a strong presence in the region and has previously intervened during similar threats.
China, a major importer of Iranian oil, has not publicly responded to the U.S. appeal. However, analysts say Beijing has strategic interests in keeping the Strait open and may seek a diplomatic solution to avoid disruption in energy flows.
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