US urges China to dissuade Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called, on June 22, on China to urge Iran not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Rubio's remarks came in an interview with Fox News after Iran’s Press TV reported that the Iranian parliament had approved a measure to close the strategic waterway, which handles nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments.

Rubio, who also serves as the US National Security Advisor, emphasized that China should engage with Iran on the matter, given its heavy reliance on oil supplies passing through the strait.

He described any attempt by Iran to close the passage as a serious miscalculation that would carry severe economic consequences, particularly for Iran.

He noted that while the US retains various options to address such a move, other nations should also consider its potential economic impact, which could be greater for them than for the United States.

Rubio said that closing the strait would represent a major escalation, one that would likely prompt a response from the US and other nations.

There has been no official comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

According to US officials, the recent strikes destroyed Iran’s key nuclear facilities using 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than 24 Tomahawk missiles, and over 125 military aircraft.

The strikes further escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Tehran has vowed to defend itself.

Rubio today warned Iran against retaliating, saying such a move would be the worst mistake they’ve ever made, adding that the United States remains open to dialogue with Iran.