Rubio Urges China to Intervene as Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Closure

An illustration depicts a 3D-printed oil pipeline with a map of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran in the background.

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to persuade Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz. This call followed U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Rubio made his remarks on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo."

Rubio's comments were prompted by reports from Iran's Press TV, indicating that the Iranian parliament had approved a measure to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is a critical passage for global oil and gas, with approximately 20% of the world's supply passing through it.

Rubio, who also serves as national security advisor, emphasized China's reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for its oil imports. He warned that closing the strait would be a severe error, potentially leading to economic self-destruction for Iran. He also stated that the U.S. had options to address such a move, and other nations should also consider the implications.

Rubio described a closure of the strait as a significant escalation that would necessitate a response from the U.S. and other countries. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

U.S. officials reported that the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites involved a substantial military effort, including bunker-buster bombs, Tomahawk missiles, and numerous military aircraft. These actions represent a further escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Tehran has pledged to defend itself. Rubio cautioned against any retaliatory actions, stating that such a move would be a grave mistake. He also indicated that the U.S. is open to dialogue with Iran.