### U.S. Appeals to China Amid Rising Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz The U.S. government, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has made an urgent appeal to China to intervene in preventing Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage for global oil trade. This request comes in the wake of escalating tensions following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have prompted Iran to consider retaliatory measures that could disrupt a route through which approximately 20% of the world's oil flows. The situation is critical, as the closure of this strait could have dire economic implications not only for Iran but for the global economy as a whole [https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/us-urges-china-to-keep-iran-from-shutting-strait-of-hormuz-1.500173148][https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46047256/marco-rubio-urges-china-to-intervene-calls-strait-of-hormuz-closure-economic-suicide-for-iran-we-retain-options-to-deal-with-that]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation and U.S. Strategy 1. **Background Context**: - The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil transportation, with significant geopolitical implications. - Recent U.S. military actions against Iran have heightened tensions, prompting Iranian lawmakers to consider closing the strait as a form of retaliation [https://www.keloland.com/hill-politics/strait-of-hormuz-becomes-flash-point-in-us-iran-conflict]. 2. **U.S. Diplomatic Efforts**: - Secretary Rubio has publicly urged China to leverage its influence over Iran to prevent any closure of the strait, labeling such an action as "economic suicide" for Iran [https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/u-s-calls-on-china-to-prevent-iran-from-closing-strait-of-hormuz-and-disrupting-global-oil-flows/3869232]. - The U.S. is emphasizing the global economic repercussions that would arise from a closure, aiming to rally international support against Iran's potential actions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3467378-diplomatic-strain-us-china-and-the-strait-of-hormuz-dilemma]. 3. **Iran's Position**: - Iran's government has indicated that it "reserves all options" to defend its sovereignty, suggesting a readiness to escalate tensions if provoked [https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/u-s-calls-on-china-to-prevent-iran-from-closing-strait-of-hormuz-and-disrupting-global-oil-flows/3869232]. - The Iranian Parliament's approval of measures to close the strait reflects a significant shift in their strategic posture following U.S. military actions [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/us-asks-china-stop-iran-085405602.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Global Oil Flow**: Approximately **20%** of the world's oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making its closure a critical concern for global markets [https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/us-iran-strikes-strait-of-hormuz-potential-closure-china-plea-749117-20250623]. - **Economic Impact**: Analysts warn that a closure could lead to skyrocketing oil prices and significant disruptions in global supply chains, affecting economies worldwide [https://www.nationalworld.com/news/world/where-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-what-is-it-will-iran-close-it-as-us-asks-china-to-stop-country-5188661]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture in U.S.-Iran Relations 1. **Immediate Concerns**: The U.S. is facing a critical juncture where diplomatic efforts are essential to prevent a potential crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. 2. **Global Implications**: The closure of this strait would not only impact Iran but could also lead to severe economic consequences globally, emphasizing the need for international cooperation [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-urges-china-prevent-iran-113000804.html]. 3. **Call to Action**: The U.S. is actively seeking China's intervention to mitigate the risks posed by Iran's aggressive posturing, highlighting the interconnectedness of global trade and security [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/marco-rubio-warns-iran-against-closing-strait-of-hormuz-calls-it-economic-suicide-urges-china-to-intervene/articleshow/122008452.cms].