Secretary Rubio urges China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz,a critical global oil trade route,highlighting China’s dependence on the waterway. This urgent plea comes amidst escalating tensions, wiht Iran signaling it “reserves all options” following U.S. strikes. The potential closure of this vital strait could trigger severe economic impacts, pushing oil prices to surge, say experts from Goldman Sachs and Rapidan Energy. Closing it would be “economic suicide” for Iran, as it is indeed a primary source for its exports. But what role is China willing to take to prevent this drastic shutdown? we at News Directory 3 are analyzing this complex situation. With the U.S. Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, the stakes are high. Discover what’s next …
rubio Urges China to Play Role in Preventing Iran Strait Closure
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday appealed to China to leverage its relationship with Iran to prevent the closure of the Strait of hormuz. The strait is a critical global oil trade route.
Rubio, in a Fox News interview, emphasized China’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for its oil imports. China is Iran’s largest oil customer and maintains close ties with the nation.
The plea comes after Iran’s foreign minister stated the country ”reserves all options to defend its sovereignty” following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian state media reported parliamentary support for potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, though the final decision rests with Iran’s national security council.
Closing the Strait of Hormuz could severely impact the global economy. The Energy Details Administration reported that approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil, representing 20% of global consumption, passed through the strait daily in 2024.
While some analysts, like those at JPMorgan, believe the risk of closure is low due to potential U.S. intervention, others warn the market may be underestimating the potential for disruption. Goldman Sachs and Rapidan Energy project oil prices could surge above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed for an extended period.
It would be a self-inflicted wound: cutting off the Strait would stop the flow of its crude exports to China, halting a key revenue stream,”
Rubio stated that closing the strait would be ”economic suicide” for Iran, as it would halt its own oil exports. He added that the U.S. retains options to respond to any attempt to close the waterway, calling it “a massive escalation that would merit a response, not just by us, but from others.”
Kpler data indicates Iran exported 1.84 million barrels per day last month, primarily to China, and about half of China’s waterborne crude imports originate from the Persian Gulf. Iran is the third-largest oil producer in OPEC,with a production of 3.3 million barrels per day.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet,stationed in Bahrain,is responsible for protecting maritime trade in the Persian Gulf. While many believe the U.S.Navy could quickly counter any Iranian blockade, Bob McNally, founder of Rapidan Energy, suggests disruptions could last weeks or months.
What’s next
The international community watches closely, as the U.S. weighs its options and China considers its role in de-escalating tensions and ensuring the stability of global oil supplies. The potential for further escalation remains a significant concern for energy markets.
