China’s Role in US-Iran Tensions and the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz targeting vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, escalating tensions in a region vital to global oil supplies and drawing sharp criticism from China, which relies heavily on Iranian crude.

The blockade, announced after weekend negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapsed over Iran’s nuclear program and regional conflicts, took effect at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, April 13, 2026, according to U.S. Central Command. Tanker traffic through the strait, which had begun to inch higher following a two-week ceasefire declared by Trump the previous week, came to a halt within hours of the announcement, as reported by Lloyd’s List Intelligence.

At least two vessels that appeared to be heading for the exit turned back following the blockade order. Crude oil prices surged in response, with U.S. WTI futures for May delivery jumping more than 8% to $104.40 a barrel and Brent crude rising over 7% to $101.86, reflecting investor concerns over a further squeeze on Persian Gulf supply.

China, the world’s largest buyer of Iranian crude, condemned the U.S. Action as “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning it would further inflame tensions in the region. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the blockade, coupled with increased U.S. Military deployment, risks undermining an already fragile ceasefire situation and emphasized that only a comprehensive ceasefire could ease conditions in the strait.

The ministry dismissed reports of China supplying weapons to Iran as “completely made up,” reiterating Beijing’s call for peace talks to restore stability in the Middle East. China has long backed the Iranian regime and has a key interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, given its dependence on Iranian energy supplies.

Analysts warned the blockade could deepen what has already been described as the worst energy shock in history, noting that approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption threatens global supply chains and has already triggered significant volatility in energy markets.

The situation remains fluid, with regional and global stakeholders closely monitoring developments in a waterway critical to international trade and energy security.