Amid escalating Middle East tensions following US airstrikes on Iran, the United States has formally requested China to use its influence to prevent Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. The move signals Washington’s efforts to maintain global energy stability and avoid a potential oil crisis.
Tensions are rising fast in the Middle East. After the United States launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament reacted strongly. They passed a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway where about 20% of the world’s oil passes every day.
This decision has made the world nervous — because closing that route could cause oil prices to shoot up, harm global trade, and possibly lead to military conflict.
To avoid that, the US is asking China to step in and talk to Iran. The hope is that China can use its influence to stop Iran from blocking the Strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow path of water between Iran and Oman. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. This route is very important because a large portion of the world’s oil and gas ships go through here every day.
If Iran blocks it:
⛽ Oil prices could go up fast
💸 Global inflation could increase
🚢 Shipping companies would face delays and extra costs
📉 World economies might slow down
So, even if the action happens in the Middle East, the effect will be felt worldwide — including in the US, Europe, China, and other countries.
Two days ago, the US military attacked several nuclear sites in Iran. The goal was to stop Iran from continuing its nuclear weapons program. These strikes were strong and very precise. After that, Iran’s parliament responded by passing a vote to close the Strait of Hormuz as a way to fight back.
But even though parliament voted for it, the final decision belongs to Iran’s top security council, which is controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
So far, Iran hasn’t taken action yet, but they are thinking about it very seriously.
The US government, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, made a public appeal on TV. He said China should talk to Iran and convince them not to close the Strait.
Rubio explained that China depends on oil that comes through the Strait of Hormuz, and if Iran blocks it, China’s economy would also suffer.
In his words:
“I encourage the Chinese government to call them about that... It would be economic suicide for them [Iran] if they do it.”
This shows how serious the US is — they’re trying diplomacy first to avoid a military reaction.
China is very close to Iran in terms of trade and politics. China buys a lot of oil from Iran and has signed agreements to help Iran with technology and investment.
So the US hopes China can use its influence to calm Iran down and avoid any big mistake.
So far, China has only given a simple statement, saying that “all sides should show restraint.” But now the US wants China to act, not just talk.
Oil prices started to go up as soon as this news broke.
Brent crude oil jumped to over $81 a barrel, then dropped slightly but stayed high. That means traders are worried that a real closure could happen.
If Iran closes the Strait:
Fuel prices around the world could jump
Airline tickets might go up
Food and shipping costs would increase
This could make inflation worse — especially in countries like India, Japan, South Korea, and even Europe and the US.
Because of the tension, stock markets around the world opened with a dip on June 23.
In India, the Nifty 50 and Sensex dropped nearly 1%.
In Europe, investors are being cautious.
Energy company stocks went up, while travel and transport companies saw losses.
Investors are now watching three things:
Right now, there are three possible outcomes:
1️⃣ Iran backs down, and the Strait remains open. China may help calm the situation. Oil prices return to normal. This is the best-case scenario.
2️⃣ Iran closes the Strait, fully or partially. The US and its allies may react with force. Oil prices could rise over $100. Inflation would rise globally.
3️⃣ Iran disrupts shipping, without a full closure. Oil prices stay unstable. Tensions stay high for weeks or months.
The next 2 to 3 days are very important. Iran’s leaders are meeting. The US is talking to allies. China’s next move could make a huge difference.
Some experts believe Iran may not close the Strait, but just create fear by threatening to do so.
Iran has done this before — they’ve seized ships, sent fast boats to scare tankers, and used drones. That might be enough to keep oil prices high without risking a war.
Others say Iran could take real action this time, especially if China or Russia support them.
Either way, the world is now watching this area very closely.
The US reaching out to China shows how serious this situation has become. This isn’t just about Iran anymore — it’s about keeping the global energy system stable.
If Iran closes the Strait, the world could enter a new energy crisis. Prices would go up, economies could slow, and political tensions would increase everywhere.
But if diplomacy works — and China helps cool things down — then we may avoid the worst.
Let’s hope the world chooses peace.
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