The United States has formally urged China to leverage its growing influence over Iran to prevent any attempt by Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas trade. This diplomatic appeal comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns that Iran may use the threat of closure as retaliation against Israel or the West.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. It is approximately 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, yet it handles around 20% of the world's petroleum, making it a vital artery for energy markets. The strait serves as the primary passage for oil exports from Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait. Disruption in this region could spike global energy prices and destabilize international markets.

The U.S. has historically maintained a significant naval presence in the region to ensure the freedom of navigation. Tensions in the strait have flared multiple times, most notably during the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), when both sides targeted oil tankers in what became known as the “Tanker War.” In more recent years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intermittently harassed commercial vessels, leading to multiple standoffs with Western navies.

The current concern arises from Iran’s warnings that it may retaliate against Western and Israeli military actions by targeting maritime traffic in the strait. In response, the U.S. is looking to China, a major buyer of Iranian oil and a strategic partner of Tehran, to act as a diplomatic buffer. According to reports, U.S. officials have conveyed to Beijing that any Iranian move to close or restrict access to the strait would be met with serious consequences and could destabilize regional peace and China’s energy imports.

By appealing to China’s economic interests and its leverage over Iran, Washington aims to de-escalate tensions without direct military confrontation. The move highlights Washington’s evolving strategy of involving global powers with regional influence to manage flashpoints diplomatically. While China has not issued a formal response, it has long advocated for “stability and security” in the Gulf, emphasizing diplomacy over military escalation.