US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday urged China to help deter Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
"I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to discuss this issue, as they heavily rely on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil," Rubio stated on the US network Fox News.
Analysts suggest that Iran might choose to retaliate against Washington’s attack, which occurred early Sunday, by closing the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil production passes.
"If they do this, it will be another grave mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they proceed, and we have options to address it," the American diplomat added.
"Other countries too should be concerned about this issue, as their economies would be far more affected than ours. I believe it would be a significant escalation that warrants a response, not only from us but from other nations as well," he emphasised.
Earlier, Iran threatened US military bases in the Middle East, with an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating they would be regarded "as legitimate targets."
China, alongside Russia and several Arab states, has condemned the US attacks, declaring that they "exacerbate tensions in the Middle East."
