On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for China to step in and prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global commerce.
During an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” host Maria Bartiromo questioned Rubio about the potential for Iran to block oil shipments worldwide by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio responded, suggesting that Beijing should reach out to Tehran, especially since China depends significantly on this strait for its oil supplies.
With concerns growing over Iran’s possible retaliation after the U.S. targeted three nuclear facilities, Rubio highlighted that such a move by Iran would amount to “economic suicide.” He cautioned that if Iran were to proceed, it might provoke intervention from other nations.
“It would be a huge mistake on their part. Closing the strait would be disastrous for them,” Rubio stated. “We have options to respond.”
He further noted, “Other countries should recognize this as well. It would negatively impact their economies as well. I see this as a significant escalation that requires attention from not just us, but the global community.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, when asked about possible actions China might take if Iran closes the strait, suggested that the international community should aim to “enhance efforts to promote disembarking,” according to a report by The New York Times.
Rubio also indicated in a conversation with Fox Business that the U.S. would only launch further attacks if Iran responds aggressively.
“What follows will rely on their actions,” he mentioned. “They appear eager to negotiate, and while that’s hopeful, they are also flirting with dangerous actions. There would be significant repercussions.”
Iran’s parliament took steps on Sunday to authorize closing the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. airstrikes on nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordau.
Closing this passage between Iran and Oman could have dire implications for both the global and U.S. economies.
The Strait of Hormuz, with its suitable dimensions for the largest crude oil tankers, is crucial; according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), disruptions here are rare. In 2024, the strait facilitated the flow of around 20 million barrels, equating to 20% of global oil consumption.
