The United States government has asked China to work to dissuade Iran to close the Ormuz Strait, a strategic point where about 20% of all the sea carried out in the world. The appeal was made on Sunday (22) by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, after the Iranian Parliament approve a measure to block traffic on the channel.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to contact them about it, because they depend strongly on the Ormuz Strait for their oil,” said Rubio, also US National Security Counselor, during an interview with FOX NEWS.
The statement occurs after the US release Air attacks coordinated against Iranian nuclear facilities. The offensive, authorized by President Donald Trump, hit the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan units, considered central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
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Risk to global oil flow
Rubio classified the possibility of blockade as a high -risk movement. “If they do this, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them,” he said. “This would damage the economies of other countries much more than ours.”
According to the parliamentarian, the US has “options to deal with the situation,” but warned that other countries should mobilize, given the potential impact on global energy markets. China, the main buyer of oil that travels through ormuz, is seen as a key actor who has an influence on Tehran.
The vessel of approximately 20.1 million barrels per day by the narrow represents a quarter of the global oil supply and 42% of Chinese imports, as well as 25% of what is consumed in Europe, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
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Regional climbing
The tension has increased since Israel began an air offensive against Iranian targets on June 13. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israeli cities, which culminated in the US military response. Washington said he used 14 anti-Bunker pumps, Tomahawk missiles and more than 125 aircraft to reach Iranian subterranean nuclear complexes.
Tehran promised to answer, and Parliament approved the closing proposal of the Strait. The final decision depends on the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has not yet officially manifested.
Rubio warned that any direct retaliation of Iran would be “the worst mistake they have ever made” and again said the USA maintains openness to dialogue, but will not tolerate new threats to regional stability.
