WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 22 called on china to encourage Iran to not shut down the Strait of Hormuz after Washington carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Mr Rubio’s comments on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo show came after Iran’s Press TV reported that the Iranian Parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuzthrough wich around 20 per cent of global oil and gas flows.

“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” said Mr Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser.

“If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours.”

Mr Rubio said a move to close the strait would be a massive escalation that would merit a response from the US and others.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not promptly provide comment.

US officials said it “obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites using 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft. The strikes mark an escalation in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.

Tehran has vowed to defend itself. Mr Rubio on June 22 warned against retaliation, saying such an action would be “the worst mistake they’ve ever made.”

He added that the US is prepared to talk with Iran. REUTERS

Rising Tensions in the Middle east

Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to intervene and dissuade Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil.”

According to Press TV, the Iranian Parliament has approved a measure to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Rubio, speaking on Fox News’ sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, emphasized the potential economic consequences for Iran and other nations if the Strait were closed.

US Response and International Concerns

Mr. Rubio characterized any move to close the Strait as a “massive escalation” that would necessitate a response from the US and its allies. He also cautioned Iran against retaliation for the US strikes,stating that such action would be a “terrible mistake”. While the Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet commented, the US has indicated its willingness to engage in discussions with Iran.