Beijing Urges for De-escalating Israel-Iran War amid Concerns over Strait of Hormuz
Beijing has urged the international community to intensify efforts and take actions to de-escalate the tensions between Israel and Iran warning that the conflict could badly affect the global economy, according to Saudi Gazette.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun warned that the continuity of the war may have bad economic impacts as Tehran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Closure of Strait of Hormuz
On Sunday, the Iranian Parliament approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US attacks that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
The measure was submitted to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to make the final decision, Iran’s Press TV said on Sunday.
“The parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing the closure of the Strait,” state news agencies reported.
Revolutionary Guards Commander Esmail Kosari told the Young Journalist Club that closing the Strait of Hormuz, a significant maritime corridor for global oil shipments, is on the agenda and “will be done whenever necessary.”
Importantly, analysts stated that the blockade of the strait which handles nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows, could dramatically push up oil and natural gas prices, risking a global energy and trade crisis.
Call for Chinese Intervention
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently urged China to make use of its diplomatic leverage to persuade Iran to keep the strait open.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them [Iran] about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio had said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
US Attacks on Iran
The move to close the strait comes less than 24 hours after the US airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
“The United States showed that they have no respect to United Nations Charter. They have no respect to international law. They crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear facilities,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Israel-Iran War
On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists.
As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv. Israel also killed several Iranian nuclear scientists in line with its goal to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program.
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Iranian Parliament Approves Closure of Strait of Hormuz after US Strikes
Amid Growing Tensions, Iran Seizes Israeli-linked Ship near Strait of Hormuz
IMF Warns US Strikes on Iran Could Damage Global Growth
