A brewing storm in the Persian Gulf has sent fresh shockwaves across global markets, as Iran’s parliament signals support for closing the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway that quietly carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil. With the U.S. launching strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and China emerging as both Tehran’s ally and top oil buyer, tensions are rising faster than oil prices. As world leaders scramble to steady this ticking oil-clock, one question hangs heavy: can diplomacy outpace disaster in the world’s most sensitive shipping lane?

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Iran’s parliament backs closure of the Strait of Hormuz; final decision pending

• 20% of global oil flows through the strait, making it vital to the global economy

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges China to prevent Iranian action

• China imports over 1.8 million barrels/day from Iran, making it a key stakeholder

• Oil prices jump after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

• UN unable to assess full damage to Iran’s Fordo site

• Beijing criticizes U.S. attacks, calls for restraint

• Energy analysts warn Iran could isolate itself by closing the strait

• India, Japan, South Korea, and Greece among nations vulnerable to disruption

• Global inflation concerns reignited amid rising oil volatility

As tensions escalate across the Persian Gulf following the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, fresh concerns have emerged over the stability of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most vital arteries for global oil shipments. In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to take an active role in persuading Iran to back off from its alleged plans to close the strait.

Iran’s state broadcaster, Press TV, reported that the country’s parliament had endorsed a proposal to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. However, it also clarified that the final decision rests with the nation’s Supreme National Security Council. While the measure has not yet been executed, it has already sparked global apprehension over its potential repercussions on the world economy.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategic waterway between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply travels through this passage, making it a critical junction for energy transportation. Major oil exporters including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait rely heavily on this corridor to ship crude oil and gas to global markets, especially across Asia.

Rubio, in a televised interview with Fox News, addressed the implications of Iran’s threats in direct terms.

“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them [Iran] about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,”
— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

Rubio added that any such action by Tehran would not only endanger the stability of the region but would also boomerang economically on Iran itself.

“If they [close the Strait]… it will be economic suicide for them. 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.”
— Marco Rubio

The warning comes at a time when oil markets are already jittery. Following the U.S. military strikes over the weekend, Brent crude surged briefly to $81.40 a barrel, before retreating to $76.30, slightly lower than the day’s opening price. While the spike was short-lived, the volatility underscored how sensitive global markets are to any news related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts have long cautioned that any attempt by Iran to choke this passage could ignite a global crisis. Energy expert Vandana Hari echoed that sentiment, saying the risks far outweigh any perceived gains for Tehran.

“Iran risks turning its oil and gas producing neighbours in the Gulf into enemies and invoking the ire of its key market China by disrupting traffic in the Strait,”
— Vandana Hari, Energy Analyst

The timing of this threat adds complexity to an already tense geopolitical situation. President Trump, after confirming U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, declared that the mission had “obliterated” critical sites. However, the Iranian government has downplayed the extent of damage, reporting only minimal impact at the underground Fordo nuclear facility. The UN’s nuclear watchdog has confirmed that it cannot yet fully assess the damage at the heavily fortified site.

Meanwhile, Beijing has taken a firm stance, criticizing the United States for what it described as a destabilizing intervention. In a statement released by state broadcaster CCTV, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong urged all parties to exercise restraint.

“We call on all sides to resist the impulse of force… and avoid adding fuel to the fire,”
— Fu Cong, China’s UN Ambassador

Further reinforcing its position, China’s state-run newspaper Global Times accused the U.S. of pushing the region toward an uncontrollable conflict. The editorial noted that Washington’s involvement has “further complicated and destabilized” the already volatile Middle East landscape.

China’s response carries added weight considering its strategic energy ties to Iran. As of last month, China imported over 1.8 million barrels per day of Iranian oil, according to data from ship tracking firm Vortexa—making it Tehran’s largest customer. Other nations such as India, Japan, and South Korea, which also depend on crude supplies moving through the Strait, are likely to feel the ripple effects of any disruption.

Moreover, even European economies like Greece, though not directly dependent on Middle Eastern oil, would face the knock-on effects of rising global energy prices and trade instability in the region.

The broader consequences of a strait closure would be widespread. Oil prices influence everything from transportation costs to food prices. Even a temporary blockade could strain inflation-hit economies and create supply chain bottlenecks far from the Persian Gulf.

In the midst of this fragile scenario, Secretary Rubio’s appeal to China marks a notable shift toward involving global powers in maintaining open maritime channels. As geopolitical lines harden, the Strait of Hormuz remains not just a regional concern—but a flashpoint that could redraw the global energy and security map.