The United States has issued an urgent diplomatic request to China in hopes of averting a potential global crisis following its own dramatic military escalation in the Middle East.
On June 21, President Donald Trump launched Operation Midnight Hammer - more than 125 aircraft flew over 7,000 miles to strike three critical Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The 79-year-old claimed the facilities were “obliterated” and suffered “extremely severe damage,” though Iran disputes the extent of the impact.
Amid the fallout, US officials are now urging China to use its influence over Iran to prevent a dangerous retaliatory move: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes. Spanning just 21 miles wide, it is the only maritime passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is responsible for the movement of roughly 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Iranian lawmakers have reportedly approved a proposal to shut down the waterway. However, the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, sparking fears worldwide of imminent energy disruption.
The mere threat has already shaken oil markets. Brent crude prices surged to a five-month high following the US operation, highlighting the Strait’s importance to global economic stability.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a direct public appeal to China on June 22, urging Beijing 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 Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said, per BBC News.
“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," he added.
China, the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil, issued a denunciation of the US strike, accusing Washington of violating international law and warning it could trigger widespread consequences across the Middle East.
Beijing pledged to “work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East," per France 24.
Meanwhile, Russia - one of Iran’s closest allies - also condemned the attack. Russian Deputy Security Council head Dmitry Medvedev claimed the bombing caused only minimal damage and insisted it would not stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the strike “a gross violation of international law” and warned of a “dangerous escalation… fraught with further undermining of regional and global security.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed plans to consult with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, saying: “We enjoy a strategic partnership, and we always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.”
In the days leading up to the strikes, Iran reportedly delivered a chilling warning to President Trump at the G7 summit in Canada, threatening to activate sleeper-cell attacks within the U.S. if military action was taken.
Following the attack, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin, with concerns of possible cyberattacks and threats against officials involved in the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
Vice President JD Vance assured the public that federal law enforcement is actively monitoring for threats, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed increased police presence around vulnerable areas like Times Square and Jewish and Persian community centers.
Trump’s approach continues to stir division within his administration. Following the strike, he suggested a regime change in Iran, posting on Truth Social: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
However, top U.S. officials quickly distanced themselves from the rhetoric. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that the strikes were “not and has not been about regime change,” and were instead aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
Vice President Vance echoed the clarification: “We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear programme," per The Guardian.