US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to try to dissuade Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade waterway, after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing and I urge them on this issue because they are heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil," Rubio told Fox News on Wednesday.
Analysts believe that Iran could respond to Washington's attack, which took place on the night of Saturday to Sunday, by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil transits.
"If they close it down, it will be another huge mistake. It's economic suicide for them if they do that, and we're doing everything we can to oppose that," Rubio said.
He said that other countries should also address this issue, because the economies of many countries will be much more affected than America's.
"I think that would be a huge escalation that would deserve a response. Not just from our side, but from others as well," the US Secretary of State said.
Iran has previously threatened bases used by US forces in the Middle East, and an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said they would be considered "legitimate targets."
China has joined Russia and a number of Arab countries in condemning the US attacks on Iran, saying they are "exacerbating tensions in the Middle East."
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