Rubio also warned that any action by Tehran to block the strait would be disastrous. “If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them,” he stated, adding that the US retains multiple options to respond. He also urged other global powers to take the threat seriously, noting that the economic consequences would impact them more than the US.
China’s Response To US Airstrikes In Iran
China, through state media outlet CGTN, condemned the recent US airstrikes on Iran, calling them “a dangerous turning point.” In a flash commentary, CGTN warned the US may be repeating past mistakes like the 2003 Iraq war, urging diplomacy over military action to avoid further destabilizing the Middle East.
Why Is The Strait Of Hormuz So Important?
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway only about 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, serves as a critical artery for global energy supplies. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas pass through it, making it a potential flashpoint for economic and geopolitical instability. The Strait links the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, positioning it directly between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.
Latest On US Involvement In Iran
In the aftermath of Operation Midnight Hammer, in which the US military launched a massive air operation against Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities, Tehran has not taken any retaliatory steps so far. However, several options are at the disposal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Among them is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move which has reportedly been approved by Iran’s Parliament.
Apart from Hormuz, Iran can launch attacks on US military bases in the Middle East. And in light of that possibility, the US State Department has issued a warning for Americans in Saudi Arabia to exercise caution when moving around in the region.