(PatriotNews.net) – Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns China that allowing Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz would be “economic suicide” for Beijing, as tensions escalate following devastating U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. airstrikes have “obliterated” Iran’s primary nuclear facilities, prompting threats to close the vital Strait of Hormuz
- Secretary Rubio delivered an ultimatum to China to rein in Iran or face catastrophic economic consequences
- Closure of the Strait could send oil prices soaring to $110 per barrel, as 20% of global oil flows through this chokepoint
- The Biden-Walz administration has signaled that any Iranian retaliation would trigger a “strong U.S. response”
- Rubio’s hardline approach represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and China
U.S. Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities
In a dramatic escalation of tensions with Iran, U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes on June 23, 2025, that effectively destroyed Iran’s primary nuclear facilities. The operation, utilizing bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles, has been described as having “obliterated” key sites in Iran’s nuclear program. This decisive military action comes after years of failed diplomatic efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions and represents the most significant direct confrontation between the United States and the Islamic Republic in decades.
The Iranian parliament responded by endorsing a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that serves as the primary transit route for Middle Eastern oil exports. While Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has not yet finalized this decision, the mere threat has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and diplomatic channels. Military analysts note that Iran has long maintained the capability to mine the strait or attack shipping with its Revolutionary Guard naval forces.
Rubio’s Ultimatum to China
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in January with a remarkable 99-0 vote, has taken a hardline approach to the crisis. In a forceful statement yesterday, Rubio directly called on China to exert its influence over Iran to prevent the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. His message was unambiguous: allowing Iran to block this critical maritime chokepoint would constitute “economic suicide” for China, which relies heavily on oil imports that transit through the strait.
“China needs to understand what’s at stake here,” Rubio declared. “Twenty percent of the world’s oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily. China, Japan, and South Korea are the primary recipients of this oil. If Iran blocks this strait, we’re looking at Brent crude prices potentially hitting $110 per barrel, which would devastate China’s economy. Beijing needs to step up and rein in Tehran before this situation spirals further out of control.”
Economic and Strategic Implications
The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Approximately 21 million barrels of oil pass through this narrow waterway daily, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption. Energy analysts have warned that a closure would cause “considerable supply delays and elevated shipping expenses” with few viable alternative routes available. The economic consequences would reverberate globally, but would hit Asian economies particularly hard.
China, as the world’s largest oil importer, stands to lose the most from any disruption. This vulnerability gives Secretary Rubio significant leverage in pressuring Beijing to act as a moderating influence on Iran. The Chinese government has maintained close economic ties with Iran despite international sanctions, purchasing Iranian oil at discounted prices and providing economic lifelines that have helped the regime survive Western pressure campaigns.
U.S. Military Posture and Diplomatic Strategy
While emphasizing the diplomatic channel through China, Rubio made it clear that the United States is prepared for further military action if necessary. “Any Iranian retaliation will provoke a strong U.S. response,” he warned, signaling that the Biden-Walz administration is not backing down from its aggressive posture. U.S. naval forces in the region have reportedly been placed on heightened alert, with additional assets being deployed to the area.
“Secretary Rubio’s approach to foreign policy is centered on peace through strength. He understands that American leadership is essential to maintaining global stability and countering the influence of adversaries like Iran and China,” said Senator Dave McCormick in a statement supporting Rubio’s confirmation earlier this year.
The crisis represents the most significant test of Rubio’s leadership at the State Department since his confirmation in January. As a longtime hawk on Iran policy during his Senate career, Rubio’s approach reflects a significant shift from the previous administration’s more cautious stance. Critics argue that the airstrikes risk regional escalation, while supporters maintain that decisive action was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability.
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