Saudis, China Want US to End New Naval Blockade
AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File
The United States is facing criticism from two major global players following its recent decision to block Iranian port access in the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged the White House to reconsider the move and instead prioritize negotiations aimed at a ceasefire, according to the Wall Street Journal. Riyadh’s concern is that Iran could respond by escalating tensions elsewhere, particularly by disrupting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on the Red Sea, another critical global shipping route. Saudi officials have so far managed to adapt to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz by transporting oil overland to terminals on the Red Sea coast, but they worry that this workaround could be threatened if Iran leverages its ties with Houthi forces in Yemen to interfere with traffic through Bab al-Mandeb.
China has also strongly condemned the US action. Speaking on Tuesday, Chinese officials described the blockade as a “dangerous and irresponsible act,” warning it could further destabilize an already fragile situation, according to CNBC. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that only a comprehensive ceasefire can bring stability. China, which is the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil, also dismissed reports suggesting it is supplying weapons to Iran, calling those claims completely unfounded.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts may still be underway. Reports indicate that US and Iranian representatives could hold a second round of ceasefire discussions in Pakistan in the coming days.
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