Iran To Allow Only Chinese Vessels Through Strait Of Hormuz: Sources

Iran has said it will allow only Chinese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as an expression of gratitude for Beijing's stand towards Tehran since the war in the Middle East began, sources have said. This is significant because the Strait, which provides the Persian Gulf ports access to the open sea, is a key chokepoint that Iran has blocked since the conflict in the region began, threatening global supply chains.

Iranian forces have warned that any ship attempting to cross the Strait will be targeted. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran's elite force spearheading the counter-attack after the US and Israel offensive, has said they now have "complete control" of the Strait and any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones.

The Strait of Hormuz provides open sea access to countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Roughly 20% of global oil supplies move through it before proceeding to Asian markets such as China and India. With Iran blocking this route, a massive disruption in global supply chains is expected.

How China Reacted To Iran War

China has said that airstrikes carried out in Iran by the US and Israel were "unacceptable". According to a report in state news agency Xinhua, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Sunday that the "blatant killing of a sovereign leader" -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- and the incitement of regime change were unacceptable.

Earlier, China appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the safety of shipping lanes. Beijing is the main buyer of Iranian oil and most of its supplies pass through the Strait. A prolonged blockade would lead to a massive crisis in China.

"China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, maintain the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent a greater impact on the global economy," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has said. "Energy security is of great importance to the global economy... China will take necessary measures to ensure its energy security," she said.

Trump's Navy Escort Promise

US President Donald Trump has said that the country's Navy will escort tankers through the Strait if necessary. "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD," he has said on his Truth Social platform.

US President Donald Trump has said that the country's navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed. "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Ensuring free passage through the Strait is also crucial for Trump domestically. A prolonged blockade will push up oil prices, raising inflation in the US. The US is self-sufficient in natural gas, but a hit to the global supply chain will have a ripple effect and hike prices. And this at a time when many in the US are worried about job security and struggling due to the impact of Trump's tariff wars.