By Omoniyi David
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to use its influence to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
His appeal followed reports by Iran’s state-run Press TV that the Iranian parliament had approved a plan to shut the strait, although the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council.
Rubio warned that any disruption in oil flow would severely impact the global economy.
He noted China’s key role, as the largest buyer of Iranian oil and a close ally of Tehran.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said.
Oil prices have surged since the US strike on Iranian nuclear sites, with Brent crude hitting a five-month high.
