US Urges China to Defuse Iran Crisis as Retaliation Looms: Global Stakes at Risk

The United States has made a rare, urgent diplomatic appeal to China in a bid to prevent Iran from launching a retaliatory strike that could plunge the Middle East—and the world—into economic turmoil. Following recent U.S. military actions in the region, Iranian leaders have hinted at a significant response, prompting fears that Tehran could disrupt global oil flow by targeting the Strait of Hormuz.

American officials, aware of China’s deepening relationship with Iran, have privately asked Beijing to intervene and restrain its ally before tensions erupt into a wider conflict.

Military Moves and Political Shockwaves

The latest crisis stems from a U.S. air campaign against what it described as “critical elements” of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Though the Biden administration has insisted the strikes were narrowly focused and defensive in nature, Tehran sees them as a direct provocation.

Iranian military commanders and political leaders have vowed a “severe and unforgettable” response. Satellite imagery shows Iranian naval units maneuvering near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The strait, only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, has long been one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.

“We will not remain silent while our sovereignty is violated,” Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Esmail Ghaani said in a televised statement. “Any response will reflect the gravity of the aggression.”

Global Oil Markets Rattled

Even the hint of a confrontation in Hormuz has jolted global markets. Oil prices have surged 12% in the past three days, with Brent crude hovering near $108 a barrel. Energy analysts warn that a full-blown blockade of Hormuz could send oil prices to $150 or more, triggering inflationary shocks, supply shortages, and widespread economic pain—especially for energy-dependent economies in Asia and Europe.

“The global economy is more vulnerable now than during previous Middle East conflicts,” said Dr. Amara King, an energy policy expert at Georgetown University. “A disruption of this scale would affect everything from transport costs to food prices. Even countries not directly involved would feel the ripple effects.”

The China Factor: From Silent Partner to Peace Broker?

Recognizing China’s growing influence in the region, the United States has reached out through diplomatic backchannels, urging Beijing to pressure Tehran against military escalation.

The request is significant. It signals not only Washington’s limited leverage over Iran but also a growing recognition that China now plays a central role in shaping the Middle East’s future.

Beijing has invested billions in Iran through its Belt and Road Initiative, signed a 25-year strategic partnership with Tehran, and is Iran’s largest oil buyer. These ties, U.S. officials believe, give China a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to act as a stabilizer.

A senior State Department source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We believe China can speak to Iran in a way that few others can. If China is serious about global stability and economic security, this is the time to step up.”

China’s Delicate Balancing Act

China’s public response so far has been measured. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying urged “all parties to exercise restraint” and reaffirmed China’s position that “dialogue, not confrontation, is the only path to lasting peace.”

However, analysts caution that China may be reluctant to intervene too forcefully. While Beijing has an interest in preventing disruption to global oil flows, it also sees Iran as a counterweight to U.S. dominance in the region.

“China doesn’t want a war,” said Lin Wei, a professor at Fudan University. “But it also doesn’t want to be seen as bending to U.S. pressure. Expect China to pursue quiet diplomacy, possibly through economic incentives or indirect messages.”

Behind Tehran’s Calculations

Iran’s leadership is under intense pressure—internally and externally. The airstrikes have been framed as a humiliation, and public anger is mounting. Hardline elements in the IRGC are calling for an immediate show of force, while moderate factions argue for a calibrated response that avoids drawing the country into a prolonged conflict.

Closing the Strait of Hormuz remains Iran’s most potent—and dangerous—option. In the past, Tehran has conducted military drills and simulated blockades, but has never fully closed the strait. Doing so now could provoke a devastating counter-response from the U.S. and its allies, including regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel.

“Iran is walking a tightrope,” said former Iranian diplomat Roya Salehi. “They want to respond in a way that restores their image and deters future attacks—but without committing national suicide.”

International Response Builds

In addition to the U.S. and China, European Union leaders have called for an emergency summit. NATO has placed regional naval assets on high alert, and the United Nations Security Council is expected to convene within days.

Japan, South Korea, and India—heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil—have urged both Washington and Tehran to avoid moves that could endanger energy security. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly offered to mediate between the two adversaries.

There is also concern that Iran may activate its network of proxies—such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen—to strike at U.S. or Israeli interests indirectly.

What’s Next?

In the coming days, the world will watch Tehran’s next move—and Beijing’s potential intervention—closely. The geopolitical puzzle is complex: an aggressive Iranian response could spark a regional war, while inaction could embolden future attacks. The U.S. appears committed to deterrence, but not open conflict.

Meanwhile, China must weigh whether its role as a neutral economic power is compatible with the responsibilities of a global leader. For the moment, much of the world’s security—and economic stability—hinges not just on what Washington or Tehran does next, but on whether Beijing chooses to act behind the scenes to prevent the crisis from spiraling.