Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Gulf States Seek China to Reopen Hormuz Amid Iran War
The Gulf countries are worried because the war between the United States and Iran is hurting their oil trade.
They want China, which buys a lot of their oil, to help stop the fighting and open the sea routes again.
China has talked to many leaders and says it wants peace.
But some Gulf people think China is not strong enough to force Iran to change.
Iran says it will keep control of the sea gate.
The Gulf countries hope China can use its trade power to make Iran agree.
China says it will keep talking and not use military force.
The Gulf states are testing how much China can help.
Gulf Arab states are frustrated with US actions and seek China’s economic leverage to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.
China has held many diplomatic talks, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and envoy Zhai Jun meeting Gulf and Iranian leaders.
China’s foreign ministry says it has maintained close communication with all parties and promotes peace, but it has not used military force.
Gulf sources claim China is cautious and may lack the will or capacity to pressure Iran decisively.
Iran maintains it will keep control over the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to block shipping lanes.
- Who
- Gulf Arab states, China, Iran
- What
- Seeking China's help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea
- When
- July 2024, during the ongoing US‑Iran war
- Where
- Gulf region, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea
- Why
- Frustration with US actions and desire to protect oil exports
- Key actors
- Gulf Arab states, China, Iran
- Primary goal
- Reopen Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea
- China's role
- Diplomatic outreach and economic leverage
- Iran's stance
- Maintain control over Hormuz
- Conflict context
- US-Iran war escalated in February 2024
