Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Saudi Seeks China Help as Houthi Advances Threaten Oil Exports
Saudi Arabia is worried because the Houthis have moved closer to important shipping routes near Yemen.
These routes are used to transport oil and other goods.
Saudi Arabia asked China for help.
According to Iranian sources, China privately asked Iran to persuade the Houthis to stop the conflict from spreading.
China publicly called for peace, safer shipping, and talks.
Iran reportedly replied that the wider conflict must end first.
It is not clear whether Iran will act on China's request.
The situation matters because trouble in both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz could affect energy supplies around the world.
Saudi Arabia appealed to China after Houthi advances near Red Sea shipping routes and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Three Iranian sources said China privately asked Iran to use its influence to restrain the Houthis.
Beijing said regional tensions should not spread and called for safe navigation, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty.
Iran reportedly told China that regional stability depends on ending what it called the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The potential disruption of both the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz could deepen the global energy crisis.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, and the Iran-backed Houthi movement are central to the reported discussions.
- What
- China reportedly asked Iran to help restrain the Houthis after Saudi Arabia sought Beijing's assistance over threats to oil exports and shipping.
- When
- The request followed Houthi advances during the past week; the report also referenced Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's visit to China on Wednesday.
- Where
- The reported tensions involve Yemen, the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- China wants to prevent further disruption to energy routes and shipping, while Iran said regional stability depends on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.
China's Energy and Shipping Concerns
Iran's Strategic Priorities
How to stabilize the region
China's Energy and Shipping Concerns
China wants Iran to use its influence over the Houthis to prevent the conflict from spreading and to protect energy routes and Red Sea navigation.
Iran's Strategic Priorities
Iran reportedly says lasting regional stability requires ending what its sources described as the US-Israeli war on Iran before broader calm can be achieved.
Limits of economic influence
China's Energy and Shipping Concerns
China is one of the few countries with enough economic and diplomatic leverage to pressure Iran, and it has important interests in Iranian oil and Gulf trade.
Iran's Strategic Priorities
Iran depends on China but must balance Chinese interests against other strategic, economic, and political priorities; Chinese influence has not eliminated Iranian concerns about limited non-oil investment.
Whether pressure will work
China's Energy and Shipping Concerns
Analysts say Beijing's resolve would be clearest if it attached consequences to its request and used its leverage over Tehran.
Iran's Strategic Priorities
Iranian sources said it is uncertain whether Tehran will respond to China's concerns, and Chinese officials reportedly issued no explicit threats or economic pressure.
- Reported Chinese request
- China privately asked Iran to use its influence over the Houthis, according to three Iranian sources.
- Saudi concern
- Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and near Bab el-Mandeb have increased risks to Saudi oil exports and shipping.
- China's public position
- China called for restraint, dialogue, safe navigation, respect for sovereignty, and protection of vital facilities.
- Iran's reported response
- Iranian sources said Tehran told Beijing that regional peace depends on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- China-Iran oil relationship
- Kpler data cited in the report said Chinese purchases represented more than 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day.
- Potential energy impact
- Disruptions in both the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz could affect two major Middle Eastern oil-export routes simultaneously.
- Uncertainty
- It remains unclear whether Iran will act on China's concerns or whether Beijing is prepared to attach consequences to its request.