Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Clinton Says India, China Could Help Resolve West Asia Conflict
Hillary Clinton said India and China could help calm the conflict between the United States and Iran.
She said both countries buy a lot of oil and gas from Iran.
China may have special influence because it is one of Iran’s biggest customers.
Clinton believes China could encourage Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is important because many energy shipments pass through it.
Pakistan, Oman and Qatar are also trying to help the two sides talk.
The United States has threatened more sanctions against Iran.
Iran has warned that it could respond militarily to new United States pressure.
Clinton said diplomacy would be better than threats and harsh language.
Hillary Clinton said India and China could help resolve the West Asia conflict through diplomacy.
She identified China and India as major buyers of Iranian oil and gas.
Clinton said China could pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan, Oman and Qatar are among countries reportedly trying to mediate between the United States and Iran.
The comments followed new United States sanctions threats against Iran and warnings to countries trading with Tehran.
- Who
- Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the United States, Iran, China, India and other mediating countries.
- What
- Clinton said India and China could help resolve the conflict, particularly by encouraging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- When
- Clinton made the comments on Monday, August 26; the article says the conflict began on February 28 and that a June interim agreement later collapsed.
- Where
- The conflict involves the United States, Israel and Iran, with shipping disrupted around the Strait of Hormuz; Clinton spoke in an interview with C-SPAN from New York.
- Why
- Clinton said China and India have significant economic influence over Iran because they buy large amounts of its oil and gas.
Diplomacy and Mediation
Sanctions and Coercive Pressure
How to influence Iran
Diplomacy and Mediation
Hillary Clinton said the United States should use diplomacy and seek help from China and India, which have economic influence over Iran.
Sanctions and Coercive Pressure
The United States announced new sanctions and threatened retaliation against countries that continue doing business with Iran.
Addressing the Strait of Hormuz
Diplomacy and Mediation
Clinton said China could encourage Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return at least to the previous status quo.
Sanctions and Coercive Pressure
President Donald Trump threatened a major economic operation if Iran failed to reach a deal, while Iran threatened a military response.
Role of China
Diplomacy and Mediation
Clinton argued that China’s dependence on Iranian energy and its status as a major buyer could give it leverage over Tehran.
Sanctions and Coercive Pressure
Clinton also said she would consider secondary sanctions against China unless Beijing helped persuade Iran to reopen the waterway.
- Main proposal
- Use China and India to help pressure Iran through diplomacy.
- Key waterway
- The Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted.
- Energy importance
- Roughly one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies normally passed through the Gulf chokepoint.
- Mediation efforts
- Pakistan, Oman and Qatar are among countries trying to mediate between the United States and Iran.
- United States pressure
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions against Iran and warned trading partners to sever financial ties.
- Iran’s response
- Tehran threatened a military response to proposed new United States sanctions.
- Iran’s major trade partners
- China, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates are identified as Iran’s largest trade partners.