China urges Iran to restrain Houthis amid maritime security risks

China has privately requested that Iran use its influence to curb the military advances of Houthi forces in Yemen. This diplomatic move follows an appeal from Saudi Arabia to Beijing for assistance as Houthi operations threaten critical maritime energy corridors.

The escalation in Yemen has increased risks to oil exports and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. These concerns are compounded by a sharp decline in commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global energy supplies.

While China has publicly called for restraint and dialogue, reports indicate its private communications with Tehran specifically urge the prevention of further Houthi escalation to protect shipping lines. In response to these requests, Iranian sources noted that Tehran attributed regional hostilities to the actions of the United States and Israel.