by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China on Tuesday to help restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while saying Washington had seen no evidence that Beijing provided military assistance to Iran during the recent conflict.
Rubio made the remarks during testimony before a House Appropriations Subcommittee after lawmakers questioned him about China’s relationship with Iran and whether Beijing had offered support during recent hostilities.
The secretary acknowledged that Iran possesses military equipment of Chinese origin and maintains longstanding ties with Beijing, but said the United States had not observed any recent Chinese actions that altered the military balance during the conflict.
Rubio suggested that China had sought to avoid becoming directly involved in the crisis despite its broader strategic relationship with Tehran.
He also called on Beijing to play a more constructive role at the United Nations to help reopen maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes.
CHINA’S ROLE IN IRAN CONFLICT
The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.
Concerns over freedom of navigation have intensified following the recent armed conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, raising fears of disruptions to global energy markets.
Rubio’s comments came as lawmakers pressed him on Washington’s assessment of China’s role in the conflict and the broader security situation in the Middle East.
The secretary also fiercely defended U.S. policy toward Iran, saying Tehran had sought to develop its conventional military capabilities as a shield for its nuclear ambitions.
Rubio claimed that recent U.S. military operations had significantly weakened Iran’s military infrastructure.
RUBIO DEFENDS U.S. STRIKES
Rubio claimed that Iran’s navy suffered a devastating blow during the hostilities, adding that the country’s naval assets were severely degraded.
He also said U.S. operations had heavily damaged Iran’s drone-manufacturing capabilities, although he acknowledged that inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicle technology remains a persistent security challenge worldwide.
Rubio further argued that the military pressure imposed on Tehran had reduced its ability to threaten regional shipping lanes and project power beyond its borders.
The testimony provided one of the most detailed public assessments yet from a senior U.S. official regarding the impact of recent military operations against Iran and Washington’s view of China’s role during the conflict.
Beijing and Tehran did not immediately comment on Rubio’s remarks.
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