After striking several key Iranian nuclear sites in a large-scale attack, the United States (US) is now urging China to use its diplomatic influence to calm Tehran and prevent the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
This is a move that is seen as awkward given that the tension stems from Washington's own actions.
The call was voiced by US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, in an interview with the Sunday Morning Futures program published by Fox News.
According to him, the action needs to be taken by China since the country is highly dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for oil supplies.
Rubio also warned that closing the route would be a big mistake and described as a form of 'economic suicide' on the part of Iran.
In fact, he expects the impact to be worse on the economies of other countries than the US itself.
Earlier, Iran's parliament reportedly approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20% of the world's oil and gas supply, on Sunday, according to local channel Press TV.
The move was seen as a direct response to US airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities that heightened tensions between the two countries, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation.
However, Rubio warned that any retaliatory strike by Iran would be "the biggest mistake ever made."
He also stressed that the US remains open to negotiations, but will not compromise on any threat to international freedom of navigation.
