In a high-stakes diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, June 23, 2025, called on China to intervene and prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil trade, following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking on Fox News, Rubio emphasized China’s reliance on the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, stating, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil.” Vanguard News
[](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/us-urges-china-to-keep-iran-from-shutting-strait-of-hormuz/)The US strikes, described as a “precision operation” to halt Iran’s nuclear program, have ignited fears of retaliation. Analysts warn that Iran may block the Strait, a move Rubio called “economic suicide” that would trigger a severe response not only from the US but also from other nations dependent on the route. “It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours,” Rubio added, underscoring the global implications of such an escalation. Dhaka Tribune
[](https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/384523/us-urges-china-to-keep-iran-from-shutting-key)Iran’s Response: A Dangerous Brink
Iran has not remained silent. An advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared US military bases in the region “legitimate targets” for Iran’s armed forces, signaling potential for further conflict. Iran’s parliament reportedly approved a plan to close the Strait, according to state-run Press TV, sending shockwaves through global markets. LADbible Posts on X reflect heightened alarm, with users debating the catastrophic economic fallout of a closure, from soaring oil prices to disrupted supply chains. X Post
[](https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/us-iran-strikes-strait-of-hormuz-potential-closure-china-plea-749117-20250623)[](https://x.com/KarenRo99773156/status/1937026313921180001)The Strait of Hormuz, located within Iranian waters, is a choke point handling one-fifth of global oil supplies and a third of liquefied natural gas exports. Even the threat of disruption has caused maritime traffic to slow, with ships amassing on either side of the Strait, according to maritime data firm Windward. Irish Star
[](https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/iran-israel-usa-attack-35435722)China’s Role and Global Condemnation
China, alongside Russia and several Arab states, condemned the US strikes, arguing they “escalate tensions in the Middle East.” Beijing’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil makes it a pivotal player, but its response to Rubio’s plea remains uncertain. Chinese Foreign Ministry statements have called for “restraint” from all parties, a stance echoed by Russian officials who warn of a “dangerous spiral.” Global Times
Rubio’s appeal to China reflects a broader US strategy to leverage Beijing’s economic interests to curb Iran’s actions. However, posts on X reveal skepticism, with some users calling the move a sign of US weakness, while others see it as a pragmatic attempt to avoid a global crisis. X Post The world watches anxiously, with the Eurasia Group warning that any Iranian move against the Strait could provoke a “significant military response” from the US, which has amassed a formidable presence in the Gulf.
[](https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/iran-israel-usa-attack-35435722)[](https://x.com/ELMObrokenWings/status/1936860013479575738)A Chinese Scientific Breakthrough: Quantum Leap Forward
Amid these geopolitical tensions, China has unveiled a groundbreaking scientific achievement that has captured global attention and sparked hope for technological progress. On June 20, 2025, researchers at Tsinghua University announced a major advancement in quantum computing, achieving stable quantum error correction at scale. This breakthrough, detailed in a peer-reviewed study in Nature, positions China as a leader in the race for practical quantum computers, with potential applications in cryptography, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence. South China Morning Post
The discovery, led by Dr. Li Wei, involves a novel approach to mitigating quantum decoherence, a major hurdle in quantum systems. “This is a milestone for humanity, not just China,” Dr. Li told state media, emphasizing the global implications. The breakthrough has resonated emotionally with Chinese citizens, who view it as a symbol of national strength amid external pressures. Social media platforms like Weibo and X are abuzz with pride, with users sharing visuals of the quantum lab and speculating about future innovations. X Post
The timing of this announcement, juxtaposed with China’s diplomatic role in the Iran crisis, underscores its dual identity as a scientific powerhouse and geopolitical heavyweight. Experts suggest the quantum leap could enhance China’s strategic capabilities, including secure communications, potentially influencing its stance in global conflicts. For now, it serves as a beacon of progress, offering a counterpoint to the specter of war.
The Human and Economic Stakes
The unfolding crisis over the Strait of Hormuz carries profound human and economic consequences. A closure could spike oil prices, disrupt global trade, and exacerbate energy crises in nations like China, Japan, and India. Families in Iran, already reeling from the US strikes, face uncertainty, while communities worldwide brace for economic fallout. The Chinese quantum breakthrough, meanwhile, offers a glimmer of hope, symbolizing humanity’s capacity for innovation even in turbulent times.
Voices on X amplify the emotional weight of these events, from fears of war to celebrations of scientific achievement. One user wrote, “China’s quantum leap shows what we can do when we work together. Why can’t we solve conflicts the same way?” The contrast between destruction and discovery resonates deeply, urging leaders to choose diplomacy over escalation.
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