US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, June 22, 2025, at 19:15 ET, issued a sharp condemnation of the Iranian parliament's plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, calling the decision "economic suicide" for Tehran. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Rubio emphasized that blocking the strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, would have catastrophic consequences for the global economy, including a sharp jump in energy prices. In response to the threat, he called on China, as one of Iran's key trading partners, to influence Tehran and prevent escalation.

Rubio's statement came after the Iranian parliament on Sunday voted to block the strait in response to US and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on the night of June 22. The US, supporting Israel, used precision bombs and missiles, which provoked Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities. According to Bloomberg, Tehran sees the strait closure as a strategic lever, deploying additional IRGC forces near the islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tonb.

Rubio said Iran's economic dependence on oil exports through the strait made the move self-defeating, especially as sanctions tighten. He urged Beijing to use its influence, given that China imports much of Iran's oil, to persuade Tehran to abandon its plans. According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese officials have so far refrained from making official comments but have been holding closed-door consultations with Iranian officials for fear of disrupting trade deals.

Iran, for its part, has stepped up exercises near the strait, practicing attacks on large vessels using speedboats and drones, as recorded by Planet Labs satellites. In Saudi Arabia, local authorities have announced the temporary closure of the Ras Tanura oil terminal due to the threat of escalation.

Analysts say Rubio's call to China reflects a US attempt to find a diplomatic way out while avoiding a direct military confrontation. Iran, despite the risks, continues to strengthen its position by deploying new Khaleej Fars missile systems in coastal areas, according to Jane's Defence Weekly.