China Urges Iran to Restrain Houthis Amid Red Sea Tensions

China has privately requested Iran to leverage its influence over the Houthi movement to de-escalate tensions in the Red Sea, according to three Iranian sources familiar with the discussions. The appeal from Beijing followed a request from Saudi Arabia, which expressed concerns that escalating Houthi activity near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could jeopardize oil exports and maritime shipping.

While China publicly advocates for restraint, dialogue, and the restoration of maritime security, its private communications with Tehran also urged Iran to help prevent the conflict from spreading to vital energy routes crucial for the Chinese economy. The sources indicated that Iranian officials responded by stating regional stability hinges on ending the "American-Israeli war against Iran." Chinese representatives reportedly did not issue economic threats to Tehran.

Beijing conveyed its desire to avoid the spillover of regional tensions into Yemen and the Red Sea, emphasizing a preference for resolving issues through dialogue and negotiation. The article also includes unrelated news snippets about an Israeli drone factory in Serbia, Ireland's Eurovision boycott, potential EU associate status for Australia and New Zealand, Israeli strategy against terror, a call for US recognition of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, the New York mayor's stance on protests against Netanyahu, and a statement by Marine Le Pen on French aid to Ukraine.