China Asks Iran to Curb Houthis at Saudi Arabia's Request

China has secretly approached Tehran, urging it to restrain the Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to three Iranian sources speaking to Reuters on Thursday, September 17. The request followed a rapid Houthi offensive along the Red Sea coast, which has given them de facto control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This advance significantly increased the threat to Saudi oil exports and shipping lanes.

While China publicly called for restraint, sources claim a more forceful message was conveyed to Iran privately. The Iranian regime reportedly responded that regional peace and stability depend on ending "US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic." China, heavily reliant on these shipping routes for its economy, is keen to de-escalate the situation.

Details on how Beijing delivered its message remain undisclosed, though it may have occurred during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to China on September 16. Chinese officials reportedly avoided threats or mention of economic pressure, despite China being Iran's largest economic partner, accounting for about 80% of its oil exports.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to confirm the exchange, stating China is not interested in the conflict's spread and advocates for dialogue and respect for sovereignty. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also reportedly sought assistance from Oman for a two-week truce and, according to Middle Eastern diplomatic sources, is receiving intelligence support from Israel, channeled through the US Central Command.

US officials met with Houthi representatives in Oman on September 13, where the rebels reportedly pledged to uphold a ceasefire and avoid attacking US vessels but threatened Saudi shipping. They also stated they would not target Israeli or other commercial ships, excluding Saudi ones. The escalating conflict has led Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to seek allies beyond the US, meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on September 15 to discuss maritime security.

Fighting continues, with Saudi media reporting on September 17 that a Houthi drone attack on Taif killed a Saudi woman and injured a Pakistani national and a local resident, causing damage to buildings and vehicles.