China Asks Iran to Curb Houthis Amid Saudi Concerns

China has secretly approached Iran, requesting its assistance in restraining the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This diplomatic move followed a plea from Saudi Arabia to Beijing, prompted by the Houthis' escalating actions, including their seizure of the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. The information comes from three Iranian sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters.

According to the report, Iran's response was that regional peace and stability are contingent upon the cessation of the "American-Israeli war" against Tehran. Meanwhile, a senior source identified with Hezbollah told Al-Mayadeen that Riyadh had asked Oman to mediate a two-week ceasefire with the Houthis. This pause would allow for discussions on the "humanitarian issue," specifically the Houthi demand for Saudi Arabia to lift its naval blockade on Yemen. An agreement on this humanitarian aspect was reportedly to be announced during the ceasefire period.

Amidst these diplomatic efforts, military activity persists. Saudi Arabia reported that shrapnel fell in the Taif province after a drone was intercepted. The incident resulted in the death of one Saudi civilian woman, injuries to another woman and a Pakistani national, and damage to buildings and vehicles.

The Saudi appeal to China stemmed from the Houthis' actions threatening Saudi oil exports and vital global shipping routes. While China publicly called for restraint and dialogue to restore freedom of navigation, its private message to Iran was reportedly much firmer. China, heavily reliant on global energy supplies for its economy, wants Iran to leverage its influence over the Houthis to prevent the conflict from spreading to additional energy transit points.

Chinese Foreign Ministry officials did not deny the report when approached by Reuters, stating, "China does not wish to see regional tensions spill into Yemen and the Red Sea. Escalating regional instability serves no one's interests." They emphasized respecting the sovereignty and security of all nations and avoiding harm to essential infrastructure, urging dialogue and negotiation.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has not yet responded. China has been Iran's largest trading partner for over a decade and remains its primary oil buyer, accounting for over 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging approximately 1.4 million barrels per day.