China has privately urged Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthis to help contain the group’s recent military advances, following an appeal from Saudi Arabia, according to three Iranian sources.
The Houthis have rapidly advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and near the Bab el Mandeb Strait, increasing risks to Saudi oil exports and international shipping.
China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue and safe navigation, but the sources said Beijing privately stressed the need to prevent the conflict from spreading to key energy routes that are vital to China.
Iran reportedly responded that regional stability would depend on ending the US Israeli conflict with Iran. Chinese officials did not threaten economic measures against Tehran.
China is Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of its oil. Chinese purchases accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day.
With the Strait of Hormuz already disrupted, sustained Houthi attacks in the Red Sea could threaten another major energy route and deepen the wider regional crisis. It remains unclear whether Iran will act on Beijing’s request.
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