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The Hormuz blockade is as much about China as Iran

Washington hopes that Beijing will convince Iran to soften its demands, but the latter may choose to wait and see

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    • Most of the leverage Beijing had over Teheran rested on the money it was paying for oil, which will end if the blockade halts exports.
    • Most of the leverage Beijing had over Teheran rested on the money it was paying for oil, which will end if the blockade halts exports. PHOTO: REUTERS

    Javier Blas

    Published Tue, Apr 14, 2026 · 06:00 PM

    THE black market for Iranian oil would not exist without China. Before the Iran war began, Beijing bought 95 per cent of the crude Teheran shipped via a network of sanctioned tankers, mysterious traders and shadowy financial links.

    Hence, US President Donald Trump is not just targeting Teheran with his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – he is aiming at Beijing, too.

    On Monday (Apr 13), the US said vessels in Iranian waters would be subject to “interception, diversion and capture”.

    Iran warUnited StatesTrump administrationChinaGeopoliticsgeoeconomicsOil

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