• China calls for de-escalation while reaffirming support for Iran's sovereignty, balancing diplomatic ties with Gulf neighbors.
  • The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global oil flows, threatening China's energy security and economic stability.
  • Evacuations and geopolitical maneuvers highlight the conflict's immediate human and strategic impacts.

In a high-stakes diplomatic push, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Iran to address the concerns of neighboring countries following retaliatory strikes that have escalated regional tensions, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This comes after US and Israeli forces launched "Operation Epic Fury" on 28 February 2026, targeting Iranian nuclear sites and leadership in Tehran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on US bases and Israel, and reportedly blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Wang Yi, in talks with Iran's Abbas Araghchi, stressed the need to balance stability with regional concerns while reaffirming China's support for Iran's sovereignty. The closure of the Strait has disrupted one-fifth of global oil supplies and nearly half of China's crude imports, leading to sharp price spikes in international markets. As of 2 March, China has evacuated over 3,000 citizens from Iran and mourned one fatality in Tehran, amid denials of arms sales rumors such as CM-302 missiles. Efforts to reach Iranian officials for further comment were unsuccessful.

Economically, the situation poses significant risks to China's energy security, as Iran supplies 10-13% of its crude oil via discounted routes that bypass US sanctions. Disruptions could raise import costs, fuel inflation, and jeopardize projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the North-South Transport Corridor via the damaged Bandar Abbas port. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have criticized Iran's actions, potentially shifting oil flows and complicating China's diplomatic balancing act. Without a swift resolution, analysts warn that prolonged conflict could lead to broader instability in the Middle East, undermining Eurasian multipolarity efforts.

Politically, China is navigating a delicate path, condemning the US strikes as violations of the UN Charter while urging Iran to heed Gulf neighbors' concerns. Wang Yi has called counterparts to halt military operations, warning that further escalation would harm long-term regional interests. This aligns with China's broader stance opposing the use of force and advocating for dialogue, even as it deepens ties with Iran through agreements like the 25-year pact. In the background, Russia has echoed China's position, with both nations providing technological support to Iran, such as S-400 systems and BeiDou navigation.

Human impacts are already evident, with the evacuation efforts highlighting the conflict's toll on civilians. An Iranian school strike that killed 108 children has fueled calls for de-escalation, adding pressure on all parties to seek a diplomatic solution. Looking ahead, short-term risks include a prolonged Strait blockade and oil market volatility, while long-term implications could reshape regional alliances and economic corridors. Experts suggest that China and Russia may need to escalate support beyond diplomacy to maintain credibility, though for now, the focus remains on urgent de-escalation to prevent a wider war.

Correction: An earlier version misstated the date of the US-Israeli strikes; it was 28 February 2026, not 2025.