China Calls for Iran to Rein in Houthis Amid Yemen Conflict Threats to Oil Exports

Saudi Arabia is turning to China for help as the Houthis' advances threaten oil exports. The Houthi military blitz in Yemen has left Saudi oil exports and shipping exposed, with rapid gains along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

China privately asked Iran to rein in the Houthis after Riyadh's appeal, according to Iranian sources. Beijing wants Iran to use its influence over the Houthi group to prevent the conflict from spreading further across energy routes that China depends on.

The relationship between China and Iran carries significant economic and strategic weight for Tehran as it faces hostilities with the US. China is among the few countries with the financial capacity to provide investment to sustain Iran's oil industry and ease pressure on its economy, battered by war and sanctions.