China Pressures Iran to Rein in Houthi Rebels Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Oil prices are falling as reports emerge that China is pressuring Iran to rein in the Houthis, a Shia group aligned with Tehran.

The move comes after Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing for help in containing the conflict in Yemen, where Houthi advances have raised concerns about regional instability.

China's foreign ministry said it does not wish to see tensions spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea, adding that escalating regional instability is not in anyone's interest.

A senior Western diplomat noted that Beijing is one of the few capitals that can still press Iran to rein in the Houthis, suggesting that Tehran may listen if it gets a signal from Iran to de-escalate.