China Taps Iran to Rein in Houthi Rebels as Regional Instability Grows

China has privately urged Iran to help rein in Yemen's Houthi rebels after Saudi Arabia appealed for Beijing's assistance due to the group's rapid advances along the Red Sea coast and around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move reflects China's unique position in the crisis, with Tehran being its largest trading partner and main buyer of Iranian crude.

The Chinese message was delivered privately to Iran, with three sources familiar with the discussions telling Reuters that Beijing wants Tehran to use its influence over the Houthis to prevent further fighting from spreading across energy routes on which China depends. The Houthis' gains have exposed Saudi oil export routes and disrupted shipping through the Red Sea.

In response, Iran linked regional stability to ending what it described as the US-Israeli war against it. While Beijing did not explicitly threaten economic pressure if Iran failed to act, its interests carry significant weight in Tehran, according to Reuters' sources.