The Strait of Hormuz matters enormously because it channels roughly one‑fifth to one‑quarter of the world's oil supply, serving as a critical artery for global energy markets—with international navigation already affected by Iran's proxy Houthi group disruptions in the Red Sea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes. His comments came after Iran's state-run Press TV reported that their parliament had approved a plan to close the Strait but added that the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, so any disruption would hit the energy markets hard.