BEIJING, March 12. /TASS/. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, caused by the US-Israeli operation against Iran, are unlikely to benefit either Washington or Tehran, Liu Zhongmin, professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times newspaper.
"The continued tension in the Strait of Hormuz is a double-edged sword for both sides: for the US, it threatens energy security and the economy; for Iran, it is detrimental to its relations with Gulf countries," Liu pointed out.
According to the expert, this kind of high-cost conflict is unsustainable for both sides and for the countries in the region. Liu emphasized that Beijing maintained friendly relations with both Iran and Arab nations. That said, China can "play a crucial role in helping to ease tensions and contradictions with various parties."
Zhu Yongbiao, Middle East expert with Lanzhou University, observed that China's shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East was "broad in scope and highly inclusive." According to the analyst, "China enjoys a solid foundation of trust with the relevant Middle Eastern countries." "China has consistently adhered to promoting peace talks and reconciliation in regional and international issues, earning it high credibility," Zhu elaborated.
On March 2, Major General Ebrahim Jabari of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil exports passes, would be closed to shipping due to Israeli and US military action against Iran. On March 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait was not closed but ships and tankers were not attempting to cross it for fear of attacks from both sides.