China asks Iran to restrain Houthis after Saudi request

September 18, 2026 at 10:48 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

China has asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen's Houthis to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea, three Iranian sources told Reuters. The request came after Saudi Arabia sought Beijing's help amid a Houthi buildup along the Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait. China's Foreign Ministry confirmed its concern about the conflict spreading to Yemen and the Red Sea.

Key Facts

Three Iranian sources told Reuters that China asked Iran to restrain the Houthis after Saudi Arabia requested Beijing's help.
Houthis have strengthened positions along the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, increasing risks to Saudi exports and international shipping.
China accounted for more than 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day, according to Kpler.
About half of China's oil imports come from the Middle East, and the Strait of Hormuz is already effectively closed amid the Iran-US standoff.
Tehran linked regional stabilization to an end to the US-Israeli war against Iran, and it remains unclear whether Iran will act to limit Houthi activity.

Diplomatic Request

China asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen's Houthis to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea, three Iranian sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The request came after Saudi Arabia sought Beijing's help amid a Houthi buildup along the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Publicly, Beijing calls for restraint, dialogue, and restoration of safe navigation, but privately Chinese officials told Tehran they expect action regarding the Houthis, the sources said. Chinese representatives did not threaten Iran with economic consequences if it refused, according to the sources.

Economic Stakes

China is Iran's largest trading partner and main buyer of its oil, with more than 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports going to China in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day, according to Kpler. About half of China's oil imports come from the Middle East, and any prolonged disruption to Red Sea shipping could further complicate global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of Middle East oil exports passes, is already effectively closed amid the Iran-US standoff. A new wave of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea could simultaneously create problems on another key route.

Iranian Response

Tehran linked stabilization of the region to an end to the US-Israeli war against Iran, according to the sources. It remains unclear whether Iranian authorities intend to take concrete steps to limit Houthi activity. China's Foreign Ministry confirmed its concern about the conflict spreading to Yemen and the Red Sea and called for an end to actions that complicate the situation. In 2023, China mediated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after years of confrontation.