it’s indirect pressure on China
By tightening Hormuz ,the U.S. is targeting Iran’s main buyer and forcing Beijing to choose: absorb energy disruption or push Tehran to de-escalate
The risk is obvious: once energy flows become leverage, escalation can spread far beyond the initial conflict...
633
SpaceYetu5315 days ago
+33
>once energy flows become leverage, escalation can spread far beyond the initial conflict...
That's already what's happening though. Iran is using a trade choke point as leverage.
33
didroe5 days ago
+328
Or China could use its own leverage against the US and the whole situation escalates
328
Lokon194 days ago
+82
They aren’t going to do that over Iran. They want a detente with the US right now.
82
resumehelpacct4 days ago
+52
I don't think so either, but history is full of conflicts and escalations that no one thought would happen.
52
AmamiHarukIsMaiWaifu4 days ago
+34
They won't do it over Iran. They would do it for oil. Iranian takes pride in their Persian heritage. While China's word can get into their ears they certainly don't see themselves as China's lapdog. If China couldn't get Iran to give in, which is a realistic expectation since it is a war of regime survival, China would have to try to find an opening from the US side. Maybe rare earth material export restrictions. Maybe naval e***** for their own tankers. Oil is the life blood of a modern nation. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and went to war with US over oil sanction. I don't doubt China would use less extreme measure to get their oil. Trump is also known for TACO. So maybe China would believe aggressive posturing can get US to back off.
34
Lokon194 days ago
+15
They aren’t going to do that either. They have ample reserves and will likely just wait it out.
15
CaptainBroady4 days ago
+9
Everyone seems to forget China also buys a lot of crude and gas from... You guessed it... Russia!
9
logicalpiranha4 days ago
+6
Russia may barely have enough for itself at this rate considering how well Ukraine is disrupting their supply.
6
Bad_pun_job4 days ago
+2
why would they want to pay USD 150 a barrel when they were paying 60 not too long ago. Every country is going to be bidding for oil. Its a shit show.
China will have to throw their weight around, out of necessity. A global recession will impact china as well.
2
didroe4 days ago
+12
Probably not, but it’s a risk. I was mainly pushing back on the false dichotomy in the comment above tbh.
I feel like the US keeps making decisions based on “we’re the most powerful country, everyone else will want to maintain relations and will have to suck it up”. And on any one event that’s probably true, but the more that foreign/trade policy is based on that kind of principle, the more that other countries are considering the cumulative long term effects of acquiescing. It’s a recipe for instability and increased risk of conflict (not necessarily military)
12
Dripdry424 days ago
+3
One can only hope that China is watching closely. Forcing other places to do things might work once or twice, but you start strong arming everybody? They aren’t going to like it and they are going to push back. Soft power and stability are needed.
Do you want all the bees? Then you have to attract them with honey.
3
J-Dirte5 days ago
+116
Hmmm, challenge the worlds most powerful military and your biggest trading partner or put pressure on a shitbird like Iran that you don’t give a f*** about. I wonder what route they will pick.
116
didroe5 days ago
+79
Why would they challenge the US military? They have plenty of other levers they can pull like restricting minerals. China is also a large trading partner of the US but they still hit them with hefty tariffs (until China responded) and are cutting off one of their sources of oil. I can’t imagine they’re too happy with the crazy US administration
79
jedi21554 days ago
+6
Theyve already restricted minerals before.
6
AdOriginal45165 days ago
+62
When the US arrested Chinese fisherman, the Chinese gov't forced the US to release them by stopping the sale of rare earth metals to the US. China knows which levers to pull.
62
tradetofi4 days ago
+20
I think it was Japan a decade ago.
20
Sleepy_Witch_Maple5 days ago
+96
I mean considering the US is solely and exclusively controlled by a dementia ridden madman, appeasement is a lot less of a rational choice than it seems at first glance.
96
peoplejustwannalove5 days ago
+33
It’s much more palatable to push Iran to de-escalate, rather than f*** their whole economy. If they escalate with the US, their economy suffers, if they do nothing, they stop getting oil, and their economy suffers, or if they do some back room negotiations, things get back to as they were before, and China minimizes their economic cost in this situation.
Only problem is that China would then in effect be supporting international maritime laws, since I’m pretty sure most straights are typically considered international waters for ease of trade, and that works against their efforts in claiming the South China Sea as theirs.
33
tosser15794 days ago
+21
Their angle is this is going to damage the US more than them. They are already pushing hard to the EU and the EU is distancing itself from the US. China might gamble that the US is burning so many bridges that they can shift the global hegemony from the US to a more neutral one, which is vastly better for them long term.
This is a once a generation opportunity for them, the next US president is almost certainly not going to be... crazy.
And because some ill informed person is certainly going to start commenting about the current market share percentage then cherry pick something to claim that the US is bigger than the EU, china, india and others put together when the reality is China + the EU is about the same size as the US market, but they love old statistics from a decade ago to prove that the US will always remain on top.
21
gcko4 days ago
+22
>the next US president is almost certainly not going to be... crazy.
I love the optimism. Problem is American voters also happen to be crazier.
22
wo0two0t4 days ago
+8
Dude doesn't realize Logan Paul is only 2 presidential terms away.
8
Sad_Record_27674 days ago
+7
Ye vs Logan Paul. lol
7
wo0two0t4 days ago
+2
I would not be surprised.
2
Lokon194 days ago
+3
That is not the statistic that is cherry picked or old and out of date. The statistic that is correct is that the US consumers buy more than all those regions put together and that is still true.
3
tosser15794 days ago
+5
It is, us is down to about 30% last time I checked. You are thinking of a few decades ago unless you are trying to have regions do a lot of heavy lifting.
5
TheSleepyTruth5 days ago
+22
Yeah although China is aligned with Iran out of mutual convenience they are always most concerned about their own domestic needs and problems and will pressure Iran to de-escalate before they will voluntarily re-escalate into another trade war with the US that will cause them even further spiraling economic problems. China seems to hold more sway over Iran than anyone because they are the biggest and most important backer of the regime.
22
TheFamousHesham5 days ago
+22
Stop being silly.
Whatever obstacles prevent China from escalating tensions with the US also prevent the US from escalating tensions with China. All China needs to do is call the US’ bluff, which will be exactly what it does.
22
Few-Being-10485 days ago
+8
Dumbest take I've seen lol.
What do you mean call their bluff? Blockading the Strait is not a bluff, they are actually doing it right now.
If China does nothing, they dont get their oil.
What can they really do to escalate it from here? They could try to force open the Strait, which would mean essentially going to war with the American Navy. China does not want that. If any single country in the world could take on the American Millitary, it might be China. That doesn't mean conflict between the two would go well for either of them. China knows it would be terrible for their economy and set them back a decade at least.
8
Intrepid_Egg_77224 days ago
+14
China might be able to take on the US Navy in the South China Sea (and that's a big "might"). They won't be able to do shit against the US Navy this far away from their own shores. China's naval deterrent policy relies heavily on land-based anti-ship and anti-air missile batteries.
China won't escalate militarily with the US, because they aren't stupid. They'll get what they want the way they always do, by playing to their strengths.
14
fallingdowndizzyvr4 days ago
+11
> China might be able to take on the US Navy in the South China Sea (and that's a big "might").
If you believe the Pentagon, that's a solid yes.
> They won't be able to do shit against the US Navy this far away from their own shores.
They don't need to. Just like 30,000 Americans station in West Germany couldn't have held back the Russians, they didn't need to. They just needed to be a tripwire for a larger conflict.
Which is all China needs to do in Hormuz. They don't need to go toe to toe with the US there, they just need a tripwire. A single destroyer would be that. China can just do a freedom of navigation run through the straight with a single destroyer. You know, like what we do in the South China Sea all the time. Will the US go to war with China over Iran? No. And the US can't really say anything about China doing a freedom of navigation run like what we do all the time can we?
11
AmamiHarukIsMaiWaifu4 days ago
+7
Exactly. This is a serious gamble from Trump and Pentagon. If Iran doesn't give into China's pressure then China would have no choice but to find an opening on the US side. China doesn't need to fight the US, all they need is to ignore the US and dare the US to do something. If US backs down it would cement China's global power reach. It would be on the level of Suez crisis of geopolitical shift.
7
Few-Being-10484 days ago
+6
I agree completely. When it comes to fighting a war on the other side of the world, no country can compare to the US.
6
Asleep_Context_3994 days ago
+2
I'd call your take the dumbest.
After the shitshow that is Iran, having as much confidence in US army as you do is hilarious. Especially when it comes to parity with another massive force like China.
China has demonstrated they don't give a f*** about US, and before even resorting to military they will tank US economy.
2
this_dudeagain4 days ago
+3
They can't tank the US economy without destroying their own.
3
tosser15794 days ago
+2
Damaging your biggest rival's long term prospects, you know the one they've been trying to overcome for decades? They are going to pick China's side, and long term they may be counting on this to do more damage to the US.
2
-drunk_russian-5 days ago
+10
China likes money, they'll play ball sooner rather than later and prepare better for the next time. There *will* be a next time, sadly.
10
AMCorBUST20215 days ago
+2
In your opinion did we win Iraq and Afghanistan?
2
PoopyisSmelly5 days ago
+8
Iraq? Yes, probably. They are a much more reliable trading partner and Sadaam is out of power.
Afgjanistan was a massive loss, but also there really wasnt a goal in the first place except to disrupt Osama Bin Laden - the Taliban cant be defeated really, they are a terror cell network. But arguably the US at least got a less unpredictable situation out of it. No one has ever conquered Afghanistan, mostly because Afghanistan isnt really a country so much as a collection of religious groups and a few cities.
8
Etherius4 days ago
+4
And what leverage is that? The one we’ve been working to address since COVID showed us the folly of JIT manufacturing from adversarial powers just because they’re c****?
4
TrumpBad_UpvotesPls5 days ago
+33
Ummmm aktually sweaty. I was assured by listnook that china is actually loving this. Educate yourself
33
Murky_Meaning21294 days ago
+12
This US blockade impacts South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore, etc far more than China.
12
bastele4 days ago
+6
No it doesn't, since the US is only blockading Iranian ports. Almost all iranian oil goes to China.
These other countries are heavily impacted by Iran closing the strait, which was already the case before the US blockade.
6
Shot-Toe-28845 days ago
+30
The sudden flip of a switch by all of the listnook bots has been wild to see today. Suddenly they care about international maritime laws and just cannot believe the US would do such a thing as close the strait. LOL.
30
TrumpBad_UpvotesPls5 days ago
+20
We're not even closing the straight. Just blocking Irans access specifically. If you're not going to Iran you're good.
20
FeistyGate87845 days ago
+10
The president said the opposite which is why people are assuming the strait is close. Turns out when you tweet policy and change it most people only read the tweet
Hopefully this ends soon though given like 25% of the country supports this
10
fury4204 days ago
+7
I'm honestly not sure why people expect Trump's tweets to precisely reflect all the nuance of blockades under Admiralty law, it seems pretty obvious that there would also be a formal announcement with the actual implementation details.
7
RocketRelm4 days ago
+7
Because once upon a time the word of the president of the usa meant something. It may be hard to imagine for zoomers who never knew anything other than hollow populism, but the office used to hold a level of measured integrity.
7
FerretAres5 days ago
+10
Another angle to consider is that in 2023/24 China began and continues to restrict its exports of rare earths that are critical to US defence infrastructure. China refines 90% of these materials and there’s basically no answer to losing that supply.
Between Venezuela and Hormuz the US stands between China and more than 50% of its oil supply. DT also canceled a trip to China slated for end of March and hasn’t yet rescheduled it. I think he’s waiting for China to feel the pain on the lack of oil in order to reestablish access to the rare earths.
10
LearningEle4 days ago
+2
Just sayin, Pearl Harbor happened over an oil embargo….
2
[deleted]5 days ago
-8
[removed]
-8
BritishAnimator5 days ago
+55
Squeal? All China has to do is put an embargo on one of its exports, e.g. refined rare earths. The US imports 100% of this critical resource. They also have enough oil reserves to last months if needed.
55
TxM_24045 days ago
+11
Or China will just preassure Iran to open the strait.
11
capnwally145 days ago
-6
China and the US can do MAD on each other's economies. The US can try and find other suppliers and will pay through the nose, can China find other buyers for their goods?
At best Europe, but there's already pushes from Germany to block Chinese imports (and NATO ofc).
Gulf states are more aligned with the US these days, and definitely will not appreciate China siding with Iran.
So where is China's supply gonna go? Not Russia, not NK, South America doesnt have the buying demand... domestically? They've been trying to boost it for years now and it hasnt happened
-6
valhalla_owl5 days ago
+30
You are mad if you think Europe is OK with the stunts the US is pulling in international relations and the way it is treating their allies, and would stop buying from China. Heck, the opposite is happening, countries that depended more on the US are starting to diversify after it is showing to be unreliable ally and trading partner under Trump.
30
BritishAnimator5 days ago
+1
MAD is a Nuclear deterrence, and nothing to do with economic warfare.
The US can not find other suppliers of Rare Earth Refining. China has a monopoly on it, 85-90%. Same for electronic components. They are a manufacturing giant.
America can't just scale that up internally in a few years, maybe 30 years but then the world has moved on so its not feasable.
Who can they sell too? China can sell to China, Canada and Europe, all massive markets. If the US loses a % of those markets, and China gains them then its a slow death spiral for the US. Obviously this won't be done with a hammer, it will be slow and gradual until the US realises it can not win and backs down. Same how sanctions work, you keep applying them rather than all at once to allow an off ramp.
The US strength is its millitary power, which it could certainly use, but not on more than a couple of fronts. Trump might try take Taiwan for instance, just so the US has a monopoly on that. The US could also block software services and why countries are now looking at open source solutions.
It's all not good for us though, we are the ones that suffer from any upset to the global order of things.
1
Scott_J_Doyle5 days ago
+7
MAD as simply an acronym for mutually assured destruction is completely appropriate for describing the relationship between the US and China economically.
7
UnoriginalStanger5 days ago
+6
> MAD
Mutually assured destruction might be a term coined around nukes but it can also be used for economics.
America isn't militarily dependant on rare earths anymore even if the economy is.
China can of course use economic pressure but it will not be one sided.
6
Middle-Accountant-495 days ago
+14
I wonder who would blink if china just escorted tankers
14
Illustrious-Job-63905 days ago
+12
Ah so were back to the Cuban missile crisis
12
ScottyBoneman5 days ago
+7
Or literally the Cuban oil delivery by the Russians a couple of weeks ago
7
PrestondeTipp5 days ago
+7
China doesn't have a blue water navy that can get over there to enforce their will the same way America can
7
CuriousNoob15 days ago
+15
China operates out of Djibouti in the region where they have a naval base. Currently there is a missile destroyer, a missile frigate and a supply ship stationed there. The 48th E***** Group.
They could provide an e***** if they wanted to. But that is a separate mater.
15
ScottyBoneman5 days ago
+6
I doubt they would be looking for a naval conflict in western Asia if it became serious.
6
Crazed_Chemist5 days ago
+5
You don't need a sufficiently large military e***** to do it. It's a question of political will more so than military might. Is the US prepared to open fire on a vessel under the declared protection of the Chinese navy. You can do that without many assets in theater.
5
-113points5 days ago
+3
There is Russian oil anyway
I don't think it hits hard as you hope
3
GreenC1195 days ago
+5
squeal? China? really?
5
Kind_Silver_19215 days ago
+3
china has already used a month of their oil reserves and the clock is ticking
3
Important-Emu-66915 days ago
+9
Idk where you get the news but China has so far released exactly 0 of their oil reserves afaik
9
Kind_Silver_19214 days ago
+2
China is not allowing anyone to know if they are. I don't know where you get your news of exactly 0 since they aren't letting anyone know. And I was making an obvious assumption because most of china's import partners got cut off at the same time as Ukraine ramped up attacks on Russia export of which China gets a lot of oil from as well.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-lets-state-oil-firms-tap-commercial-reserves-iran-war-drags-bloomberg-news-2026-04-10/
2
ReactorSaIt5 days ago
+6
Have they really? Didn’t they have 4 months in total reserves before this?
6
plansprintrelease5 days ago
+6
Depends who you ask, some say they have 200 days reserve, some less than 90…no o e really knows
6
anutosu5 days ago
+4
India had around 90 day reserve.
Considering the volatility of the oil market I'd think something similar to that would be the standard for China too
4
RedMansions5 days ago
"sounds like China is starting to squeal."
I highly doubt that. China has one vital resource that the US no longer has: competent leadership with a vision for the future and perseverance to see that vision come to fruition.
0
TheFamousHesham5 days ago
+1
It’s a bit insane that the US has basically fucked up the entire world and is now pressuring China to fix it.
Is this really what the United States has devolved into?
1
Heisenbergg555 days ago
+1
Been tracking exactly this. Profile if useful.
1
AthleteHistorical4904 days ago
+1
Or China might decide to move on Taiwan sooner rather than later.
1
MyHamburgerLovesMe4 days ago
+1
Or, China can make a deal about ignoring Hormuz if America ignores future South China Sea ventures made by China.
1
zeroconflicthere4 days ago
+1
wonder what would happen if china escorted tankers in the strait.
1
Steelhorse914 days ago
+1
I did laugh when I first the news, but then the more I thought about it, the more I realised there’s some logic behind it, because Iran have been allowing certain ships that profit their economy through.
1
DistanceToEmpty4 days ago
+1
They could also "go get their oil themselves" and make the US blink on their blockade.
1
Tacocats_wrath4 days ago
+1
Another one of china's large oil suppliers is Venezuela. The states are messing with china's energy. China is going to supply Iran with weapons, then the states will impose tarrifs/sanctions on China, China will retaliate with thier own terms, then we will have another trade war.
Markets will dump again, then trump will announce a that a wonderfully deal has been reached and the military objectives have been reached in iran. Everyone e will call bull shit on it, but the markets will pump regardless.
1
Spelunkie4 days ago
+1
It might've been fine if it's just China. The world, especially SEA and Oceania is literally thirsting for oil.
1
Top_Box_89523 days ago
+1
That, and it can just accelerate investments into energy diversification. China has built more green power in the last than the U.S. built of all power.
1
riko77can5 days ago
+183
Several analysts are saying Trump’s intent with the blockade was to get China to pressure Iran to cave. Interesting that China’s response is directly addressed at the US instead.
183
Jsaun9065 days ago
+96
their public response is directed at the US. I'm sure there's private conversations happening between Beijing and Tehran in a daily basis.
96
PlateForeign87385 days ago
+80
Im sure they are talking to Iran as well, what's left of the leadership anyways.
80
PontiusPilatesss4 days ago
+22
China has a railway connecting it to Iran.
Interestingly, Israel bombed that railway last week. China then responded by sending their representative to North Korea, and today North Korea tested a missile shot from their destroyer.
Remember North Korea threatening Israel at the start of the war and suddenly going quiet? Assumption was that China told them to stop with that, but with Israel bombing Chinese interests we may see a reversal of that while China can sit back and say “what North Korea does is North Korea’s business, so you go figure it out”.
22
csprofathogwarts4 days ago
+5
What, realistically, can North Korea do to Israel??
5
Aggravating-Coast3354 days ago
+4
Ukraine is also a long way from North Korea, but guess what, they sent their soldiers to Russia
4
zabast5 days ago
+17
I wouldn't go so far as assuming Trump had any plan at all..
17
Tuinomics4 days ago
+5
Those analysts are wrong. The intent of this blockade is 100% to make the straight’s continued closure also hurt Iran (whose oil revenue has actually increased compared to pre-war levels) and to undermine Iran’s claims of sovereignty over the straight. Whether it puts pressure on China to intervene is secondary to those objectives.
5
tofu_bird5 days ago
+4
China should put a blockade after the US blockade that's after the Iran blockade.
4
Chicken89915 days ago
+13
China cant blockade shit lol
13
EffektieweEffie4 days ago
+1
You'd be surprised how different public responses are to diplomacy behind closed doors. Each player has to play to their domestic audience and in China's case that involves a culture of saving face as well. The question is whether Trump can stfu long enough about the closed door discussions as to not derail them.
1
GarlicHumble42045 days ago
+27
US ia deliberately poking china to put pressure on iran
27
finally_A_username5 days ago
+32
See when it happens to you it's irresponsible and dangerous but if you're not affected you VETO...
32
Based-God-5 days ago
+70
same country that vetoed a UN Security council resolution to open the strait a few weeks ago btw
70
mm6156574 days ago
+31
You only read the headlines, didn't you? That Security Council resolution, under the guise of opening the Strait, granted a very broad authorization for the legitimate use of force. Once passed, attacks on Iran by all countries became legitimate, without granting Iran equal legitimacy to retaliate.
We all know that Trump’s attack on Iran (under Israeli manipulation) was a bad thing, but once that resolution is passed, the attack will become a just cause. Can you imagine how far Israel and Trump would escalate the situation once legitimization is achieved? China has actually limited Trump's ability to create even greater chaos.
31
dontknow_anything4 days ago
+20
From China's perspective, US can stop bombing and the strait will be open, it is closed because Trump wanted a bigger distraction for Epstein files.
20
Vulcant505 days ago
+70
Weird China hasn’t/ doesn’t condemn Russian activities in Ukraine?
70
Lenwa445 days ago
+92
China doesn't import 40% of their oil from Ukraine. Blocking the strait altogether directly threatens China's interests. I don't know how it will all shake out but there is the difference for you.
92
Historical_Owl_16354 days ago
+23
Yep, as harsh as it is it’s “not their problem”.
Just the same as there’s wars that happen all over the world that aren’t Europe’s problem and don’t get the support Ukraine have gotten.
It’s naive to think that any nation does anything out of charity, even if the reason might not be immediately obvious.
They did, they have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict for a while.
25
Clueless_PhD5 days ago
+29
They refused to condemn Russia's action in UN.
29
Important-Emu-66915 days ago
+26
China said over a dozen times that they expect countries to uphold territorial integrity including Crimea which China has not recognized the annexation of
26
Vulcant504 days ago
+2
While holding hands with Putin- even moreso than Trump
2
Alternative-Ad-10275 days ago
+15
Did the condemnation work out at all? Any outcome from that?
15
CessnaBandit5 days ago
+13
Condemning is equivalent to sending thoughts and prayers
13
Dull-Law32295 days ago
+4
Because that's taking sides. China has consistently since 2022 called for a ceasefire.
4
Martyriot155 days ago
+4
Neither has the US recently, and they’re supposed to be Ukraine’s ally far more than China.
4
cinciNattyLight5 days ago
+39
But Iran striking Gulf State oil and gas infrastructure with drones and missiles is???
39
Bulky_Reveal_19375 days ago
+44
Nevermind that, Iran closing the strait wasn’t a problem for them. only now that US is doing it cause it impacts their own economy
44
Poverty_Shoes4 days ago
+3
Where did you come up with this? The US and Iran can (and are) both do things the wrong way. It’s not a zero sum game where one country is on the right side of everything.
3
cyribis4 days ago
+10
Irresponsible and dangerous is a pretty fitting description of the current US administration lol
10
KernsNectar4 days ago
+7
Doesn't China intentionally ram their ships into Philippine Coast Guard ships? That's definitely not irresponsible and or dangerous.
7
shrine-princess5 days ago
+4
country outside of iran with most to lose from naval blockade dislikes naval blockade: more news @ 11
4
kekehippo4 days ago
+3
It is, for China, cause they rely heavily on oil from Iran.
3
Kenichi22335 days ago
+24
They are mad they cant buy Iranian oil
24
DaySecure76425 days ago
+8
Supplying materials for regimes to develop nuclear weapons with clearly stated religious goals and executing protesters are also irresponsible and dangerous.
8
SkywalkerTC4 days ago
+2
China is nervous.
But the US is really only blockading Iran despite what Trump said and what some people believed. Again, I do not believe a word this guy says.
2
Shot-Toe-28845 days ago
+16
Iran closed the strait and mined international waters. Maybe they are confused about the timeline of events here.
A week ago they vetoed opening the strait and stood by Iran’s self confessed maritime terrorism.
Now a far more limited blockade that hasn’t blown up any ships is dangerous? China got caught with its pants down on this one. 🤡
Xi and the CCP look like absolute morons right now.
16
McBuck24 days ago
+5
Why did they close the strait in the first place? Because they were being attacked. Xi just has to put pressure on the US again and Trump will TACO...again.
5
AccomplishedSoft13505 days ago
+10
...but Iranian blockade, a-okay! - finished the thought for the CCP
10
Pale-Factor-85745 days ago
+4
First Saudi Arabia, now China. I doubt the blockade will stay put. Taco incoming.
4
Shot-Toe-28845 days ago
+7
What's the point of ending the blockade. If we do that, then the strait is still being closed by Iran, so nothing changes. This isn't ending. Iran just lost all of its leverage it was boasting about. Trump has been dying for leverage in this.
If the houthis want to double down on Iran's international maritime terrorism and exile itself even further within the international community, go for it. Let's see how that works out. The houthis are on the defensive right now thanks to resistance forces in Yemen. They are not eager to start another war.
7
Pale-Factor-85745 days ago
-1
China is funneling 85-90% of processed rare earth metals to the USA for missile production and AI infrastructure.
If that stops, this war is over. They'll hand victory to the Iranians simply by refusing to trade, because there are no alternate suppliers.
Trump has 0 choice here. He either removes the blockade, or he loses the war when China revokes access to missile components.
He will taco, 100%.
-1
pargofan4 days ago
+1
When did Saudi Arabia say something? I thought they wanted this war.
1
Budgeko5 days ago
+1
China posturing like this is all the evidence needed they will put pressure on Iran to have a more aggressive off ramp. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
1
ajicrystal4 days ago
+3
China should zip it. Our lord and saviour has spoken ! /s
3
GarnetOblivion14 days ago
+2
As dangerous and irresponsible as Iran blockading international waters? But it was fine because it benefited you. Let’s keep that same energy china.
2
enby-millennial-6135 days ago
+5
The US is literally letting every country pass through except for Iranian vessels. And, of course those leaving from Iranian ports.
China shouldn’t have a problem as long as they’re not trying to sail to/from Iran.
5
Severe_Air_43535 days ago
+2
Usa dont give a shit. They enter Canadian waters to harass 🇨🇦 fisherman .
2
Vic18t4 days ago
+2
So what does that make paying a toll or shooting oil tankers with drones?
2
starderpderp4 days ago
+2
I've been wondering if this whole oil crisis would escalate into a new World War. It's definitely getting closer and closer. FFS.
Well, at least I've stopped saving and maxing out my fun and joy at the moment. I guess it's not the worst way to go when the nukes start going kaboom.
2
pr1m3475 days ago
-1
What's US gonna do? Attack other country ships? Won't that be considered war declaration at them?
-1
ChaosArcana5 days ago
+11
No, probably board ships and take it into custody.
It would not be a war declaration, since its declared active warzone with a blockade.
Who's fault is it if you sail into hostile waters, fully knowing there is naval warfare?
11
myWeedAccountMaaaaan5 days ago
+6
It's not an active war zone, as our commander-in-chief has said multiple times. This means any acts of aggression by the US military commandeering vessels would violate international law and further escalate tensions.
6
fury4204 days ago
+5
Trump says a lot of contradictory things, but the US military's formal declaration of a blockade is itself an act of war, and it was hardly the first one given that they've been bombing Iran for weeks.
Not being a war is a fiction for domestic consumption, much like how Putin's "special military operation" is still a war.
5
pr1m3475 days ago
What if chinese ships gets escorted by their military? Would US still try to take in to custody? Won't that escalate?
0
ChaosArcana5 days ago
+4
If that were to occur, it would be akin to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Would potentially trigger a major global conflict.
4
PlateForeign87385 days ago
+7
China doesn't have that capabilities in this area of the world. America is the only country in the world that can have this amount of navy presence so far away.
7
Important-Emu-66915 days ago
+7
Don’t have capability to send ships? You think this is the 1400’s or what. Ofc naval ships can be sent there
7
Mayor__Defacto4 days ago
+4
Logistical tail is too long. This isn’t the 1400’s, you need to resupply your vessels with fuel - and they burn a *lot* of fuel.
4
Thin-Discipline16734 days ago
+1
Nuclear option and we go full on Mad Max!! Heyya MOTHER FUCKERS!!!
1
Immediate-Cow-61834 days ago
+1
So Iran closes the strait... and we're having a go at the US for closing it when it's already closed.
Nice one Winnie the Pooh. Totalitarian states with no democracy ( Iran , China, Russia ) banding together!!
Lining up nicely for a hot WW3 ..seems to be what China is after.
1
boogi3woogie4 days ago
+1
Oh no! Not your sanctioned c**** oil! Good thing you’ve got >1b barrels in storage. Anyways… more strongly worded warnings at 6 PM!
148 Comments