China asks the Islamic Republic to rein in the Houthis

China has privately asked the Islamic Republic of Iran to use its influence over the Houthis in Yemen to rein them in. This request comes after Saudi Arabia's concerns about the Houthis' advances in the Red Sea and around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. On Thursday, September 16, reports from three Iranian sources confirmed this matter.

Houthi advances and Saudi concerns

After the Houthis, supported by the Islamic Republic, rapidly advanced along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia turned to China. This advancement has posed greater risks to Saudi oil exports and shipping in the Red Sea. Informed sources stated that China's private message went beyond its public calls for restraint and dialogue.

Read more: Asim Munir emphasized the cessation of Ansar Allah attacks and the revival of negotiations

China's message and economic concerns

China has asked the Islamic Republic to increase its influence over the Houthis to prevent the spread of war to energy routes. This request has been made particularly at a time when the economic relations between the two countries are considered a potential leverage for China. In recent years, China has been Iran's largest trading partner and the main buyer of its oil; in 2025, over 80% of Iran's maritime oil exports were sent to China.

In this context, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the country does not want to see further regional tensions spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea, emphasizing that escalating instability benefits no one. Additionally, the ministry called for respect for the sovereignty of countries and resolving disputes through dialogue.

International dialogues and the role of the United States

Alongside these developments, the United States has also opened an independent channel for dialogue with the Houthis. JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, announced on Monday, September 11, that the country will engage in discussions with the Houthis while maintaining close ties with Saudi Arabia and other parties in the crisis. Informed sources also reported that U.S. officials met with Houthi representatives at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat.

In this meeting, which Oman facilitated, the Houthis stated that they do not intend to attack American ships and will adhere to the 2025 ceasefire with the United States. The U.S. State Department did not officially confirm this meeting but emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and preventing the export of terrorism from the Middle East.

Security and economic implications

The significance of China's request concerning the status of two vital energy chokepoints, namely the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, is clearly evident. The Strait of Hormuz is facing severe disruption due to the war, and the Houthis' advance around Bab-el-Mandeb could threaten the second major energy export route in the region. Kepler data shows that on Wednesday, only three cargo ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, although this figure does not include ships that have turned off their tracking systems.

Read more: Erdogan is running again for the 2028 presidential election · China requested Iran's help to rein in the Houthis