Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
China has privately asked Iran to use its influence over the Houthis in Yemen to help mitigate tensions in Bab al-Mandab. This request came after Saudi Arabia turned to Beijing following rapid advances by the Houthis.
China's Request and Iran's Response
Last week, the Houthis made significant advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising serious concerns for Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region. These developments have jeopardized Saudi oil exports and maritime transport.
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In response to this request, Iranian sources stated that Tehran emphasizes that the Houthis do not take orders from Iran and act based on their own interests. At the same time, it seems that Iran is inclined to leverage its connections with Beijing, especially as it grapples with economic and political challenges.
The Importance of Iran-China Relations
China, as one of the few countries with the financial capacity to invest in Iran, can help sustain economic activities and improve Tehran's economic situation. This country mediated between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 and assisted in the resumption of relations between the two countries.
Given these relations, Iranian sources noted that China's interests are just one of many considerations in Iran's decision-making. Additionally, Chinese officials have not referred to any explicit threats to Tehran and are not seeking to exert economic pressure on Iran.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also emphasized that the country does not wish to see an escalation of tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea and calls for an end to actions that complicate the regional situation.
However, it remains unclear how Iran will respond to China's concerns. This issue could add new dimensions to the relationship between Tehran and Beijing and have widespread implications in the region.
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