Saudi Arabia asks China to intervene with Iran to rein in Ansar Allah

In response to the recent advances of Ansar Allah forces in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has turned to China and requested that the country pressure Iran to use its influence over Ansar Allah to prevent the continuation of these advances. This request arises as Riyadh has become disillusioned with insufficient U.S. support.

Saudi Arabia's request to China

Following the United States' agreement to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, the situation has become extremely critical for Riyadh. Informed sources say that due to the rapid advances of Ansar Allah last week, Saudi Arabia has sought help from China, which has also sent a confidential message to Tehran.

Read more: Mohammed bin Salman requests dialogue with Ansar Allah

In recent days, Ansar Allah forces have made advances in coastal areas of the Red Sea and around Bab al-Mandab, a move that experts say puts Saudi Arabia's oil exports at risk. Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned that this situation will affect the security of shipping routes and consequently pressure the country's economy.

China's confidential message to Tehran

Following Saudi Arabia's request, China has privately asked Iran to use its influence over Ansar Allah to prevent the crisis from spilling over into energy routes. These routes are of special importance to China's economy, which is recognized as the second-largest economy in the world. However, it is unclear whether this request was made during the visit of Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, to China or was conveyed to Tehran through other means.

China has consistently emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue in its public positions, but Iranian sources say that Beijing's private message goes beyond these public stances and reflects China's concern over the security situation in the region.

In the past, Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, has twice requested military intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump, both times met with rejection from Washington. This, in turn, indicates a decline in U.S. influence and support in the Middle East.

Given recent developments, international reactions to Saudi Arabia's request to China and also Beijing's confidential message to Tehran could have profound impacts on the security and economic situation in the Middle East. Experts believe that these developments could lead to changes in regional and global policies.

Read more: Attack on oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and rising tensions in the region · Riyadh seeks dialogue with Ansar Allah for a ceasefire in Yemen