China privately pushing Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
China is privately urging Iran to restrain Houthi attacks following a Saudi appeal, stepping into a security vacuum in Yemen after Washington declined to fight the militant group. Meanwhile, Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island, worsening the crisis at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The ongoing conflict has reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and impacted global energy markets. India stated it has insulated itself from supply disruptions by diversifying its crude sourcing to 41 countries and boosting domestic liquefied petroleum gas production.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Saudi Grand Mufti Saleh al Fawzan urged Yemeni government-aligned forces and Saudi border soldiers to protect Saudi territory and defeat the Houthis on September 24.
- ✓ Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased significantly due to conflict, impacting global energy markets.
- ✓ Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island, worsening the security situation at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- ✓ India has diversified its crude sourcing to 41 countries and strengthened domestic liquefied petroleum gas production to handle West Asia crisis volatility.
What changed
Saudi Grand Mufti Saleh al Fawzan issued a statement on September 24 urging forces to protect Saudi territory and defeat the Houthis.
Live updates
-
China Pushes Iran on Houthis as Strategic Shipping Lanes Face Crisis
China is privately urging Iran to restrain Houthi attacks following a Saudi appeal, stepping into a security vacuum in Yemen after Washington declined to fight the militant group. Meanwhile, Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island, worsening the crisis at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The ongoing conflict has reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and impacted global energy markets. India stated it has insulated itself from supply disruptions by diversifying its crude sourcing to 41 countries and boosting domestic liquefied petroleum gas production.
Why it matters
The diplomatic push by Beijing comes as slide conditions in oil prices and regional instability threaten vital maritime corridors. Saudi Grand Mufti Saleh al Fawzan issued a statement urging forces to defend Saudi territory against the Houthis, signaling rising tensions along the border. These developments unfold against a backdrop of ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran aimed at reopening key shipping routes.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Grand Mufti Saleh al Fawzan urged Yemeni government-aligned forces and Saudi border soldiers to protect Saudi territory and defeat the Houthis on September 24.
- Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased significantly due to conflict, impacting global energy markets.
- Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island, worsening the security situation at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- India has diversified its crude sourcing to 41 countries and strengthened domestic liquefied petroleum gas production to handle West Asia crisis volatility.
Still unconfirmed
- China is privately pressing Iran to help rein in the Houthis following an appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- Beijing is exploiting a security gap left by Washington in Yemen while using its influence to curb attacks.
What to watch next
- Whether Iran acts on Chinese diplomatic pressure to curb Houthi maritime attacks.
- Developments in US-Iran discussions regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Potential Saudi ground offensive actions along the border following the Grand Mufti's statement.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.criticalthreats.org — Iran Update, September 25, 2026 | Critical Threats
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — red sea crisis: Latest News & Videos, Photos about red sea ...
-
China Pressures Iran to Restrain Houthis Following Saudi Appeal
China is privately pressing Iran to help rein in the Houthis following an appeal from Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic push comes as oil prices slide and Beijing emerges as a vital partner for Riyadh after a refusal by the United States to fight the militant group threatening the Red Sea. Sources indicate Beijing is using its influence to curb attacks affecting vital shipping lanes and regional stability, while simultaneously exploiting a security gap left by Washington in Yemen.
Why it matters
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have created severe disruptions along critical maritime trade routes and energy corridors. Saudi Arabia previously turned to the United States for assistance against the threats, but those requests were declined. China has stepped into this diplomatic and security void to protect its economic interests and project influence in the Middle East.
What is confirmed
- China is privately pressing Iran to help rein in the Houthis following a Saudi appeal.
- Oil prices slid amid reports of Beijing's diplomatic intervention with Tehran.
- China has emerged as a lifeline for Saudi Arabia after the United States declined requests to fight the Houthis.
What to watch next
- Any visible change in Houthi operational capacity or attack frequency in the Red Sea
- Official statements from Tehran or Beijing regarding regional maritime security cooperation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
- Seeking Alpha — China urges Iran to control Houthis post attack on Saudi Arabia- reports
- Business Insider Africa — China emerges as Saudi Arabia’s latest lifeline after Trump declines request to fight Houthis threatening vital Red Sea chokepoint
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Oil Prices Slide as China Presses Iran to Rein In the Houthis
- The Times of Israel — China privately pushing Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
- Al-Monitor — In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community