• Marco Rubio warns Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, deeming it "economic suicide."
• US officials conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, escalating regional tensions.
• Rubio urges China to persuade Iran to keep the strait open, crucial for global oil flow.
• Closure of the strait could significantly affect oil prices and global economies.
• Iranian parliament approved a measure for potential closure, pending final decision.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran on Sunday against the potential closure of the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, labeling such an action as "economic suicide." His statements came in the context of rising tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and reports that the Iranian parliament had approved a proposal to close the waterway, through which approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies flow. Rubio emphasized that if Iran were to take this step, it would "hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours," while urging China to intervene and influence Tehran, given their dependence on oil from the strait, according to indiatimes, Reuters, Channel News Asia, BBC, and The Jakarta Post.

Following the U.S. airstrikes, which reportedly involved "obliterating" Iranian nuclear sites using advanced military tactics, including bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles, Rubio noted that any attempt by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz would lead to severe retaliatory options from the United States and other countries. Such an escalation would not only jeopardize regional stability but could also cause a surge in global oil prices, adversely affecting economies heavily reliant on oil imports, especially China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, according to indiatimes, Reuters, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

Rubio's remarks highlighted the complex geopolitical implications surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical transit point for oil shipments originating from major Middle Eastern producers. He asserted that if Iran were to proceed with plans to close the strait, it would escalate tensions to an unprecedented level, compelling a firm response from the international community. Analysts predict that such an obstruction could trigger a dramatic increase in oil prices, reminiscent of the impacts seen following geopolitical disturbances in the region, as reported by indiatimes, Reuters, Channel News Asia, BBC, and The Jakarta Post.

Amidst these developments, the Iranian parliament's approval of the closure plan highlights the rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. and its allies. While Iranian military leaders have pledged to defend their interests, Rubio cautioned that any retaliatory action could lead to severe consequences, characterizing it as "the worst mistake they've ever made." He emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement, stating that the U.S. is still open to negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, according to indiatimes, Reuters, Channel News Asia, BBC, and The Jakarta Post.