The Strait of Hormuz matters enormously because it channels roughly one‑fifth to one‑quarter of the world's oil supply, serving as a critical artery for global energy markets—with international navigation already affected by Iran's proxy Houthi group disruptions in the Red Sea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes.

Britain cautioned Iran Monday that attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz or to strike at American military facilities in the Middle East could lead to escalation, even as Israel continued its strikes on Iran.