Cyprus News Agency

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio said: "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to reach out on this matter because they are highly dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil." China is Iran’s biggest oil customer and maintains friendly relations with the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian foreign minister said early Sunday that following US bombing of three key nuclear facilities over the weekend, the Islamic Republic "reserves all options to defend its sovereignty."

Meanwhile, Iranian state media quoted a senior lawmaker saying the Iranian parliament supports closing the Strait of Hormuz. However, according to the report, the final decision rests with Iran's National Security Council.

An attempt to close the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman could have deep implications for the global economy. According to the Energy Information Administration, about 20 million barrels of crude oil per day — 20% of global consumption — passed through the strait in 2024.