China has reportedly intensified diplomatic pressure on Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping.

The waterway, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, has come under threat following US and ‘Israeli’ strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to warn of potential closures and attacks on vessels.

Senior executives from Chinese state-owned gas companies, according to Bloomberg, said that Beijing is actively engaging Iranian officials to prevent disruptions to oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, particularly from Qatar and other Gulf suppliers.