China has privately asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthis to help reduce their military activity, according to three Iranian sources cited by Reuters.
The request reportedly came after Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing for help as concerns grow over Houthi activity around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route.
China is particularly concerned about regional instability because disruptions could threaten oil supplies, shipping routes and global trade.
Iran has not clearly agreed to the request. According to the sources, Tehran argued that broader regional stability depends on ending the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
