DUBAI, 18 September 2026 (Kamran Raja): China has privately urged Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthis to help prevent further escalation in the Red Sea following an appeal from Saudi Arabia, according to three Iranian sources familiar with the matter. The sources said Riyadh sought Beijing’s assistance after Houthi forces made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, increasing risks to Saudi oil exports and international shipping. China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue and the restoration of safe navigation, while its private message to Tehran reportedly went further by urging Iran to help prevent the conflict from spreading across key energy routes. The sources said Tehran responded that regional stability depends on ending what it described as the US-Israeli war on Iran. China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing does not want regional tensions to spread further into Yemen and the Red Sea and called for respect for the sovereignty and security of all countries, an end to actions that could worsen the situation and a resolution through dialogue and negotiations. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of Iranian oil, while Beijing also maintains significant economic and strategic ties with Gulf Arab states. Analysts say China faces a dilemma as it seeks to protect its energy supplies and maritime trade while maintaining its strategic relationship with Tehran. The situation has raised concerns that continued Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, combined with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could further affect global energy supplies and increase the risk of a wider regional conflict.