As the Iran war escalates again, Gulf Arab states are looking to China - not Washington - to use its economic leverage over Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, testing how far Beijing is able and willing to pressure Tehran.

The Gulf push for a bigger Chinese role is driven by growing ‌frustration, Gulf sources say. The war launched with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 has hurt their regional foe but also restricted their vital energy exports and, to varying degrees, put them in the firing line.

With Iran and its allies threatening the Bab el-Mandeb waterway in the Red Sea as well as Hormuz, Gulf states have sought Beijing's help, conscious that the war has exposed the limits of American power, three regional sources say.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held ‌dozens of calls and meetings with counterparts seeking a new ceasefire, while special envoy Zhai Jun has held talks in Gulf Arab capitals as ⁠well as Iran. "China has maintained close communication with all parties, and has consistently worked to stop the fighting and promote peace," its foreign ministry said in ⁠response to a request for comment.

China's position as ⁠both a major buyer of oil from across the Gulf and Iran's biggest trading partner presents opportunities but also sensitivities.

"There's huge respect between the Gulf and China and they are a big trading ‌partner, so any issue is raised in a very quiet manner," one Gulf source said.

Iran says it will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, noting it was attacked during negotiations over the nuclear program ⁠the U.S. and Israel have vowed to destroy.

Gulf governments ultimately hope that Beijing will steer Tehran toward a........

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