Three Iranian sources told Reuters that Beijing privately asked Tehran to use its influence to stop Houthi military advances following a diplomatic appeal from Saudi Arabia. The request came after the Houthis seized the southwestern coastline of Yemen and the port city of Mocha, which exposed Saudi shipping and oil exports near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Beijing sought to protect energy routes essential to its economy from further conflict.

Tehran replied that regional stability depends on ending the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. China did not use economic ultimatums or direct threats during the communication, which marks the second time a third party has acted as an interlocutor between Riyadh and Tehran after a previous effort by Pakistan failed. Publicly, China continues to call for dialogue and restraint.