US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes. Oil prices rose following the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, with the price of the benchmark Brent crude reaching its highest level in five months. Marco Rubio says If Iran closes the Straits, it will be economic suicide for all countries Around 20% of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with major oil and gas producers in the Middle East using the waterway to transport energy from the region. Any attempt to disrupt operations in the Strait could could send global oil prices skyrocketing. Head of Energy Research at MST Financial, Saul Kavonic, says the US is now positioned with an overwhelming defence posture in the region to be prepared for any Iran counter attacks.

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