Strait of Hormuz tensions simmer as Iran war enters 12th day; China steps up diplomacy

Mar 13, 2026 at 11:01 AM

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Lanka Leader

The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has entered its 12th day by last Wednesday, with rising civilian casualties, persistent volatility in global oil markets and increasing fears of a broader regional war.

Fighting has intensified across the region as both sides continue military operations. Explosions were reported in Tehran following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly hit military headquarters, oil infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, schools and hospitals. In response, Iran launched new waves of attacks targeting Israeli and US-linked assets across the Middle East, including locations in Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it carried out its “most intense and heaviest operation” since the war began. Meanwhile, the US military reported destroying multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

The ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pose economic and strategic risks for all sides. Analysts say disruptions there could threaten global energy supplies while also straining Iran’s relations with neighboring Gulf states.

China launches diplomatic push

Amid the escalating conflict, China has intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone conversations on Tuesday with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, and with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan.

During the calls, Wang reiterated China’s call for an immediate ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis, stressing that preventing further escalation requires the US and Israel to halt military operations. He also condemned attacks targeting civilian facilities and innocent civilians.

The calls followed earlier discussions on Monday with Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, foreign minister of Bahrain, and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, foreign minister of Kuwait.

China’s diplomatic outreach is also continuing on the ground. Beijing’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, foreign minister of the UAE, after holding talks with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia.

At a regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, would continue to promote peace and maintain communication with all relevant parties to help reduce tensions.

Experts say China’s broad diplomatic engagement reflects its balanced relations with both Iran and Arab states. Scholars note that Beijing’s long-standing emphasis on mediation and dialogue has helped it build trust across the region.

Concerns grow over prolonged conflict

In Washington, Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end “soon,” claiming there were few remaining targets. However, divisions have emerged in US domestic politics over the potential duration and cost of the conflict.

Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of war, said the administration was not seeking another prolonged Middle East war. Still, Democratic lawmakers warned that the conflict could become open-ended.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said the administration’s war strategy appeared “incoherent and incomplete,” raising concerns that the situation could turn into an “endless war.”

Iranian officials have also signaled readiness for a prolonged confrontation. Kamal Kharazi, a foreign policy adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said Tehran was prepared for a long conflict with the United States and expressed skepticism about future diplomatic negotiations.

Reports indicate the conflict has already consumed significant military resources. US officials said billions of dollars’ worth of munitions had been used in the opening days of the assault, while casualties among US service members have also been reported.

International divisions widen

As the war continues, diplomatic rifts have also emerged among Western allies. Spain on Wednesday withdrew its ambassador from Israel, signaling worsening bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, members of the Left group in the European Parliament criticized Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, for failing to condemn US and Israeli strikes in the Middle East.

Analysts say the conflict has entered a costly stalemate phase, with both sides facing mounting military, economic and diplomatic pressure as the war shows no immediate signs of ending.