Russia’s Lavrov visits China as US pressures Iran with Hormuz blockade

Al Jazeera ConflictNews ReportEN 4 min read 100% complete by By AFP and ReutersApril 14, 2026 at 11:08 AM

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Beijing on April 14, 2026, amid rising tensions due to a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade, aimed at pressuring Iran, is disrupting China's oil imports, as a third of its supply passes through the strait. Both Russia and China have criticized the US-Israel war on Iran and the US blockade, with China emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Strait's security for international trade. Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the need to prevent further conflict and offering Russia's assistance in reaching a settlement. The US hopes that economic pressure on China will lead them to pressure Iran to return to negotiations.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy.

quote — China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun100% confidence

Beijing and Moscow have condemned the US and Israel over their war on Iran.

factual — Article100% confidence

China imports about a third of its oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

factual — Article100% confidence

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing as the United States blocks the Strait of Hormuz.

factual — Article100% confidence

The US hopes that pressure on China will mean China putting pressure on Iran.

quote — Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher80% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ×240% Guo Jiakun 40% Abbas Araghchi ×250% Israel ×250% Beijing ×260% Strait of Hormuz ×470% Iran ×780% United States ×680% Russia ×480% Sergey Lavrov ×590% China ×1090%

Keywords

strait of hormuz 90% us-iran war 90% china 80% russia 80% oil supplies 70% us blockade 70% energy crisis 60% international trade 50% sergey lavrov 50% middle east 40%