Can China restrain Iran? Gulf states test Beijing's influence

By Samia Nakhoul and Timour Azhari BEIRUT/RIYADH, July 30 (Reuters) - 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 pressurise Tehran.

The Gulf push for a bigger Chinese role is driven by growing frustration, Gulf sources say.

The Gulf push for a bigger Chinese role is driven by growing frustration, Gulf sources say.