India and China Could Help Resolve West Asia Conflict, Says Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that India and China could contribute significantly to resolving the ongoing West Asia conflict if the U.S. administration chooses to utilize diplomatic measures. Speaking in an interview with C-SPAN on Monday, Clinton pointed out that strategic misconceptions have sustained the current geopolitical tensions.

The conflict escalated after the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, which resulted in retaliatory strikes and the disruption of shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Under normal conditions, approximately a fifth of the global energy supply passes through this vital Gulf chokepoint.

Although the U.S. and Iran signed an interim peace agreement in June, the pact collapsed following fresh strikes from both sides. Regional mediation efforts are currently underway, with countries such as Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar attempting to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

According to Clinton, India and China represent the key to resolving the standoff because they are the primary buyers of Iranian oil and gas. She noted that China, in particular, has maintained significant fossil fuel reserves in tankers but will ultimately continue to need Iranian energy supplies.

'It does seem to me that's where the best pressure would come from if Trump were willing to actually use diplomacy instead of bluster,' Clinton said during the interview.

The remarks follow announcements from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding a new round of sanctions against Iran. The U.S. has warned nations conducting business with the Islamic Republic to sever financial ties or face retaliation. In response, Tehran has threatened military action against the proposed sanctions.

China, Turkiye, and the UAE remain Iran's largest trade partners. When asked whether she would impose secondary sanctions against China, Clinton indicated she would use the threat of sanctions to press Beijing into helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to the status quo ante. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on August 20 that his administration would pursue crushing economic operations against Iran if Tehran fails to reach a deal.

"Geopolitical tensions in key trade corridors like the Strait of Hormuz have a direct and immediate impact on global supply chains, energy costs, and international trade stability. When major economies like India and China are drawn into diplomatic discussions regarding energy security, it highlights how interconnected global commerce is with international policy. For businesses operating internationally, monitoring these macroeconomic shifts is essential for managing supply chain risks and energy price volatility." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes