China temporarily bans helium exports as US-Iran tensions flare again

China implemented a temporary ban on helium exports on July 10 as heating tensions between the United States and Iran escalated. Although China is a minor global helium supplier, the move adds pressure to worldwide supply during a current shock, potentially affecting semiconductor and AI manufacturing sectors.

US-Iran-Israel War

The United States and Israel are engaged in a full-scale war with Iran following the collapse of a June 17 memorandum of understanding on July 8. President Trump declared the ceasefire over after Iran attacked three commercial ships during a diplomatic pause for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral, launching massive new airstrikes on July 9 targeting 90 military sites, including the Bushehr nuclear plant.

US-Iran-Israel War— full background & timeline