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Iran

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Iran. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Tehran

Head of State

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Head of Government

President Masoud Pezeshkian

Japan

Trump’s Pearl Harbour ‘joke’ falls flat in Japan, Takaichi praised for response

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, Takaichi has been commended for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

2 minutes agovideocam

China energy security

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

5 minutes agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

2 hours ago

China stock market

Chinese stocks shake laggard image amid oil shock as green transition pays off

China’s push into renewables helps shield its markets from the latest oil turmoil, with analysts pointing to limited downside risks.

3 hours ago

An oil tanker is guided to a berth at a port in Qingdao, Shandong province. China has oil reserves of 1.3 billion barrels, enough for four months of supply, according to UBS Group and S&P Global. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US military aircraft losses mount as Iran war approaches fourth week

At least 16 US aircraft have been lost so far, mostly Reaper drones, amid the high-tempo air strike campaign against Iran.

4 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s parliament speaker emerges as key figure in war after assassinations

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf helps fill the power vacuum left by the killing of Iran’s leaders.

6 hours ago

Malaysia

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

6 hours agovideocam

An Instagrammable spot in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Facebook/malaysia.travel.my

SCMP Highlights

China’s jet designer removed online; US warships’ Malaysia stop: 7 highlights

From US warships’ stop in Penang to Jollibee representing Southeast Asian brands globally, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

6 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Can China broker peace for Iran again? 2023 was different, analysts say

Tehran has signalled a willingness for Beijing to act as a mediator in its escalating war against US and Israel.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong has a chance to lead the world in marine underwriting

Readers discuss developments in shipping, and the implications for Taiwan of US actions in the Iran war.

20 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

The Kwai Chung Container Terminal. 04MAR26 SCMP / Elson Li

Banking & finance

US federal debt becoming ‘alarmingly unsustainable’ as Iran war fuels spending

Washington’s rapid accumulation of sovereign debt sparks outcry, with some analysts questioning if Trump has the political will to cut the deficit.

20 Mar 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

US sovereign debt has soared in recent years, with analysts warning that the Iran war could fuel even greater borrowing. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

As war in Iran quickly reshapes energy flows, trade routes and political alignments, the crisis may mark the start of a more volatile new phase.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea risks US rift over Iran’s Hormuz Strait squeeze

Any deal with Iran could undermine South Korea’s alliance with the US and their US$350 billion trade deal.

20 Mar 2026 - 8:10AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Smoke and flames rise at the site of air strikes on an oil depot in Tehran, capital of Iran, on March 7. Photo: TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s exiled prince Reza Pahlavi plans to flip the script on Beijing

Pahlavi camp plays down China’s mediation, outlines plans to recalibrate ties with Beijing and Moscow in the event of a regime change.

3 hours agovideocam

A protestor in New York City holds an image of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, during a demonstration against the Iranian government. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel’s Netanyahu says Iran ‘decimated’, hints at ‘ground component’

Israeli PM boasts of destroying Tehran’s nuclear and ballistics capacity while hinting at at ‘many possibilities’ on the ground.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:53AMvideocam

United States

Trump compares Iran attack to Pearl Harbour in otherwise positive Takaichi talks

Two leaders tout bilateral relationship and pledge to work cooperatively on trade.

3 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US F-35 hit by suspected Iranian fire, forced to make emergency landing

This would be the first time Iran has hit one of the US$100 million planes since the US and Israel launched their attack in February.

20 Mar 2026 - 2:04AMvideocam

A US F-35C Lightning II lands on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury on March 7. Photo: US Navy via dpa

US, Israel war on Iran

US has no end date for Iran war, strikes ‘very much on track’: Hegseth

Trump will be the one to decide when to stop, the defence secretary says, as Pentagon asks for US$200 billion in extra funding.

19 Mar 2026 - 11:52PM

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Severely damaged’: how the US-Israel war on Iran is decoupling Gulf security

As confidence in America’s defence guarantee erodes, Gulf states are now weighing a more multifaceted strategy, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Britain

2 men charged with spying for Iran on UK Jewish targets

The men are accused of spying on targets given to them by Iran, including the Israeli embassy and Britain’s oldest synagogue.

19 Mar 2026 - 9:52PM

The Bevis Marks synagogue in London. Photo: Bevis Marks

Banking & finance

China’s central bank pledges stability in capital markets amid global sell-off

With worries over the Iran war driving down stock prices, the People’s Bank of China has named market stability as a ‘major task’ in 2026.

19 Mar 2026 - 9:30PM

Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, speaks during a press conference on the sideline of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 6, 2026. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

As war in Iran roils energy markets, Europe pays price of ‘dependency’

Governments are racing to respond, as oil and gas prices raise fears of a further spike in living costs.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | China is looking at Iran war for clues to US long-term intent

US actions threaten China’s energy security, expose supply chokepoints and raise nuclear proliferation risks in its neighbourhood.

19 Mar 2026 - 9:22PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

‘Uncompromising’: Takaichi’s meeting with Trump seen as key to China-Japan ties

Neither Tokyo nor Beijing has enough incentive to compromise, observers say, signalling a new reality between Asian giants.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, pictured soon after being re-elected in February, has sought to cultivate a close relationship with US President Donald Trump amid Japan-China tension. Photo: Kyodo via Reuters

China energy security

If the Iran war takes oil above US$120 a barrel, how bad could the shock get?

With major energy assets now coming under attack and the Strait of Hormuz still closed, analysts fear a longer supply shock.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Iran launched attacks on Gulf energy sites, including Qatar’s huge Ras Laffan LNG facility (pictured), in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong stock market

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

Risk-off mode takes hold as attacks bring crisis to ‘a more dangerous level for the global economy’, analyst says.

19 Mar 2026 - 7:30PM

The Philippines

Soaring oil prices hit Filipino jeepney drivers: ‘what we earn goes to diesel’

Thousands of jeepney drivers protested across the Philippines against a more than doubling ‌of local diesel prices because of the Iran war.

4 hours agovideocam

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Iran

Trump’s Pearl Harbour ‘joke’ falls flat in Japan, Takaichi praised for response

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, Takaichi has been commended for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

Chinese stocks shake laggard image amid oil shock as green transition pays off

China’s push into renewables helps shield its markets from the latest oil turmoil, with analysts pointing to limited downside risks.

US military aircraft losses mount as Iran war approaches fourth week

At least 16 US aircraft have been lost so far, mostly Reaper drones, amid the high-tempo air strike campaign against Iran.

Iran’s parliament speaker emerges as key figure in war after assassinations

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf helps fill the power vacuum left by the killing of Iran’s leaders.

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

China’s jet designer removed online; US warships’ Malaysia stop: 7 highlights

From US warships’ stop in Penang to Jollibee representing Southeast Asian brands globally, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Can China broker peace for Iran again? 2023 was different, analysts say

Tehran has signalled a willingness for Beijing to act as a mediator in its escalating war against US and Israel.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong has a chance to lead the world in marine underwriting

Readers discuss developments in shipping, and the implications for Taiwan of US actions in the Iran war.

US federal debt becoming ‘alarmingly unsustainable’ as Iran war fuels spending

Washington’s rapid accumulation of sovereign debt sparks outcry, with some analysts questioning if Trump has the political will to cut the deficit.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

As war in Iran quickly reshapes energy flows, trade routes and political alignments, the crisis may mark the start of a more volatile new phase.

South Korea risks US rift over Iran’s Hormuz Strait squeeze

Any deal with Iran could undermine South Korea’s alliance with the US and their US$350 billion trade deal.

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

Iran’s exiled prince Reza Pahlavi plans to flip the script on Beijing

Pahlavi camp plays down China’s mediation, outlines plans to recalibrate ties with Beijing and Moscow in the event of a regime change.

Israel’s Netanyahu says Iran ‘decimated’, hints at ‘ground component’

Israeli PM boasts of destroying Tehran’s nuclear and ballistics capacity while hinting at at ‘many possibilities’ on the ground.

Trump compares Iran attack to Pearl Harbour in otherwise positive Takaichi talks

Two leaders tout bilateral relationship and pledge to work cooperatively on trade.

US F-35 hit by suspected Iranian fire, forced to make emergency landing

This would be the first time Iran has hit one of the US$100 million planes since the US and Israel launched their attack in February.

US has no end date for Iran war, strikes ‘very much on track’: Hegseth

Trump will be the one to decide when to stop, the defence secretary says, as Pentagon asks for US$200 billion in extra funding.

‘Severely damaged’: how the US-Israel war on Iran is decoupling Gulf security

As confidence in America’s defence guarantee erodes, Gulf states are now weighing a more multifaceted strategy, analysts say.

2 men charged with spying for Iran on UK Jewish targets

The men are accused of spying on targets given to them by Iran, including the Israeli embassy and Britain’s oldest synagogue.

China’s central bank pledges stability in capital markets amid global sell-off

With worries over the Iran war driving down stock prices, the People’s Bank of China has named market stability as a ‘major task’ in 2026.

As war in Iran roils energy markets, Europe pays price of ‘dependency’

Governments are racing to respond, as oil and gas prices raise fears of a further spike in living costs.

Opinion | China is looking at Iran war for clues to US long-term intent

US actions threaten China’s energy security, expose supply chokepoints and raise nuclear proliferation risks in its neighbourhood.

‘Uncompromising’: Takaichi’s meeting with Trump seen as key to China-Japan ties

Neither Tokyo nor Beijing has enough incentive to compromise, observers say, signalling a new reality between Asian giants.

If the Iran war takes oil above US$120 a barrel, how bad could the shock get?

With major energy assets now coming under attack and the Strait of Hormuz still closed, analysts fear a longer supply shock.

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

Risk-off mode takes hold as attacks bring crisis to ‘a more dangerous level for the global economy’, analyst says.

Soaring oil prices hit Filipino jeepney drivers: ‘what we earn goes to diesel’

Thousands of jeepney drivers protested across the Philippines against a more than doubling ‌of local diesel prices because of the Iran war.

Letters | Hong Kong has a chance to lead the world in marine underwriting

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further