TOPIC

/ location

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

Industry leaders have warned of a rise in operational costs. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong transport

Extend fuel subsidy or costs will go up, Hong Kong taxi and minibus drivers warn

Two-month liquefied petroleum gas subsidy scheme to expire on Friday, with operators warning monthly costs to rise by up to 33 per cent.

1 hour ago

2026 Xi-Trump summits

‘Quite disappointed’? Trump’s mixed signals ahead of Xi’s September trip

2 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

US launches more strikes on Iran as conflict spreads across region

1 hour ago

Banking & finance

HKMA warns of interest-rate risk as traders bet on September rate rise

HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong) keep their prime and savings rates unchanged, mirroring HKMA’s decision to hold steady.

5 hours ago

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority at the International Financial Centre Building in Central, Hong Kong. Photo: Shutterstock

Crime

Man who stabbed Salman Rushdie convicted in US terrorism trial

Already serving a 25-year state prison sentence for the attack, Hadi Matar now faces a potential life sentence for the federal conviction.

6 hours ago

US-China relations

US sanctions mainland China, Hong Kong firms over Iranian oil shipments

Six targeted tankers allegedly carried crude to China as Washington links economic campaign to US Navy enforcement.

30 Jul 2026 - 3:34AMvideocam

Britain

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

29 Jul 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

People walk along the River Thames in London. Natland is ‌the latest young adult to stand trial in Britain and ‌elsewhere over serious criminal acts allegedly carried out after being recruited ⁠online for money. Photo: EPA

Science

Chinese satellite imagery analysis challenges US-Iran war claims

Researchers identify damage patterns that reveal vulnerabilities in fixed overseas military installations and operational shortcomings.

30 Jul 2026 - 10:31AMvideocam

Vietnam

Vietnam to host US aircraft carrier despite Trump’s tariffs, Iran war chaos

A 79-year-old veteran of war with America sees the carrier’s visit as proof of how far relations have come.

29 Jul 2026 - 4:15PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian missile salvoes and US-Saudi strikes shatter brief Middle East lull

Joint air strikes hit Tehran-backed militia sites in Iraq after dozens of drone and missile attacks across the region.

29 Jul 2026 - 6:55PM

Flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush on July 21. US and allied forces launched joint counter-strikes in the region on Tuesday. Photo: US Central Command via AFP

Crime

Rushdie attacker declines to testify in US terror trial

Already serving 25 years for state attempted murder, Hadi Matar faces life in prison if convicted on federal charges.

29 Jul 2026 - 3:39PM

Novelist Salman Rushdie was left blind in one eye after the 2022 attack. Photo: AP

Middle East

Trump’s irritation over leak signals strains as Netanyahu visits White House

The US president criticised leaked talking points on Iran’s nuclear site before meeting with the Israeli prime minister.

29 Jul 2026 - 9:28AM

Ukraine war

Zelensky pursues Patriot missile licences in White House meeting with Trump

The Ukrainian president eyes weapons co-production and renewed diplomacy with the Trump administration.

29 Jul 2026 - 11:55AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Oman offers Iran Gulf-backed plan for voluntary fees to use Hormuz

Under the proposal, Iran will not exercise sole control and fees would be voluntary, a system analogous to ‌one in place on Asia’s Strait of Malacca.

28 Jul 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

A vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Indonesia

Indonesian central banker’s exit signals dilemma over rate policy, growth target

Concerns over the independence of central banks in Indonesia and beyond have grown after Perry Warjiyo’s resignation.

28 Jul 2026 - 7:08PM

Then Indonesian central bank governor Perry Warjiyo speaks during a press conference at Bank Indonesia’s headquarters in Jakarta in January last year. Photo: Reuters

Australia

Australia weighs first refinery in 60 years as Middle East war strains fuel supply

With only two operating plants left nationwide, Canberra orders a study on a major new Western Australia facility.

28 Jul 2026 - 11:40AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran halts strikes as Trump gives space to talks

The calmer situation eased worries about a resurgence in inflation and a fresh round of interest rate hikes.

27 Jul 2026 - 9:05PMvideocam

Singapore

Singapore tightens monetary policy for second time in 3 months

MAS moves to strengthen currency as Middle East volatility threatens to keep inflation elevated into early 2027.

27 Jul 2026 - 1:16PM

The Merlion statue at the Marina Bay waterfront. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has again tightened its monetary policy settings, citing inflationary risks. Photo: AFP

IPO

Listing spotlight: tariffs drag Shein back into the red ahead of Hong Kong IPO

Tariffs, war and rising costs squeeze company’s margins as IPO looms, testing investor appetite for fast-fashion.

27 Jul 2026 - 11:00AM

US-China relations

How Trump’s Iran ‘own goal’ is hitting US strategy to contain Chinese influence

An Indian-backed port long seen as a counterweight to Beijing is now caught in the crossfire of the US war against Iran.

27 Jul 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

China technology

Open Questions | Nobel laureate Simon Johnson on the AI race and China’s ‘over-automation’ risks

The Nobel Prize-winning economist discusses how AI is reshaping US-China competition – and poses unique challenges for both economies.

27 Jul 2026 - 9:51AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Pentagon moves 4 killed US troops out of official Iran war death toll

New casualty category called ‘Overseas Operations’ draws scrutiny over war’s true impact on US forces.

27 Jul 2026 - 10:55AMvideocam

Transfer cases of four US Army service members at Dover Air Force Base on July 22. Photo: Reuters

International Property

Demand for Dubai homes cools as Iran war drags on

Sales volumes fell markedly in May and June, according to Knight Frank, with rising costs adding to developers’ woes.

26 Jul 2026 - 6:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran claims progress in Oman talks after US halts air strikes

Iran and Oman are discussing management of the Strait of Hormuz – including imposing service fees, a move the US opposes.

26 Jul 2026 - 3:52PM

Asean

Asian Angle | Decades of talk, zero barrels stored: why can’t Asean stockpile oil?

The Iran war energy crisis revived Asean’s joint reserve plans. To avoid another shelved ambition, the bloc needs swift, binding action.

26 Jul 2026 - 2:30PM

Southeast Asia is projected to account for one-fifth of global energy demand growth through 2035. Photo: Reuters

United States

100 days to US midterms, Trump faces defeat amid anger over inflation, Iran war

A Democratic house is likely to subject Trump’s administration to investigations and potentially expose him to a third impeachment drive.

26 Jul 2026 - 1:42PM

US President Donald Trump tosses his Trump 2028 hat to an attendee during the White House Correspondents Dinner on Friday. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

US pauses nightly Iran strikes, as Houthis clash with Saudis

The halt came without any announcement or explanation after 13 consecutive days of attacks.

26 Jul 2026 - 5:57AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Houthi blockade of Saudi trade threatens wider Middle East conflict

As Houthi attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, analysts warn of ‘brinkmanship’ that could yet spiral into all-out conflict.

25 Jul 2026 - 4:00PM

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Iran

Extend fuel subsidy or costs will go up, Hong Kong taxi and minibus drivers warn

Two-month liquefied petroleum gas subsidy scheme to expire on Friday, with operators warning monthly costs to rise by up to 33 per cent.

‘Quite disappointed’? Trump’s mixed signals ahead of Xi’s September trip

US launches more strikes on Iran as conflict spreads across region

HKMA warns of interest-rate risk as traders bet on September rate rise

HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong) keep their prime and savings rates unchanged, mirroring HKMA’s decision to hold steady.

Man who stabbed Salman Rushdie convicted in US terrorism trial

Already serving a 25-year state prison sentence for the attack, Hadi Matar now faces a potential life sentence for the federal conviction.

US sanctions mainland China, Hong Kong firms over Iranian oil shipments

Six targeted tankers allegedly carried crude to China as Washington links economic campaign to US Navy enforcement.

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

Chinese satellite imagery analysis challenges US-Iran war claims

Researchers identify damage patterns that reveal vulnerabilities in fixed overseas military installations and operational shortcomings.

Vietnam to host US aircraft carrier despite Trump’s tariffs, Iran war chaos

A 79-year-old veteran of war with America sees the carrier’s visit as proof of how far relations have come.

Iranian missile salvoes and US-Saudi strikes shatter brief Middle East lull

Joint air strikes hit Tehran-backed militia sites in Iraq after dozens of drone and missile attacks across the region.

Rushdie attacker declines to testify in US terror trial

Already serving 25 years for state attempted murder, Hadi Matar faces life in prison if convicted on federal charges.

Trump’s irritation over leak signals strains as Netanyahu visits White House

The US president criticised leaked talking points on Iran’s nuclear site before meeting with the Israeli prime minister.

Zelensky pursues Patriot missile licences in White House meeting with Trump

The Ukrainian president eyes weapons co-production and renewed diplomacy with the Trump administration.

Oman offers Iran Gulf-backed plan for voluntary fees to use Hormuz

Under the proposal, Iran will not exercise sole control and fees would be voluntary, a system analogous to ‌one in place on Asia’s Strait of Malacca.

Indonesian central banker’s exit signals dilemma over rate policy, growth target

Concerns over the independence of central banks in Indonesia and beyond have grown after Perry Warjiyo’s resignation.

Australia weighs first refinery in 60 years as Middle East war strains fuel supply

With only two operating plants left nationwide, Canberra orders a study on a major new Western Australia facility.

Iran halts strikes as Trump gives space to talks

The calmer situation eased worries about a resurgence in inflation and a fresh round of interest rate hikes.

Singapore tightens monetary policy for second time in 3 months

MAS moves to strengthen currency as Middle East volatility threatens to keep inflation elevated into early 2027.

Listing spotlight: tariffs drag Shein back into the red ahead of Hong Kong IPO

Tariffs, war and rising costs squeeze company’s margins as IPO looms, testing investor appetite for fast-fashion.

How Trump’s Iran ‘own goal’ is hitting US strategy to contain Chinese influence

An Indian-backed port long seen as a counterweight to Beijing is now caught in the crossfire of the US war against Iran.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Open Questions | Nobel laureate Simon Johnson on the AI race and China’s ‘over-automation’ risks

The Nobel Prize-winning economist discusses how AI is reshaping US-China competition – and poses unique challenges for both economies.

Pentagon moves 4 killed US troops out of official Iran war death toll

New casualty category called ‘Overseas Operations’ draws scrutiny over war’s true impact on US forces.

Demand for Dubai homes cools as Iran war drags on

Sales volumes fell markedly in May and June, according to Knight Frank, with rising costs adding to developers’ woes.

Iran claims progress in Oman talks after US halts air strikes

Iran and Oman are discussing management of the Strait of Hormuz – including imposing service fees, a move the US opposes.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Asian Angle | Decades of talk, zero barrels stored: why can’t Asean stockpile oil?

The Iran war energy crisis revived Asean’s joint reserve plans. To avoid another shelved ambition, the bloc needs swift, binding action.

100 days to US midterms, Trump faces defeat amid anger over inflation, Iran war

A Democratic house is likely to subject Trump’s administration to investigations and potentially expose him to a third impeachment drive.

US pauses nightly Iran strikes, as Houthis clash with Saudis

The halt came without any announcement or explanation after 13 consecutive days of attacks.

Houthi blockade of Saudi trade threatens wider Middle East conflict

As Houthi attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, analysts warn of ‘brinkmanship’ that could yet spiral into all-out conflict.

Open Questions | Nobel laureate Simon Johnson on the AI race and China’s ‘over-automation’ risks

Asian Angle | Decades of talk, zero barrels stored: why can’t Asean stockpile oil?