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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

Vice-Premier He Lifeng address the Lujiazui Forum. Photo: Reuters

US-China trade war

China touts new finance tools to fend off sanctions

Anti-sanctions measures and efforts to globalise the yuan were among key topics as Chinese finance regulators and policymakers addressed the 2026 Lujiazui Forum.

7 minutes ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Reopening Strait of Hormuz won’t fix world’s energy problems

37 minutes agovideocam

US-China relations

Transcript of SCMP Plus’ chat with political scientist John Mearsheimer

36 minutes ago

US, Israel war on Iran

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

3 hours ago

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipments of vital supplies such as oil, gas and fertiliser. Photo: AFP

Japan

Trump says Japan ‘doing very well’ under his ‘biggest fan’ Takaichi

The US president also said Tokyo was not willing to get involved during the Iran war.

18 Jun 2026 - 9:17AMvideocam

Banking & finance

Hang Seng Index hits lowest level in a year on rate-rise expectations

The index falls amid growing unease after Hong Kong banks and Fed hold rates steady.

30 minutes agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Why the US-Iran deal may fail to revive shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

Industry insiders and vessel-tracking data point to continued caution among operators despite geopolitical breakthrough.

18 Jun 2026 - 7:00AMvideocam

Containers of Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk are seen in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 14, 2023. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

The US and Iran publish their official agreement. Here’s what’s in it

The 14-point document was released following days of outcry over Trump administration’s lack of transparency regarding its details.

3 hours agovideocam

US-China relations

Huawei CFO Meng’s admissions can be used against company at criminal trial

The Chinese telecoms executive admitted the firm illegally conducted business in Iran as part of a 2021 deal to dismiss charges she faced.

18 Jun 2026 - 5:17AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump shows no regret over deaths of 3 Indian sailors in Iran war strike by US

In their first bilateral meeting in 16 months, US president only goes as far as calling commercial vessel operations ‘a rough profession’.

18 Jun 2026 - 4:02AMvideocam

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump meet at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Wednesday. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Despite Trump’s promise of Iran peace, analysts say vague deal wobbly at best

US president hails accord as a major victory despite lingering questions, warns Tehran of renewed bombing if it fails to comply with terms.

2 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump, flanked by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a media conference at the end of the G7 summit. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US peace deal brings little hope of better times to Iranians

Beaten down by sanctions, inflation and crackdowns, Iranians say they don’t envision a brighter future even with a ceasefire.

17 Jun 2026 - 11:58PMvideocam

South China Sea

As Iran war comes to a close, is US pulling warships back to the west Pacific?

US Defence Department changes name of Indo-Pacific Command back to US Pacific Command, suggesting new focus.

17 Jun 2026 - 11:24PMvideocam

Middle East

Lebanon peace talks with Israel ‘independent’ of US-Iran deal: Aoun

The Lebanese president says ‘nobody is negotiating for us’ in seeking to end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

17 Jun 2026 - 10:33PM

Men ride a motorcycle past buildings damaged by Israeli strikes in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Not final’: Trump flips again on Iran deal, plans press conference in France

US leader warns framework is a work in progress and threatens to return to ‘dropping bombs’ if he does not like the terms of the agreement.

17 Jun 2026 - 9:20PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in eastern France on June 17, 2026. Photo: AFP

Indonesia

Indonesia’s rupiah rebounds but rate rises threaten the middle class

A successful sovereign wealth fund debut and a stock market rally offer a reprieve, even as higher borrowing costs threaten growth.

17 Jun 2026 - 6:00PM

US-China trade war

China vows new legal shield that could counter US sanctions and protect finance

‘We don’t stir up trouble,’ He Lifeng says as first vice-premier to attend annual Lujiazui Forum since 2019, ‘but we’re absolutely not afraid of it’.

17 Jun 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

India

3 killed, no apology: the strike straining India-US relations

Instead of showing remorse, Washington ordered New Delhi to obey its blockade, stoking public outrage.

17 Jun 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit to New Delhi on May 26. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

How 75 days trapped under fire in Hormuz broke these Indian sailors

As the Strait of Hormuz edges towards reopening, sailors who survived 75 days under fire count the psychological cost of someone else’s war.

17 Jun 2026 - 1:51PMvideocam

South Korea

Why Hormuz reopening hands South Korea a diplomatic problem at G7 summit

The G7 summit could revive pressure on Seoul to join international efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation through the strait.

17 Jun 2026 - 5:17PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump taps Defence Production Act as Iran war strains weapons stockpiles

Iran conflict has led to concern in Congress, White House that US may struggle to respond to another crisis in the near future.

17 Jun 2026 - 4:04PMvideocam

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptor test launch. Congress and the Trump administration are seeking ways to replenish missile and munitions stockpiles. Photo: Missile Defence Agency

Asean

Iran war ‘stark wake-up call’ for fossil fuel-dependent Southeast Asia: IEA

The agency warns that the region’s energy import bill could triple to US$245 billion by 2035 if it does not quickly look for alternatives.

16 Jun 2026 - 11:02PM

The sun sets next to power lines along San Fernando town, north of the Philippines’ capital of Manila. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

How Israel’s exit from US aid signals wider decline in Washington’s alliances

‘America first’ approach forces allies to shoulder security costs, raising questions about the future of US hegemony, Chinese analyst says.

16 Jun 2026 - 9:18PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Video | Trump announces date for Hormuz re-opening

The US president electronically signed a memorandum of understanding paving the way for talks that could end the country’s war with Iran.

16 Jun 2026 - 7:51PM

China's military weapons

China showcases anti-drone air defences at Paris show as conflict fuels demand

Many of the systems on display at Norinco’s Eurosatory stand have been designed to counter smaller aerial threats.

16 Jun 2026 - 6:04PMvideocam

China’s state-owned Norinco is using models of its weapons systems to attract visitors to the Eurosatory exhibition in France. Photo: Seong Hyeon Choi

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says US peace deal must include permanent Lebanon ceasefire

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says stopping Israeli strikes on Lebanon is ‘inseparable’ part of the complete end of the Iran war.

16 Jun 2026 - 5:54PM

A banner with an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hangs from a building destroyed in an air strike in Jibchit, Lebanon, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

China consumption

China’s retail sales fall for first time since Covid

A decline in retail sales in May and weakening investments stand in contrast to China’s booming exports.

16 Jun 2026 - 5:01PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Shipowners hold off on Hormuz transit until US-Iran deal becomes ‘material’

The CEO of Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said shipping through the waterway ‘may take at least ⁠a couple of weeks’ to restart.

16 Jun 2026 - 1:33PMvideocam

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Iran

China touts new finance tools to fend off sanctions

Anti-sanctions measures and efforts to globalise the yuan were among key topics as Chinese finance regulators and policymakers addressed the 2026 Lujiazui Forum.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Macroscope | Reopening Strait of Hormuz won’t fix world’s energy problems

Transcript of SCMP Plus’ chat with political scientist John Mearsheimer

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

Trump says Japan ‘doing very well’ under his ‘biggest fan’ Takaichi

The US president also said Tokyo was not willing to get involved during the Iran war.

Hang Seng Index hits lowest level in a year on rate-rise expectations

The index falls amid growing unease after Hong Kong banks and Fed hold rates steady.

Why the US-Iran deal may fail to revive shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

Industry insiders and vessel-tracking data point to continued caution among operators despite geopolitical breakthrough.

The US and Iran publish their official agreement. Here’s what’s in it

The 14-point document was released following days of outcry over Trump administration’s lack of transparency regarding its details.

Huawei CFO Meng’s admissions can be used against company at criminal trial

The Chinese telecoms executive admitted the firm illegally conducted business in Iran as part of a 2021 deal to dismiss charges she faced.

Trump shows no regret over deaths of 3 Indian sailors in Iran war strike by US

In their first bilateral meeting in 16 months, US president only goes as far as calling commercial vessel operations ‘a rough profession’.

Despite Trump’s promise of Iran peace, analysts say vague deal wobbly at best

US president hails accord as a major victory despite lingering questions, warns Tehran of renewed bombing if it fails to comply with terms.

US peace deal brings little hope of better times to Iranians

Beaten down by sanctions, inflation and crackdowns, Iranians say they don’t envision a brighter future even with a ceasefire.

As Iran war comes to a close, is US pulling warships back to the west Pacific?

US Defence Department changes name of Indo-Pacific Command back to US Pacific Command, suggesting new focus.

Lebanon peace talks with Israel ‘independent’ of US-Iran deal: Aoun

The Lebanese president says ‘nobody is negotiating for us’ in seeking to end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

‘Not final’: Trump flips again on Iran deal, plans press conference in France

US leader warns framework is a work in progress and threatens to return to ‘dropping bombs’ if he does not like the terms of the agreement.

Indonesia’s rupiah rebounds but rate rises threaten the middle class

A successful sovereign wealth fund debut and a stock market rally offer a reprieve, even as higher borrowing costs threaten growth.

China vows new legal shield that could counter US sanctions and protect finance

‘We don’t stir up trouble,’ He Lifeng says as first vice-premier to attend annual Lujiazui Forum since 2019, ‘but we’re absolutely not afraid of it’.

3 killed, no apology: the strike straining India-US relations

Instead of showing remorse, Washington ordered New Delhi to obey its blockade, stoking public outrage.

How 75 days trapped under fire in Hormuz broke these Indian sailors

As the Strait of Hormuz edges towards reopening, sailors who survived 75 days under fire count the psychological cost of someone else’s war.

Why Hormuz reopening hands South Korea a diplomatic problem at G7 summit

The G7 summit could revive pressure on Seoul to join international efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation through the strait.

Trump taps Defence Production Act as Iran war strains weapons stockpiles

Iran conflict has led to concern in Congress, White House that US may struggle to respond to another crisis in the near future.

Iran war ‘stark wake-up call’ for fossil fuel-dependent Southeast Asia: IEA

The agency warns that the region’s energy import bill could triple to US$245 billion by 2035 if it does not quickly look for alternatives.

How Israel’s exit from US aid signals wider decline in Washington’s alliances

‘America first’ approach forces allies to shoulder security costs, raising questions about the future of US hegemony, Chinese analyst says.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Trump announces date for Hormuz re-opening

The US president electronically signed a memorandum of understanding paving the way for talks that could end the country’s war with Iran.

China showcases anti-drone air defences at Paris show as conflict fuels demand

Many of the systems on display at Norinco’s Eurosatory stand have been designed to counter smaller aerial threats.

Iran says US peace deal must include permanent Lebanon ceasefire

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says stopping Israeli strikes on Lebanon is ‘inseparable’ part of the complete end of the Iran war.

China’s retail sales fall for first time since Covid

A decline in retail sales in May and weakening investments stand in contrast to China’s booming exports.

Shipowners hold off on Hormuz transit until US-Iran deal becomes ‘material’

The CEO of Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said shipping through the waterway ‘may take at least ⁠a couple of weeks’ to restart.

Macroscope | Reopening Strait of Hormuz won’t fix world’s energy problems

Video | Trump announces date for Hormuz re-opening