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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

Fireworks explode over Islamabad as part of celebrations to mark the signing of a trilateral defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. Photo: AFP

China-Middle East relations

‘Islamic Nato’ may create China opening in Middle East

A new military alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey creates a potential gap with the US and the possibility of greater China influence in the region.

10 Aug 2026 - 5:07PM

Pakistan

Pakistan says ‘purely defensive’ Mecca accord is open to others

10 Aug 2026 - 9:56AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says US ‘low-keying it’ with Iran, playing down urgency over Hormuz

10 Aug 2026 - 2:21PM

Middle East

Yemen’s Houthis attack Saudi refinery, testing new defence pact

Rebel strikes hit Jazan oil complex and kill seven in Mocha as Saudi Arabia seals security alliance with Turkey and Pakistan.

10 Aug 2026 - 4:28PM

A drone launching from an undisclosed location in Yemen. Photo: Houthi Military Media Centre via EPA

China-Middle East relations

China waits in wings as Mecca pact signals Gulf move beyond US security umbrella

The Nato-style deal between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey highlights the growing doubts in the region about over-reliance on Washington.

10 Aug 2026 - 1:15AMvideocam

Israel-Gaza war

Israel’s Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas

Israeli leader dismisses 15-point document for the future of war-torn Gaza in the latest break with the White House.

10 Aug 2026 - 3:26PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says Oman deal is in ‘final stages’ but US must act to open Hormuz

Iran and the US are not engaged in talks and Tehran will not start them as long as Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June.

9 Aug 2026 - 10:39PMvideocam

Vehicles drive past an anti-US billboard at Enghelab Square in central Tehran, Iran on Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the agreement with Oman would not imply reopening the Strait of Hormuz without the United States accepting the Iranian proposals. Photo: EPA

Japan

Opinion | Japan’s defence white paper is the opening move in a longer game

Japan’s latest defence white paper confirms Chinese strategists’ fears that post-war pacifist guard rails are being dismantled under the guise of ‘self-defence’.

9 Aug 2026 - 9:33PMvideocam

Saudi Arabia

How Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact acts as ‘insurance’ over US disengagement

The Mecca deal may emerge as a third geopolitical ‘centre of gravity’ in the Middle East, with more members joining, analysts say.

9 Aug 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran thinks it has Trump cornered – but what are the risks?

Dwindling US arms stockpiles, inflation woes and looming midterms mean time is on Tehran’s side. Trouble, however, is brewing at home.

9 Aug 2026 - 2:35PMvideocam

Pedestrians walk past a hoarding in Tehran in July depicting US President Donald Trump being grabbed by the neck alongside the message “Revenge is inevitable” in English and Farsi. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran targeted tanker, says UAE, as Tehran says Hormuz deal with Oman close

Iran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait and wants to charge for passage. It is in talks with Oman over management arrangements.

8 Aug 2026 - 10:56PMvideocam

People spend time on a beach as commercial vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Wednesday. Photo: via AP

Middle East

UN warns Yemen at greatest risk of renewed major conflict since 2022 truce

The Houthis said on Friday they had targeted Saudi-backed forces, a day ‌after at least 30 Yemeni government troops were killed in strikes.

8 Aug 2026 - 4:20PM

United States

How the humble burrito triggered a Maga ‘civil war’ in Trump’s party

The price of the Mexican dish is at the centre of an inflation row, with one lawmaker telling US youths to stop whining and ‘eat ramen’.

8 Aug 2026 - 8:15AM

US-China relations

US unveils critical minerals deals in latest push to counter China

Trump administration seeks Beijing-free supply chains for key defence materials as Iran war strains US weapons stockpiles.

8 Aug 2026 - 6:58AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks at a mining industry round table in Washington on Friday. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

7 Aug 2026 - 11:07PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

Where do China-Israel ties stand after closure of Chengdu consulate?

Amid recent bilateral friction, Beijing has no intention of maliciously damaging relations with Middle East country, analyst says.

7 Aug 2026 - 10:27PMvideocam

Middle East

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign joint defence deal

The nations are particularly concerned by the increasingly aggressive military stances of both Israel and revolutionary Shiite Iran.

7 Aug 2026 - 10:53PMvideocam

Middle East

Houthi attacks kill dozens of troops in Yemen, wound civilians in Saudi Arabia

Assaults mark one of the deadliest escalations since a truce with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in 2022.

7 Aug 2026 - 3:59PM

Armed Houthi supporters stand before a banner depicting missiles in Sanaa, Yemen. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

As record heatwave hits Asia, fears of energy crisis and health risks mount

Asia’s power infrastructure may come under pressure due to high demand for air conditioning amid lingering concerns over energy supply.

7 Aug 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran seeks to bar US and Israeli ships in Hormuz deal with Oman

Tehran pushes for strict transit bans and fees in draft waterway pact as Trump claims negotiations are ‘moving along good’.

7 Aug 2026 - 11:24AM

Banking & finance

From Hong Kong’s bond futures to SpaceX: the numbers moving markets

Hong Kong’s sovereign debt debut, SpaceX’s first public earnings and shifting energy markets are all in the spotlight.

7 Aug 2026 - 7:00AM

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing electronic boards show news of the China government bond futures launch at Exchange Square in Central, Hong Kong, on August 3. Photo: SCMP/Jonathan Wong

US-China trade war

China adds US sanctions, drone curbs in trade tit-for-tat

Beijing tightens curbs on unmanned aerial vehicle exports after US robotics import ban, sanctions firms for aiding measures targeting Xinjiang.

6 Aug 2026 - 5:01PM

A Chinese-made drone takes to the skies over the US state of New Jersey. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

How US became trapped in ‘dreadful situation’ of its own making over Iran war

With Iran holding firm to its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump faces one of two choices: capitulate or risk a ‘forever war’, experts say.

6 Aug 2026 - 3:21PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Why Russia’s ballistic missiles are breaking through in Ukraine

Interceptors are running low, warning times are seconds, and only one air-defence system can stop them.

6 Aug 2026 - 1:53PM

United States

New UK foreign minister dodges questions on his past Trump remarks

Ed Miliband in Washington ignores shouted inquiries about calling the US president an ‘idiot, a racist and a misogynist’.

6 Aug 2026 - 12:55PM

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

China's military weapons

In Focus | China’s Palantir? Private tech firms surge into defence AI, aiming to match US giants

Some mainland companies’ tech proficiency may be closing gaps with American counterparts, but challenges remain, analysts say.

6 Aug 2026 - 9:20AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran nears Hormuz deal with Oman, conditions reopening on US actions

Tehran agrees to joint route with neighbour across strait, taking effective control of traffic without Washington’s input.

6 Aug 2026 - 12:24PM

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Trump claims China is fuelling resistance to AI data centres in the US

US president also threatens Iran with ‘a tremendous attack’ if it doesn’t comply with his demands on Strait of Hormuz.

5 Aug 2026 - 4:12PMvideocam

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Iran

‘Islamic Nato’ may create China opening in Middle East

A new military alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey creates a potential gap with the US and the possibility of greater China influence in the region.

Pakistan says ‘purely defensive’ Mecca accord is open to others

Trump says US ‘low-keying it’ with Iran, playing down urgency over Hormuz

Yemen’s Houthis attack Saudi refinery, testing new defence pact

Rebel strikes hit Jazan oil complex and kill seven in Mocha as Saudi Arabia seals security alliance with Turkey and Pakistan.

China waits in wings as Mecca pact signals Gulf move beyond US security umbrella

The Nato-style deal between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey highlights the growing doubts in the region about over-reliance on Washington.

Israel’s Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas

Israeli leader dismisses 15-point document for the future of war-torn Gaza in the latest break with the White House.

Iran says Oman deal is in ‘final stages’ but US must act to open Hormuz

Iran and the US are not engaged in talks and Tehran will not start them as long as Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Japan’s defence white paper is the opening move in a longer game

Japan’s latest defence white paper confirms Chinese strategists’ fears that post-war pacifist guard rails are being dismantled under the guise of ‘self-defence’.

How Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact acts as ‘insurance’ over US disengagement

The Mecca deal may emerge as a third geopolitical ‘centre of gravity’ in the Middle East, with more members joining, analysts say.

Iran thinks it has Trump cornered – but what are the risks?

Dwindling US arms stockpiles, inflation woes and looming midterms mean time is on Tehran’s side. Trouble, however, is brewing at home.

Iran targeted tanker, says UAE, as Tehran says Hormuz deal with Oman close

Iran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait and wants to charge for passage. It is in talks with Oman over management arrangements.

UN warns Yemen at greatest risk of renewed major conflict since 2022 truce

The Houthis said on Friday they had targeted Saudi-backed forces, a day ‌after at least 30 Yemeni government troops were killed in strikes.

How the humble burrito triggered a Maga ‘civil war’ in Trump’s party

The price of the Mexican dish is at the centre of an inflation row, with one lawmaker telling US youths to stop whining and ‘eat ramen’.

US unveils critical minerals deals in latest push to counter China

Trump administration seeks Beijing-free supply chains for key defence materials as Iran war strains US weapons stockpiles.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

Where do China-Israel ties stand after closure of Chengdu consulate?

Amid recent bilateral friction, Beijing has no intention of maliciously damaging relations with Middle East country, analyst says.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign joint defence deal

The nations are particularly concerned by the increasingly aggressive military stances of both Israel and revolutionary Shiite Iran.

Houthi attacks kill dozens of troops in Yemen, wound civilians in Saudi Arabia

Assaults mark one of the deadliest escalations since a truce with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in 2022.

As record heatwave hits Asia, fears of energy crisis and health risks mount

Asia’s power infrastructure may come under pressure due to high demand for air conditioning amid lingering concerns over energy supply.

Iran seeks to bar US and Israeli ships in Hormuz deal with Oman

Tehran pushes for strict transit bans and fees in draft waterway pact as Trump claims negotiations are ‘moving along good’.

From Hong Kong’s bond futures to SpaceX: the numbers moving markets

Hong Kong’s sovereign debt debut, SpaceX’s first public earnings and shifting energy markets are all in the spotlight.

China adds US sanctions, drone curbs in trade tit-for-tat

Beijing tightens curbs on unmanned aerial vehicle exports after US robotics import ban, sanctions firms for aiding measures targeting Xinjiang.

How US became trapped in ‘dreadful situation’ of its own making over Iran war

With Iran holding firm to its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump faces one of two choices: capitulate or risk a ‘forever war’, experts say.

Why Russia’s ballistic missiles are breaking through in Ukraine

Interceptors are running low, warning times are seconds, and only one air-defence system can stop them.

New UK foreign minister dodges questions on his past Trump remarks

Ed Miliband in Washington ignores shouted inquiries about calling the US president an ‘idiot, a racist and a misogynist’.

In Focus | China’s Palantir? Private tech firms surge into defence AI, aiming to match US giants

Some mainland companies’ tech proficiency may be closing gaps with American counterparts, but challenges remain, analysts say.

Iran nears Hormuz deal with Oman, conditions reopening on US actions

Tehran agrees to joint route with neighbour across strait, taking effective control of traffic without Washington’s input.

Trump claims China is fuelling resistance to AI data centres in the US

US president also threatens Iran with ‘a tremendous attack’ if it doesn’t comply with his demands on Strait of Hormuz.

Opinion | Japan’s defence white paper is the opening move in a longer game

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc