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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

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, China, on March 8. Photo: EPA

Diplomacy

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

6 minutes ago

China travel

Middle East oil shock sparks global airfare rises, with 9% increases feared

36 minutes agovideocam

China trade

Exclusive | Japanese executives absent from China’s key annual summit amid tensions: sources

2 hours ago

South Korea

South Korea’s cut-price interceptor outshines US Patriot in Iran war debut

The Cheongung-II hit 96 per cent of targets at a third of the cost of its US rival, triggering a scramble for the technology.

35 minutes ago

A Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile is launched towards a simulated target during a drill in 2024. Photo: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff

US, Israel war on Iran

US approves sale of Iranian oil at sea in move to ease crude supply crisis

The US says the move will bring 140 million barrels of oil to markets, even as Iran says it has no surplus crude to sell globally.

3 hours ago

United States

US judge rules restrictive Pentagon press access unconstitutional

It is vital for the public to have information in light of the US war with Iran and its recent intervention in Venezuela, court says.

4 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says he’s considering ‘winding down’ US military operations in Iran

The Strait of Hormuz will have to be guarded and policed by ‘other nations’, the US president says.

5 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters at the White House on Friday, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens. Photo: AP

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

After confirmation that the high-stakes Xi-Trump summit will be delayed, analysts find a complex story beneath the official surface.

6 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash

Christians, in particular, were angered by the Israeli PM’s remarks, which some say suggest a ‘might is right’ approach.

4 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

4 hours agovideocam

A USAF B-1 bomber takes off at RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:55AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump complained Nato countries did not ‌want to join the fight against Iran, yet still complain about high oil prices. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

How did Iran manage to detect and damage a US F-35? Chinese experts map out ways

US Central Command says stealth fighter was forced to make an emergency landing during a combat mission over Iran.

20 Mar 2026 - 10:28PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong should use ‘safe haven’ status to draw capital from Gulf: agency chief

InvestHK director general says more firms using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk because of conflict.

20 Mar 2026 - 11:27PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Many military analysts are sceptical

Chinese observers question whether air strikes, and even a limited ground presence, will be enough to remove the threat to shipping.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:13PMvideocam

Tankers have come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AFP

India

India steps up regional energy diplomacy, supplies Bangladesh with diesel

Being a ‘first responder’ in the current energy crisis is in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

20 Mar 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

Fuel nozzles at a Bharat Petroleum gas station in New Delhi. Photo: AFP

War and conflict

As I see it | Why the world may now need an Iranian nuclear bomb

To restore peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel and the US – the real destabilisers of the region – need to be countered.

20 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Japan

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:03PMvideocam

China energy security

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

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

20 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

A liquefied petroleum gas tanker is anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, which remains almost entirely closed to shipping traffic amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Photo: Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

20 Mar 2026 - 5:11PM

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.

20 Mar 2026 - 4:15PM

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.

20 Mar 2026 - 3:08PM

An F/A-18F Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln from an undisclosed location on March 6. Photo: US Navy via Reuters

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.

20 Mar 2026 - 1:24PM

Two men ride their motorbike past a billboard of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran. Photo: AP

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.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:36PMvideocam

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.

20 Mar 2026 - 1:20PM

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

Mourners hold posters of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late supreme leader, as they take part in a funeral procession for other war dead, in Tehran on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

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, 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

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Iran

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

Middle East oil shock sparks global airfare rises, with 9% increases feared

Exclusive | Japanese executives absent from China’s key annual summit amid tensions: sources

South Korea’s cut-price interceptor outshines US Patriot in Iran war debut

The Cheongung-II hit 96 per cent of targets at a third of the cost of its US rival, triggering a scramble for the technology.

US approves sale of Iranian oil at sea in move to ease crude supply crisis

The US says the move will bring 140 million barrels of oil to markets, even as Iran says it has no surplus crude to sell globally.

US judge rules restrictive Pentagon press access unconstitutional

It is vital for the public to have information in light of the US war with Iran and its recent intervention in Venezuela, court says.

Trump says he’s considering ‘winding down’ US military operations in Iran

The Strait of Hormuz will have to be guarded and policed by ‘other nations’, the US president says.

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

After confirmation that the high-stakes Xi-Trump summit will be delayed, analysts find a complex story beneath the official surface.

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash

Christians, in particular, were angered by the Israeli PM’s remarks, which some say suggest a ‘might is right’ approach.

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

How did Iran manage to detect and damage a US F-35? Chinese experts map out ways

US Central Command says stealth fighter was forced to make an emergency landing during a combat mission over Iran.

Hong Kong should use ‘safe haven’ status to draw capital from Gulf: agency chief

InvestHK director general says more firms using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk because of conflict.

Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Many military analysts are sceptical

Chinese observers question whether air strikes, and even a limited ground presence, will be enough to remove the threat to shipping.

India steps up regional energy diplomacy, supplies Bangladesh with diesel

Being a ‘first responder’ in the current energy crisis is in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Why the world may now need an Iranian nuclear bomb

To restore peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel and the US – the real destabilisers of the region – need to be countered.

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

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

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

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.

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.

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.

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

As I see it | Why the world may now need an Iranian nuclear bomb