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

Cotton is harvested in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Photo: Zuma Press

US-China relations

US adds 43 Chinese companies to Uygur forced labour blacklist

Washington’s third measure targeting Beijing this week expands import restrictions on food, cotton, metals and pharmaceutical firms.

16 minutes agovideocam

United States

As I see it | Despite immense power, the US delivers neither butter nor bullets

31 Jul 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Pakistan

Pakistan, Bangladesh face economic squeeze as US-Iran crisis widens

31 Jul 2026 - 8:53PM

SCMP Highlights

Chinese analysis on US-Iran war claims; bamboo vs desertification: 7 highlights

From a 10-hour A380 ordeal in China to a repaid 1947 wartime grain debt, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

31 Jul 2026 - 12:34PM

Chinese researchers have proposed using bamboo as a sand barrier in the north of the country. Photo: Handout

International Property

Foreign US home buying down 14% as Chinese lead high-end market

The drop in foreign homebuyer activity mirrors the decline in international visitors and tourists to the US, says realty group.

31 Jul 2026 - 4:38PM

US-China relations

US sanctions Mahan Air’s China network over alleged support for Iran’s IRGC

Two Shanghai companies and a Chinese executive targeted as Washington expands pressure campaign from Iranian oil to aviation and cargo.

31 Jul 2026 - 5:50AMvideocam

United States

US economic growth slows in second quarter but domestic demand robust

Despite the Middle East conflict, US consumer spending has ‌remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year.

30 Jul 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

People shop for groceries at a store in Los Angeles, California in 2025. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. Photo: EPA

India

Can a Brics invite mark a new chapter in India-Bangladesh ties?

Analysts welcome the outreach, saying the summit will be an opportunity for both sides to work together if Rahman accepts the invitation.

30 Jul 2026 - 6:31PM

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.

30 Jul 2026 - 8:07PM

2026 Xi-Trump summits

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

The US leader blasts Fauci-led pandemic response for ‘protecting China’ and warns Xi over arms for Iran.

30 Jul 2026 - 3:56PM

President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump share a friendship walk through the Zhongnanhai gardens in Beijing in May. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US launches more strikes on Iran as conflict spreads across region

Pentagon retaliates following attempted attacks targeting American forces while fighting draws in Tehran-backed proxies.

30 Jul 2026 - 8:25PM

An explosion at an unknown location, during what the US military says are strikes on Iran. Photo: US Central Command via Reuters

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.

30 Jul 2026 - 5:34PM

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.

30 Jul 2026 - 11:02AM

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 - 8:56PMvideocam

The Mozambique-flagged tanker Lily is owned and operated by Hong Kong-based Confident Apex Limited. Photo: Handout

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

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via AFP

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

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

People drive past an anti-US and Trump billboard in Tehran on Monday.Trump said on Friday he had not decided whether to return to an all-out operation. Photo: EPA

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

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Iran

US adds 43 Chinese companies to Uygur forced labour blacklist

Washington’s third measure targeting Beijing this week expands import restrictions on food, cotton, metals and pharmaceutical firms.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Despite immense power, the US delivers neither butter nor bullets

Pakistan, Bangladesh face economic squeeze as US-Iran crisis widens

Chinese analysis on US-Iran war claims; bamboo vs desertification: 7 highlights

From a 10-hour A380 ordeal in China to a repaid 1947 wartime grain debt, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Foreign US home buying down 14% as Chinese lead high-end market

The drop in foreign homebuyer activity mirrors the decline in international visitors and tourists to the US, says realty group.

US sanctions Mahan Air’s China network over alleged support for Iran’s IRGC

Two Shanghai companies and a Chinese executive targeted as Washington expands pressure campaign from Iranian oil to aviation and cargo.

US economic growth slows in second quarter but domestic demand robust

Despite the Middle East conflict, US consumer spending has ‌remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year.

Can a Brics invite mark a new chapter in India-Bangladesh ties?

Analysts welcome the outreach, saying the summit will be an opportunity for both sides to work together if Rahman accepts the invitation.

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

The US leader blasts Fauci-led pandemic response for ‘protecting China’ and warns Xi over arms for Iran.

US launches more strikes on Iran as conflict spreads across region

Pentagon retaliates following attempted attacks targeting American forces while fighting draws in Tehran-backed proxies.

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.

As I see it | Despite immense power, the US delivers neither butter nor bullets