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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

A handful of key players, including US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will decide what happens next after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday. Photos: via AFP

United States

Who are the main players in the US-Iran-Israel crisis?

With the decisions and actions of those involved impacting countless millions, the stakes are high.

14 minutes ago

China-Middle East relations

Developing | Trump urges Iranians to take over government after US-Israel strikes

30 minutes agovideocam

Central Asia

Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran

28 Feb 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

Middle East

Trump says ‘not happy’ with Iran talks, US staff leave Israel over war risks

Other countries, including China, Germany and the UK, have issued warnings or relocated their citizens.

28 Feb 2026 - 5:07AM

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaves Souda Bay on the island of Crete on Thursday. Photo: AFP

US-Iran tensions

China warns citizens in Iran about security risks as nuclear talks end without deal

Embassy advisory issued on Saturday says Chinese in Iran should not photograph sensitive sites or restricted areas.

3 hours agovideocam

United States

‘No chance’: Vance dismisses prolonged Mideast war fears as Iran tensions rage

The US vice-president said Trump’s options range from military strikes ‘to ensure Iran isn’t going to get a nuclear weapon’ to dialogue.

27 Feb 2026 - 6:04PM

War and conflict

Trump puts fate of world’s top conflicts in hands of 2 men

In a frantic 24 hours of shuttle diplomacy, Trump’s hand-picked duo juggled Iran negotiations and Ukraine war talks.

27 Feb 2026 - 12:25PM

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff meet with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Geneva. Photo: Oman News Agency via Reuters

SCMP Highlights

Chinese tourists flock to Seoul, child shoved in Tokyo crossing: 7 highlights

From China tracking military moves near Iran to why tourists are ditching Tokyo for Seoul, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

27 Feb 2026 - 12:22PM

Middle East

US and Iran wrap up talks without a deal as war risks persist

Oman’s mediator cites ‘significant progress’ in Geneva, but a massive US naval build-up keeps the Middle East on edge.

27 Feb 2026 - 4:24PM

Ukraine war

Opinion | Don’t expect Russia’s war on Ukraine to end in its fifth year

Barring Moscow or Kyiv reaching breaking points in their war efforts, neither side will make any steps to end or ‘freeze’ the conflict.

26 Feb 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Ukrainian soldiers fire a multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, Ukraine, on October 23, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Japan

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:23PM

The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Evin Prison, Iran, in June. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

North Korea

North Korea’s Kim warns of ‘eternal confrontation’ without US dialogue

As long as Washington acknowledges Pyongyang as a nuclear power, there is ‘no reason not to get along’, the North Korean leader says.

27 Feb 2026 - 8:07PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

Is China flexing its intelligence muscle by tracking US military moves near Iran?

Unusually detailed posts by commercial firm MizarVision about America’s deployments in the Middle East are grabbing attention.

27 Feb 2026 - 4:44PMvideocam

US-Iran tensions

The ‘Papillon’ of Iran: Shamkhani’s rise from the rubble amid US tensions

Khamenei’s trusted adviser, who survived an Israeli strike last year, shapes Tehran’s security strategies as tensions with the US mount.

25 Feb 2026 - 9:14PMvideocam

A new anti-Israeli and US billboard is displayed at Palestine Square in Tehran. Photo: EPA

Middle East

Opinion | How Saudi diplomacy is thwarting Trump’s desire for war with Iran

China helped broker a detente between Riyadh and Tehran in 2023, which has no doubt factored into Saudi Arabia’s stance on US-Iran tensions.

25 Feb 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington on November 19, 2025. Photo: AFP

US-Iran tensions

‘A war will start’: Iranians on edge as Trump’s ‘armada’ closes in

‘Going to war with America, Israel and Nato will have very horrible and unpredictable consequences,’ a Tehran resident says.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:08PMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump touts US ‘golden age’, avoids direct mention of China before Beijing trip

In nearly two-hour State of the Union speech, American leader focuses on economic strength and global leadership ahead of midterm elections.

25 Feb 2026 - 5:33PMvideocam

Middle East

Iran dismisses ‘big lies’ after Trump lays out case for possible attack

US president accused Iran of restarting its nuclear programme, while working to build missiles that soon would be capable of reaching the US.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:08PM

Iranian missiles on display in Tehran earlier this month. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

US-China relations

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

25 Feb 2026 - 12:50PMvideocam

Brics

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

25 Feb 2026 - 4:26PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

US forces board third Venezuela-linked oil tanker in Indian Ocean

The US military says it tracked the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, before placing it under American control.

25 Feb 2026 - 1:30PM

The Bertha, a sanctioned oil tanker boarded by the US military in the Indian Ocean. Photo: US Department of Defence via X

Ukraine war

Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

24 Feb 2026 - 3:19PM

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 18th Sloviansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine participates in training at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region on January 28. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Trump pushes back on reports of Iran war risks as clock ticks

US president dismisses reported concerns of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, insisting any conflict would be ‘easily won’.

24 Feb 2026 - 3:29PM

SCMP Highlights

South Korean ex-president sentenced, Buddha’s early life: 7 Asia highlights

From ex-president Yoon’s sentencing to Singapore’s auntie matchmakers, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

24 Feb 2026 - 12:30PM

China-EU relations

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

23 Feb 2026 - 9:07PMvideocam

Russia

Iran in secret deal with Russia for shoulder-fired missiles: report

Report of a deal for 2,500 advanced anti-aircraft missiles emerges as the US weighs military action against Iran.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:26AM

A vehicle firing a missile during a military exercise by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Photo: Sepah News via AFP

US-China trade war

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

United States

Iran’s defiance against US military power leaves Trump ‘curious’

Steve Witkoff said Trump can’t understand Tehran’s refusal to yield despite Washington’s military build-up in the region.

22 Feb 2026 - 4:02PMvideocam

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Iran

Who are the main players in the US-Iran-Israel crisis?

With the decisions and actions of those involved impacting countless millions, the stakes are high.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Developing | Trump urges Iranians to take over government after US-Israel strikes

Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran

Trump says ‘not happy’ with Iran talks, US staff leave Israel over war risks

Other countries, including China, Germany and the UK, have issued warnings or relocated their citizens.

China warns citizens in Iran about security risks as nuclear talks end without deal

Embassy advisory issued on Saturday says Chinese in Iran should not photograph sensitive sites or restricted areas.

‘No chance’: Vance dismisses prolonged Mideast war fears as Iran tensions rage

The US vice-president said Trump’s options range from military strikes ‘to ensure Iran isn’t going to get a nuclear weapon’ to dialogue.

Trump puts fate of world’s top conflicts in hands of 2 men

In a frantic 24 hours of shuttle diplomacy, Trump’s hand-picked duo juggled Iran negotiations and Ukraine war talks.

Chinese tourists flock to Seoul, child shoved in Tokyo crossing: 7 highlights

From China tracking military moves near Iran to why tourists are ditching Tokyo for Seoul, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

US and Iran wrap up talks without a deal as war risks persist

Oman’s mediator cites ‘significant progress’ in Geneva, but a massive US naval build-up keeps the Middle East on edge.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Don’t expect Russia’s war on Ukraine to end in its fifth year

Barring Moscow or Kyiv reaching breaking points in their war efforts, neither side will make any steps to end or ‘freeze’ the conflict.

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

North Korea’s Kim warns of ‘eternal confrontation’ without US dialogue

As long as Washington acknowledges Pyongyang as a nuclear power, there is ‘no reason not to get along’, the North Korean leader says.

Is China flexing its intelligence muscle by tracking US military moves near Iran?

Unusually detailed posts by commercial firm MizarVision about America’s deployments in the Middle East are grabbing attention.

The ‘Papillon’ of Iran: Shamkhani’s rise from the rubble amid US tensions

Khamenei’s trusted adviser, who survived an Israeli strike last year, shapes Tehran’s security strategies as tensions with the US mount.

Opinion | How Saudi diplomacy is thwarting Trump’s desire for war with Iran

China helped broker a detente between Riyadh and Tehran in 2023, which has no doubt factored into Saudi Arabia’s stance on US-Iran tensions.

‘A war will start’: Iranians on edge as Trump’s ‘armada’ closes in

‘Going to war with America, Israel and Nato will have very horrible and unpredictable consequences,’ a Tehran resident says.

Trump touts US ‘golden age’, avoids direct mention of China before Beijing trip

In nearly two-hour State of the Union speech, American leader focuses on economic strength and global leadership ahead of midterm elections.

Iran dismisses ‘big lies’ after Trump lays out case for possible attack

US president accused Iran of restarting its nuclear programme, while working to build missiles that soon would be capable of reaching the US.

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

US forces board third Venezuela-linked oil tanker in Indian Ocean

The US military says it tracked the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, before placing it under American control.

Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

Trump pushes back on reports of Iran war risks as clock ticks

US president dismisses reported concerns of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, insisting any conflict would be ‘easily won’.

South Korean ex-president sentenced, Buddha’s early life: 7 Asia highlights

From ex-president Yoon’s sentencing to Singapore’s auntie matchmakers, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

Iran in secret deal with Russia for shoulder-fired missiles: report

Report of a deal for 2,500 advanced anti-aircraft missiles emerges as the US weighs military action against Iran.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Iran’s defiance against US military power leaves Trump ‘curious’

Steve Witkoff said Trump can’t understand Tehran’s refusal to yield despite Washington’s military build-up in the region.

Developing | Trump urges Iranians to take over government after US-Israel strikes

Opinion | Don’t expect Russia’s war on Ukraine to end in its fifth year