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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16. Photo: Getty Images
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.

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China's military weapons

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

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US, Israel war on Iran

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

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong urged to be ‘super partner’ in businesses’ overseas expansion push

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce chief Jonathan Choi says city should invest and operate abroad, while urging annual review of first five-year plan.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has urged Hong Kong to invest and operate overseas, not just connect businesses, as well as include an annual review of its first five-year plan to keep development on track. Photo: Jelly Tse
Israel

Netanyahu says Israel didn’t agree to US-backed Gaza plan

The Israeli leader has received guarantees that the Israeli army would only need to leave its current positions in Gaza after Hamas disarms.

SCMP Highlights

BYD’s first humanoid robots; world’s biggest buyer of Chinese cars: 7 EV reads

From a Chinese vessel logging a record shipment to BYD’s humanoid robots debut, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

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Hong Kong economy

Cathay Pacific posts 71% profit rise to HK$6.24 billion in first half of year

Numbers driven by stronger demand, but Hong Kong flag carrier warns of headwinds caused by escalating Middle East conflict.

A Cathay Pacific plane takes off from Hong Kong International Airport in May this year. Photo: Elson Li
US, Israel war on Iran

Indian ship sinks in Red Sea after attack near Yemen

Yemeni officials blamed the Iran-backed Houthis, while New Delhi condemned the ‘unprovoked’ aggression.

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Taiwan

How Taiwan is preparing for a PLA sea blockade in its biggest war games

Taipei to move weapons production, prepare for internet outages and adopt US ‘back briefs’ during Han Kuang drills.

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Israel

US-Saudi nuclear doubt, Boko Haram’s AI terrorism: 7 global relations reads

From US arms promises to EU sanctions and USMCA troubles, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in July 2026.

Boko Haram has been found to use both Chinese and American AIs in their terrroism plots – possibly with advice from Islamic State. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

US has used ‘virtually all’ of its long-range precision missiles in Iran war, sources say

Washington, however, says the ⁠US had ‘far more munitions than anyone in the world’ and ‘far more than we need’.

The US Army conducting live fire tests of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Photo: AFP/John Hamilton/US Department of Defence
Hong Kong economy

Up to 80 Hong Kong-linked ships stuck around Strait of Hormuz, trade group says

Hong Kong Shipowners Association urges industry members to be careful, citing ‘very low’ predictability of United States and Iran.

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Yuan

Fresh mBridge progress boosts cross-border digital yuan push

China’s Project mBridge, the multilateral central bank digital currency platform, is moving closer to broader commercial adoption.

Israel-Gaza war

Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ conditions Israel’s Gaza withdrawal on Hamas disarmament

US-backed panel seeks to calm Israeli pushback over framework for war-torn enclave.

A Palestinian boy stands beside a marker designating the 'Yellow Line' set by the Israeli military in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump claims ‘last chance’ for Iran to strike deal in latest warning

US president also says negotiations with Tehran are ‘going on right now’ despite Tehran’s insistence no direct talks were under way.

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US President Donald Trump answers questions from the media in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Monday. Photo: Reuters
United States

Pentagon signs US$3 billion deal to ramp up Patriot, THAAD missile parts production

Agreements with Lockheed and Northrop seek to address supply shortages driven by conflicts.

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US-China relations

A military base, a displaced people and Trump’s China fears: Burnham’s Chagos test

Britain’s new prime minister’s first challenge may lie in the Indian Ocean where the future of a US-British facility remains unresolved.

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China energy security

Iran war could still alter Beijing’s policy calculus: economist

Mao Zhenhua says impact on China has been “small”, but it could focus policymakers’ minds on domestic economic woes.

A banner featuring a picture of US President Donald Trump next to an Iranian missile battery at Azadi Square in Tehran on Thursday. Photo: WANA via Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says new talks with Iran set to begin after calling off attack

US president said negotiations would start Monday, but offered no details on the location or participants.

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Israel-Gaza war

Strikes kill 18 in Gaza as Israeli minister says no deal to halt attacks

Military offensive continues despite Trump-backed plan to disarm Hamas and implement lasting ceasefire.

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Hong Kong economy

Mainland transit gives Hongkongers option for Europe trips amid Middle East war

Industry leaders expect more Hongkongers to choose Europe via mainland transit, but warn cheaper fares may be offset by higher fuel charges.

An Air China plane at Beijing Capital Airport. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump holds off Iran strikes after Middle East allies outline deal

Trump says the deal will include an end to Iran’s nuclear threat and ‘the immediate, complete and total opening’ of the Strait of Hormuz.

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US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he walks to board Marine One following his arrival at Morristown Municipal Airport on Friday. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s foreign minister warns of any ‘adventurous action’ by US

Abbas Araqchi said Iran would retaliate if the US follows through on Trump’s threat of fresh attacks on the country.

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Lebanon

Israel says it killed several Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon

The Israeli military said an Israeli soldier was also injured there despite a ceasefire. Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks since June 20.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US embassies urge citizens to consider departing Middle East

The warning by embassies including those in the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Oman and Bahrain came after Trump threatened to hit Iran ‘very hard’.

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Passengers at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE. US embassies in the Middle East on Saturday warned Americans to be ready to leave the region amid an escalation in hostilities. Photo: UCG / Universal Images Group via Getty Images
US, Israel war on Iran

Tankers targeted in twin incidents near Strait of Hormuz off Oman

One tanker was hit by an ‘unknown projectile’, which damaged its engine room and left it inoperative.

Vessels transiting through the Gulf of Oman are pictured off Muscat on July 25. Photo: AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Trump hails ‘great breakthrough’ after Hamas disarmament deal

Agreement calls for group to surrender its weapons and Israeli troops to withdraw from Gaza under a broader peace framework.

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China-EU relations

Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

It will be Kaja Kallas’ first solo trip to China since taking on her role in 2024.

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