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Middle East
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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.
Japan bought about 1 million tonnes of bananas last year, making the fruit one of the country’s most important grocery staples. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
Japan

Japan runs low on ethylene, putting bananas at risk of disappearing from homes

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has squeezed the supply of the naphtha-derived gas that Japan uses to ripen the fruit.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran diplomacy mired in uncertainty as Trump claims Lebanon de-escalation

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War and conflict

Netanyahu orders strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, clouding Iran mediation

US, Israel war on Iran

How ‘strategic ambiguity’ made Turkey a winner in the Iran war

However, experts caution that the country’s economic instability and enduring regional rivalries have capped its gains.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his country’s support for peace talks. Turkey can be a “natural release valve” for companies trying to deal with the instability caused by the Iran war, an expert has said. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Impact of Middle East war on Hong Kong’s inflation limited, finance chief says

Inflation forecast raised to 2.6 per cent, but Financial Secretary Paul Chan says service-based economy and stable mainland Chinese supplies cushion impact.

US, Israel war on Iran

US says struck Iran sites, Tehran responds by targeting base

Kuwait intercepts incoming drone and missile fire as negotiations to end the Iran war drag on.

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Syria

Syria says Sharaa holds phone call with Trump

Ahmed al-Sharaa tells the US president that ending economic restrictions is essential to reviving Syria’s economy.

US President Donald Trump and Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House in November 2025. The two leaders spoke by phone on Sunday. Photo: Syrian presidency via AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says US not to be trusted as Trump toughens deal terms

Ceasefire remains elusive as both sides still remain apart on conditions for peace.

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Lebanon

Israeli forces capture historic castle in deepest push into Lebanon in decades

Troops take over the medieval fortress of Beaufort, returning to the strategic peak occupied by Israel from 1982 to 2000.

US-China relations

Opinion | US quietly plays the long game on energy dominance against China

Behind the Trump administration’s detente with Beijing lies a strategy to redirect global energy flows and disrupt Chinese competitiveness.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
South Korea

From submarines to trade, South Korea and US remain deadlocked ahead of talks

The two allies are also expected to discuss the transfer of military control and a data breach involving a US firm at their talks next week.

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A US Virginia-class fast-attack submarine docks in Rockingham, Western Australia, last year. South Korea is reportedly aiming to build nuclear-powered submarines similar to the Virginia-class vessels. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

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Artificial intelligence

Asia faces ‘costly paradox’ over divergent AI rules in US and EU

Regional countries are adapting either the US or EU legal framework, while Asian tech firms risk incurring a ‘regulatory fragmentation tax’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Outside In | How Trump’s war on Iran is jeopardising Asia’s remittance lifeline

In Gulf economies, lost migrant jobs and remittances risk plunging millions across Asia into crisis.

Workers take a break with the city skyline of Dubai seen in the background on March 11. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Israel, Russia hit back after being added to UN blacklist for sexual violence in conflicts

UN documentation of alleged abuses sparks furious denials from both nations.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has faced fierce diplomatic pushback from both Israel and Russia. Photo: Reuters
Gold in Hong Kong

World Gold Council says diversification driving China’s growing reserves

China’s gold reserves have grown for 18 straight months, country’s central bank says.

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Bonds

China’s first green bond sale in Hong Kong aims to raise US$886 million

Country looking to issue offshore sovereign green bonds and tap global capital to invest in green development.

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South Korea

‘Transitory euphoria’: South Korea’s strong economic outlook masks key hurdles

The surge in demand for semiconductors is cyclical, while other sectors in the country are lagging, analysts say.

Containers awaiting export stacked at a pier in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The Bank of Korea has raised the country’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.6 per cent. Photo: EPA
Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu orders Israeli military to seize 70% of Gaza, expanding control

Israel effectively controls an estimated 64 per cent of the tiny coastal strip, bombarded to ruins by war.

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Diplomacy

Editorial | PM Sharif’s visit reaffirms China-Pakistan ‘iron brother’ relationship

The visit reinforced the two nations’ commitment to international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes and a multipolar world.

Lebanon

Israel launches deadly strike near Beirut as it widens offensive in Lebanon

Escalating hostilities in Lebanon strain a fragile ceasefire ahead of crucial negotiations in Washington.

The aftermath of an Israeli strike in Tyre, southern Lebanon. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US boasts viable Iran deal: no nuclear weapons, Hormuz open. Will Trump agree?

US president said to be weighing proposed deal as fragile ceasefire holds after renewed strikes and Iranian retaliation.

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A man waves an Iranian flag in Tehran’s Valiasr Square as uncertainty surrounds a proposed peace deal. Photo: EPA
Diplomacy

Opinion | 3 paths to stability in a conflict-ridden world

History moves in cycles, and today’s turbulence will settle into a new order. Will the US reassert dominance, China emerge as the leader, or will we see a world with two centres?

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong exports surge 43% in April, driven by strong demand for AI electronics

Figure follows earlier five-year high of 35.8% growth in March, but government remains cautious and says Middle East war could cloud outlook.

US, Israel war on Iran

Gold continues decline as inflation fears outweigh hope of end to Iran war

The metal is down nearly 20 per cent from its all-time high in January as investors focus on the Federal Reserve’s plans to combat inflation.

A salesman presents gold bars at a jewellery shop inside the Gold Market at the Old Souk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 13. Photo: EPA
War and conflict

Israel declares new swathe of Lebanon ‘a combat zone’, imperilling ceasefire

Israel extends combat zone north in the first such sweeping warning since the April 16 ceasefire.

An Israeli military artillery unit drives into Lebanon after crossing the Israeli‑Lebanese border. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance

Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran, US reach outline ceasefire deal after latest air strikes: report

US military downs five drones and hits a ground station, triggering Iranian retaliation.

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