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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.
Smoke is seen rising near Riyadh airport on Saturday. Photo: X/hey_itsmyturn via AFP
Saudi Arabia

Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital, after flames seen near Riyadh airport

The militants say they targeted ‘sensitive’ sites, along with an Aramco facility in the Red Sea city of Yanbu.

Vladimir Putin

Opinion | Why the Global South keeps its doors wide open to Russia

US, Israel war on Iran

How much has Iran war cost US? Pentagon estimates US$43.6 billion so far

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US, Israel war on Iran

Saudi oil pipeline closure puts Asia’s economic resilience to the test

Experts say the loss will hit Asian refiners first before feeding through to inflation, currencies and economic growth across the region.

A satellite image shows a closer view of the damage at the Saudi Arabia East-West pipeline, located across the Arabian Peninsula, after a strike that hit it on September 11. Photo: Vantor/Handout via Reuters
Singapore

Singapore Airlines takes world’s best carrier crown from Qatar Airways

Asian carriers dominated the Skytrax rankings and only one European airline – Air France-KLM – made the top 10.

South Korea

‘No deployment for war’: South Korea rejects US request for Iran support

President Lee Jae Myung has drawn a firm line against sending troops or assets to the Middle East, defying pressure from Washington.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

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Firefighters inspect damage to a building caused by falling debris from a reported Houthi drone intercepted over Taif province, western Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AP
United States

US to allow Iranian leaders to attend UN meeting amid wartime stand-off

US again imposes strict conditions on the Iranian delegation for the UN General Assembly in New York.

Saudi Arabia

US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns

US says the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter ‘current and future threats’.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | China, US may unveil measures to boost military ties when Xi visits Washington

Two sides have been discussing ways to improve communication channels, according to sources familiar with the talks.

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The US and China are discussing ways to strengthen military links – a rare bright spot in the relationship. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

UN investigators cite US over Iran strikes that constituted war crimes

UN-backed experts also accuse the Iranian government of carrying out crimes against humanity during a domestic crackdown.

The Minab school in Iran, which was damaged in US strikes on February 28. Photo: WANA via Reuters
Banking & finance

Fed rate hike risks worsening China’s economic divide

The first US interest rate increase in more than three years is unlikely to damp China’s surging tech exports while potentially worsening a squeeze on other manufacturers.

China travel

China airports surge in global-connectivity ranking, led by Shanghai, Guangzhou

Third terminal helps Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport jump 17 places in global standings, while airports in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong also improve.

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Saudi Arabia

Saudis turn to Western, regional allies as missile defences run low

Regional officials say kingdom appeals to France, UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for help against Houthis amid US interceptor shortages.

Houthi fighters pose atop what the group described as the wreckage of a downed Saudi F-15 fighter jet in Marib province, Yemen, in an image released on Wednesday. Photo: Ansar Allah Media Office via AP
John Lee policy address 2026

Hong Kong targets gold trading, FPS-UnionPay link to boost yuan use

‘We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre,’ John Lee says.

The HKMA will promote linking the Faster Payment System with mainland China’s bank card and payment system UnionPay by the end of the year. Photo: Nora Tam
Yemen

Who is Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the elusive commander driving the Saudi blitz?

He has transformed the Houthi group from tribal insurgency to a fighting force, threatening Riyadh and controlling the vital waterway.

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China-Middle East relations

China affirms support for Iran, but warns against Yemen spillover

In talks with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Tehran and Washington to stay rational.

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Qatar

Iranian and Saudi panellists spar at Xiangshan Forum over Middle East attacks

Verbal battle erupts at security conference over Tehran’s targeting of US bases in Saudi Arabia.

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Iranian representative Mohammad Taghi Osanlou attends the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Chinese defence chief skirts flashpoints at Xiangshan Forum ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Dong Jun makes rare public offer of foreign military aid at major security conference and skips mentions of Taiwan and South China Sea.

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Artificial intelligence

As appetite for US rivals grows, global funds flock to China’s Moonshot: sources

Start-up draws intense international interest through offshore vehicles chasing alternatives to US systems, insiders say.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel prepared to ‘finish job’ in Gaza and remove Palestinians, minister says

Israel Katz says the IDF is prepared to resume fighting, eliminate Hamas and implement ‘the migration plan’.

Palestinian children play volleyball amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters
Yemen

‘Red line’: Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca with drone

Drone intercepted heading towards the Saudi holy city, but Houthi official rejects claim as a ‘worn-out lie’.

Burning military vehicles during fighting in al-Jawf governate, Yemen. Photo: Ansarullah Media Centre via AFP
China exports

China launches Pinglu Canal, slashing transit time to Southeast Asia

Newly opened Pinglu Canal will allow cargo from inland provinces to reach the Gulf of Tonkin, avoiding a 560km detour, deepening trade ties.

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Belt and Road 2026

Ancient Silk Road to modern Belt and Road: how Hong Kong bridges China and the Middle East

As the Middle East seeks economic diversification, Hong Kong acts as the financial gateway for investment.

US, Israel war on Iran

US military fires on boats attempting to capture sailing drone off Iran

Central Command confirms engagement off Iranian coast as Tehran claims vessels were local fishing craft.

A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel in the Arabian Gulf off Bahrain’s coast. Photo: US Central Command via AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Acts quit Ed Sheeran tour in solidarity with Macklemore over Palestinian remarks

Musicians withdraw from British singer’s shows in solidarity with Macklemore after promoter drops rapper.

Ed Sheeran performing in Boston in 2025. Photo: TNS
Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong finance chief urges Cathay to keep fares attractive, add routes

Cathay Pacific targets 150 new aircraft and 150 global destinations over next decade, chairman Guy Bradley says.

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Iran

‘Doing a North Korea’? Why the Middle East could be entering a new nuclear age

A Saudi-US nuclear pact and further attacks on Iran could prompt Tehran to withdraw from the non-proliferation treaty, analysts warn.

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