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Oman

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Oman. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Muscat

Head of State

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

Head of Government

Prime Minister Haitham bin Tariq

As China and other northern hemisphere countries enter spring planting season, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has said war in the Middle East could have a serious impact on global food prices if it continues beyond three months. Photo: Xinhua

China food security

China taps reserves as Iran war disrupts 30% of global fertiliser trade

War in the Middle East is causing global disruption – from oil to agriculture – as countries, including China, enter spring planting season.

2 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump allows foreign ships between domestic ports to stabilise petrol costs

19 Mar 2026 - 4:22AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Satellite images reveal damage of the widening Middle East war

18 Mar 2026 - 3:55PM

China-Middle East relations

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

18 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Smoke rises near Dubai airport from a fire caused by a “drone-related incident”. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Trump confirms delay of Xi meeting in Beijing as China ‘maintains communication’

Citing Iran, US president pushes back highly anticipated summit at least ‘five or six weeks’ while top diplomat Wang Yi indicates ceasefire efforts.

19 Mar 2026 - 9:29AMvideocam

US-China relations

With Trump’s China trip in limbo, further trade talks loom: analysts

As the US president cites the Iran war for his delay and Paris talks see only minor progress, experts said more negotiations were likely.

17 Mar 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

17 Mar 2026 - 5:17PMvideocam

Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, arrives in Mumbai on Thursday after clearing the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AP

US-China trade war

Why Trump pushing China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz may hurt trade talks

US president’s threat to delay summit with Xi adds uncertainty to Paris negotiations, analysts say.

16 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Iran

Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack

Thailand is seeking help from Iran and Oman to rescue three crew members stranded on their vessel.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:45PM

China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

16 Mar 2026 - 7:02PM

A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Khor Fakkan, the United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

20 Thai sailors return home after Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz

Families reunite as concerns mount for three crew members still trapped in the engine room of the damaged Mayuree Naree.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:58PMvideocam

Thai crew members, rescued after their ship was hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

14 Mar 2026 - 11:51PM

China trade

Strait of Hormuz transiting ships flash ‘China owner’ signals to evade blockade

Analysts see ‘diplomatic bulletproofing’ in vessels leveraging Beijing’s neutrality, while some Chinese-linked ships clear chokepoint.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

A tanker sits anchored in Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos in Oman on Thursday. Traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. Photo: Reuters

Energy

Opinion | Why Asia’s future depends on breaking the shackles of fossil fuels

The choice facing Asia is clear: pay the large, one-time cost of transition or keep paying the unpredictable price of vulnerability.

12 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Motorists, some with containers, queue for gasoline at a gas station in Hanoi on March 10. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Iran war disruption just one of many threats to global markets

The danger from the Iran war cannot be assessed in isolation. Rather, it is one of several major vulnerabilities that could trigger a much sharper sell-off.

12 Mar 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

The resolution did not mention US or Israeli strikes, prompting Tehran’s ambassador to decry ‘blatant misuse’ of the international body.

12 Mar 2026 - 7:03AMvideocam

Malaysia

Malaysia tightens borders to fight fuel smuggling amid global energy crisis

The move comes amid concern that rising fuel prices abroad could make it more profitable to smuggle subsidised fuel out of Malaysia.

11 Mar 2026 - 8:07PM

Fuel pump nozzles are pictured at a petrol station in Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia will keep subsidised petrol prices unchanged despite the global increase in crude oil costs. Photo: AFP

Thailand

Thai navy says cargo ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The Thai navy said 20 crew members have been rescued so far.

12 Mar 2026 - 3:56PMvideocam

Hong Kong stock market

Middle East crisis fuels wild Hong Kong stocks swings from mainland investors

Rapid shifts in cross-border flows show even Hong Kong’s most reliable buyers can amplify market turbulence during geopolitical shocks.

11 Mar 2026 - 8:44AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Casualty figures across the Middle East as Iran war enters second week

Since the launch of ‘Operation Epic Fury’, casualties have mounted across the region, with civilians in Iran and Lebanon bearing the brunt.

10 Mar 2026 - 1:11PM

An Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran strikes on desalination plants threaten Arab states’ water supplies

In Kuwait, about 90 per cent of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86 per cent in Oman and about 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:22AMvideocam

Smoke rises from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 1. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

China trade

Iran war fallout grows as China struggles to import vital fertiliser chemical

Supplies of sulphur – a key fertiliser ingredient – are tightening in China just as the spring planting season begins.

8 Mar 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

4 US bombers land in UK as Iran war continues

British PM Keir Starmer has granted permission for ‘defensive’ US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

7 Mar 2026 - 10:43PMvideocam

Cathay Pacific

Exclusive | Hong Kong authorities rule out chartering Cathay Pacific flights to Middle East

Sources say officials discussed with carrier to fly home stranded residents, but option deemed fraught with uncertainty.

6 Mar 2026 - 11:21PMvideocam

A plane flies as smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Qatar

Qatar’s LNG halt exposes Asia’s energy vulnerability

Analysts say the turmoil underscores Asia’s need to shift to renewable energy, as nations scramble for alternatives amid the disruption.

6 Mar 2026 - 5:30PM

QatarEnergy’s liquefied natural gas production facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Iran

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

6 Mar 2026 - 6:29PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump demands Iran forces surrender or die, wants say on next leader

US president dismisses Khamenei’s son as a ‘lightweight’ and orders Iranian forces to lay down arms or face ‘guaranteed death’.

6 Mar 2026 - 5:40PMvideocam

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Oman

China taps reserves as Iran war disrupts 30% of global fertiliser trade

War in the Middle East is causing global disruption – from oil to agriculture – as countries, including China, enter spring planting season.

Trump allows foreign ships between domestic ports to stabilise petrol costs

Satellite images reveal damage of the widening Middle East war

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

Trump confirms delay of Xi meeting in Beijing as China ‘maintains communication’

Citing Iran, US president pushes back highly anticipated summit at least ‘five or six weeks’ while top diplomat Wang Yi indicates ceasefire efforts.

With Trump’s China trip in limbo, further trade talks loom: analysts

As the US president cites the Iran war for his delay and Paris talks see only minor progress, experts said more negotiations were likely.

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

Why Trump pushing China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz may hurt trade talks

US president’s threat to delay summit with Xi adds uncertainty to Paris negotiations, analysts say.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack

Thailand is seeking help from Iran and Oman to rescue three crew members stranded on their vessel.

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

20 Thai sailors return home after Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz

Families reunite as concerns mount for three crew members still trapped in the engine room of the damaged Mayuree Naree.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

Strait of Hormuz transiting ships flash ‘China owner’ signals to evade blockade

Analysts see ‘diplomatic bulletproofing’ in vessels leveraging Beijing’s neutrality, while some Chinese-linked ships clear chokepoint.

Opinion | Why Asia’s future depends on breaking the shackles of fossil fuels

The choice facing Asia is clear: pay the large, one-time cost of transition or keep paying the unpredictable price of vulnerability.

Macroscope | Iran war disruption just one of many threats to global markets

The danger from the Iran war cannot be assessed in isolation. Rather, it is one of several major vulnerabilities that could trigger a much sharper sell-off.

UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

The resolution did not mention US or Israeli strikes, prompting Tehran’s ambassador to decry ‘blatant misuse’ of the international body.

Malaysia tightens borders to fight fuel smuggling amid global energy crisis

The move comes amid concern that rising fuel prices abroad could make it more profitable to smuggle subsidised fuel out of Malaysia.

Thai navy says cargo ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The Thai navy said 20 crew members have been rescued so far.

Middle East crisis fuels wild Hong Kong stocks swings from mainland investors

Rapid shifts in cross-border flows show even Hong Kong’s most reliable buyers can amplify market turbulence during geopolitical shocks.

Casualty figures across the Middle East as Iran war enters second week

Since the launch of ‘Operation Epic Fury’, casualties have mounted across the region, with civilians in Iran and Lebanon bearing the brunt.

Iran strikes on desalination plants threaten Arab states’ water supplies

In Kuwait, about 90 per cent of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86 per cent in Oman and about 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

Iran war fallout grows as China struggles to import vital fertiliser chemical

Supplies of sulphur – a key fertiliser ingredient – are tightening in China just as the spring planting season begins.

4 US bombers land in UK as Iran war continues

British PM Keir Starmer has granted permission for ‘defensive’ US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Hong Kong authorities rule out chartering Cathay Pacific flights to Middle East

Sources say officials discussed with carrier to fly home stranded residents, but option deemed fraught with uncertainty.

Qatar’s LNG halt exposes Asia’s energy vulnerability

Analysts say the turmoil underscores Asia’s need to shift to renewable energy, as nations scramble for alternatives amid the disruption.

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

Trump demands Iran forces surrender or die, wants say on next leader

US president dismisses Khamenei’s son as a ‘lightweight’ and orders Iranian forces to lay down arms or face ‘guaranteed death’.

Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

Exclusive | Hong Kong authorities rule out chartering Cathay Pacific flights to Middle East