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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

Cargo ships wait off the coast of the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal along the Gulf of Oman. Commercial shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has faced severe disruptions. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran pause strikes as Hormuz tests interim deal, Doha talks loom

Efforts to reopen the Strait without Iran’s oversight have sparked days of crossfire.

29 Jun 2026 - 8:49PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says US hit Iran again, may be ‘forced to militarily complete the job’

28 Jun 2026 - 7:51AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iran after Trump says cargo ship attack violated ceasefire

27 Jun 2026 - 7:25AMvideocam

Middle East

US’ Rubio wraps up Gulf tour as allies share concerns over Iran peace accord

Rubio did not discuss a US$300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran that is part of the peace proposal.

25 Jun 2026 - 8:26PM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio leaves after a meeting with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during Rubio’s visit to the Middle East to discuss the interim deal between the US and Iran with Arab Gulf allies, at Al-Sakhir Palace, near Zallaq, Bahrain on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

China-Middle East relations

At Summer Davos in China, Mideast firms look to next generation to save the Gulf

At World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian, observers see regional self-reliance and economic needs as motivators for change after Iran war.

24 Jun 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

India

Are India-US trade talks nearing ‘last-mile bargaining’ amid strained ties?

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s visit to India this week could help put the ‘final touch’ on a trade deal, analysts say.

23 Jun 2026 - 8:04PMvideocam

China-India relations

Will US-India tensions hurt Quad’s critical mineral ambitions?

Washington-New Delhi strains test bloc’s cohesion, but concerns over Beijing may keep critical minerals plans on track.

30 Jun 2026 - 11:50PMvideocam

India

Iran, US claims conflict over Hormuz as 3 Indian crude tankers emerge

Three fully laden India-linked oil tankers have re-emerged in the Gulf of Oman, adding to increased reports of traffic moving both ways across the Strait of Hormuz.

21 Jun 2026 - 5:35PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Vance in Switzerland for US-Iran talks as Hormuz closed again

Making ‘progress’ on Tehran’s nuclear programme and Lebanon ceasefire are expected to top the agenda.

21 Jun 2026 - 1:19PMvideocam

War and conflict

Editorial | US and Iran have reasons to stay the course for peace

The agenda confronting negotiators over the next 60 days is challenging, and hardliners are critical, but the dawn of peace seems to be emerging.

19 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

A drone view shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on June 15. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Vance calls Iran deal a ‘win-win’ as Trump lashes out at ‘fools’ who oppose it

US Vice-President also claims Iran will not receive money or sanctions relief unless it meets the obligations outlined in agreement.

19 Jun 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

US Vice-President J.D. Vance during a press briefing at the White House on Thursday. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Who pays for Iran’s recovery? US$300 billion fund a flashpoint in ceasefire deal

Ambiguity fuels concern that Gulf countries may be expected to finance a post-war effort for a conflict in which they had limited say.

18 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

US-China relations

John Mearsheimer’s talk to SCMP about US-China ties, Iran war

Video and transcript of international relations expert’s exclusive chat with SCMP Plus about the Middle East, long-term US-China competition, East Asia tensions.

25 Jun 2026 - 3:10PMvideocam

Banking & finance

Hang Seng Index hits lowest level in a year on rate-rise expectations

The index falls amid growing unease after Hong Kong banks and Fed hold rates steady.

18 Jun 2026 - 4:38PMvideocam

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Thursday at its first policy meeting under new chairman Kevin Warsh. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

The US and Iran publish their official agreement. Here’s what’s in it

The 14-point document was released following days of outcry over Trump administration’s lack of transparency regarding its details.

18 Jun 2026 - 2:28PMvideocam

A woman walks past an anti-American mural on the wall of the former US Embassy, now a museum, in Tehran. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump shows no regret over deaths of 3 Indian sailors in Iran war strike by US

In their first bilateral meeting in 16 months, US president only goes as far as calling commercial vessel operations ‘a rough profession’.

18 Jun 2026 - 4:02AMvideocam

India

3 killed, no apology: the strike straining India-US relations

Instead of showing remorse, Washington ordered New Delhi to obey its blockade, stoking public outrage.

17 Jun 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

South Korea

Why Hormuz reopening hands South Korea a diplomatic problem at G7 summit

The G7 summit could revive pressure on Seoul to join international efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation through the strait.

17 Jun 2026 - 5:17PMvideocam

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Asean

Iran war ‘stark wake-up call’ for fossil fuel-dependent Southeast Asia: IEA

The agency warns that the region’s energy import bill could triple to US$245 billion by 2035 if it does not quickly look for alternatives.

16 Jun 2026 - 11:02PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Relief and wariness: Asia watches US-Iran deal for real impact

While the deal may ease some economic pressure on Asian governments, the ‘real test’ is whether it will hold, analysts say.

16 Jun 2026 - 12:34AMvideocam

China energy security

Strait of Hormuz still eerily quiet as doubts remain over ‘fragile’ peace deal

The only vessel moving in the waterway on Monday morning was a patrol ship, as analysts warned uncertainty lingered over the US-Iran agreement.

15 Jun 2026 - 4:52PM

Vessels sit in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman, on Sunday. Hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the strategic waterway. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran reach peace deal with signing set for Friday, Pakistan says

‘The Deal with ‌the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,’ Trump wrote on social media after Pakistan’s PM made his announcement.

16 Jun 2026 - 1:15AMvideocam

Iranians walk past a billboard featuring Iran’s national flag at Enqelab Square in Tehran, Iran on Sunday as US President Donald Trump said a peace deal could be signed soon. Photo: EPA

China-Middle East relations

Why China is attracting wealthy Gulf families in search of opportunity

Growing interest in China’s tech sector is reshaping Gulf travel to the world’s second-largest economy.

14 Jun 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran deal could be sealed within 24 hours, mediator Pakistan says

An electronic signing of an agreement is expected, before ‘technical-level talks next week’.

13 Jun 2026 - 8:07PMvideocam

India

Indians grieve and demand action after US strike kills sailors

Calls are mounting for Modi to take up the matter with Trump at next week’s G7 summit.

13 Jun 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

Sushila Devi, wife of Shivanand Chaurasia, mourns her husband in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday. Photo: Reuters

China trade

China’s ports are by far the most efficient in the world: World Bank study

Seven Chinese ports including Hong Kong ranked among the world’s top 10 in the report, which tracks how quickly trade hubs process ships.

12 Jun 2026 - 8:00AM

A container ship is moved to its berth at a port in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

India summons US diplomat again in rare display of anger over sailors’ killings

US military says the tanker ignored repeated warnings before being disabled for violating the Iran blockade.

12 Jun 2026 - 10:58PMvideocam

Iran

Video | Three Indian sailors killed as US fires at oil tanker

The US Central Command said it had disabled 8 ships and redirected 134 others since the start of a blockade on Iranian ports.

11 Jun 2026 - 9:45PM

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Oman

US and Iran pause strikes as Hormuz tests interim deal, Doha talks loom

Efforts to reopen the Strait without Iran’s oversight have sparked days of crossfire.

Trump says US hit Iran again, may be ‘forced to militarily complete the job’

US strikes Iran after Trump says cargo ship attack violated ceasefire

US’ Rubio wraps up Gulf tour as allies share concerns over Iran peace accord

Rubio did not discuss a US$300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran that is part of the peace proposal.

At Summer Davos in China, Mideast firms look to next generation to save the Gulf

At World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian, observers see regional self-reliance and economic needs as motivators for change after Iran war.

Are India-US trade talks nearing ‘last-mile bargaining’ amid strained ties?

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s visit to India this week could help put the ‘final touch’ on a trade deal, analysts say.

Will US-India tensions hurt Quad’s critical mineral ambitions?

Washington-New Delhi strains test bloc’s cohesion, but concerns over Beijing may keep critical minerals plans on track.

Iran, US claims conflict over Hormuz as 3 Indian crude tankers emerge

Three fully laden India-linked oil tankers have re-emerged in the Gulf of Oman, adding to increased reports of traffic moving both ways across the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance in Switzerland for US-Iran talks as Hormuz closed again

Making ‘progress’ on Tehran’s nuclear programme and Lebanon ceasefire are expected to top the agenda.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | US and Iran have reasons to stay the course for peace

The agenda confronting negotiators over the next 60 days is challenging, and hardliners are critical, but the dawn of peace seems to be emerging.

Vance calls Iran deal a ‘win-win’ as Trump lashes out at ‘fools’ who oppose it

US Vice-President also claims Iran will not receive money or sanctions relief unless it meets the obligations outlined in agreement.

Who pays for Iran’s recovery? US$300 billion fund a flashpoint in ceasefire deal

Ambiguity fuels concern that Gulf countries may be expected to finance a post-war effort for a conflict in which they had limited say.

John Mearsheimer’s talk to SCMP about US-China ties, Iran war

Video and transcript of international relations expert’s exclusive chat with SCMP Plus about the Middle East, long-term US-China competition, East Asia tensions.

Hang Seng Index hits lowest level in a year on rate-rise expectations

The index falls amid growing unease after Hong Kong banks and Fed hold rates steady.

The US and Iran publish their official agreement. Here’s what’s in it

The 14-point document was released following days of outcry over Trump administration’s lack of transparency regarding its details.

Trump shows no regret over deaths of 3 Indian sailors in Iran war strike by US

In their first bilateral meeting in 16 months, US president only goes as far as calling commercial vessel operations ‘a rough profession’.

3 killed, no apology: the strike straining India-US relations

Instead of showing remorse, Washington ordered New Delhi to obey its blockade, stoking public outrage.

Why Hormuz reopening hands South Korea a diplomatic problem at G7 summit

The G7 summit could revive pressure on Seoul to join international efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation through the strait.

Iran war ‘stark wake-up call’ for fossil fuel-dependent Southeast Asia: IEA

The agency warns that the region’s energy import bill could triple to US$245 billion by 2035 if it does not quickly look for alternatives.

Relief and wariness: Asia watches US-Iran deal for real impact

While the deal may ease some economic pressure on Asian governments, the ‘real test’ is whether it will hold, analysts say.

Strait of Hormuz still eerily quiet as doubts remain over ‘fragile’ peace deal

The only vessel moving in the waterway on Monday morning was a patrol ship, as analysts warned uncertainty lingered over the US-Iran agreement.

US and Iran reach peace deal with signing set for Friday, Pakistan says

‘The Deal with ‌the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,’ Trump wrote on social media after Pakistan’s PM made his announcement.

Why China is attracting wealthy Gulf families in search of opportunity

Growing interest in China’s tech sector is reshaping Gulf travel to the world’s second-largest economy.

US-Iran deal could be sealed within 24 hours, mediator Pakistan says

An electronic signing of an agreement is expected, before ‘technical-level talks next week’.

Indians grieve and demand action after US strike kills sailors

Calls are mounting for Modi to take up the matter with Trump at next week’s G7 summit.

China’s ports are by far the most efficient in the world: World Bank study

Seven Chinese ports including Hong Kong ranked among the world’s top 10 in the report, which tracks how quickly trade hubs process ships.

India summons US diplomat again in rare display of anger over sailors’ killings

US military says the tanker ignored repeated warnings before being disabled for violating the Iran blockade.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Three Indian sailors killed as US fires at oil tanker

The US Central Command said it had disabled 8 ships and redirected 134 others since the start of a blockade on Iranian ports.

Editorial | US and Iran have reasons to stay the course for peace

Video | Three Indian sailors killed as US fires at oil tanker