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Iran

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

Capital

Tehran

Head of State

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Head of Government

President Masoud Pezeshkian

A rally in Sanaa, Yemen, supporting the Houthi-imposed naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

Houthis target tankers in Red Sea, threatening another Iran war chokepoint

Attacks on shipping expand regional conflict as US strikes Iran for a 12th consecutive night.

1 hour ago

Middle East

US unveils civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia

23 Jul 2026 - 6:38AM

Crime

Terrorism trial opens in stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

23 Jul 2026 - 5:05AMvideocam

US-China relations

US lawmakers accuse China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries

Chinese peacekeeping roles are ‘concentrated in strategically sensitive regions’ to gain intelligence, House Foreign Affairs Committee told.

23 Jul 2026 - 5:51AMvideocam

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington on Wednesday that China’s UN missions also “serve a dual purpose as eyes and ears on the ground”. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens to bomb Iranian bridge or power plant after Hormuz attacks

Warning comes as US expands air strikes, Iran targets Jordan and Houthis threaten shipping near another vital trade route.

22 Jul 2026 - 11:31PMvideocam

US-China relations

Wang and Rubio at Asean discuss Xi’s planned US visit, South China Sea clash

America’s top diplomat describes dispute between Beijing and Manila over Second Thomas Shoal as very negative and benefiting no one.

22 Jul 2026 - 10:48PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

As Iran war drags on, Trump sets sights on ‘Pickaxe Mountain’

Pickaxe Mountain is the location of a fortified underground site near one of Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment facilities.

22 Jul 2026 - 4:51PM

A satellite view shows vehicles at an entrance to Pickaxe Mountain tunnels near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Photo: Vantor via Reuters

Middle East

Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal that could allow uranium enrichment, AP sources say

Deal is expected to last 30 years, with US firms helping the kingdom develop a civil nuclear industry.

22 Jul 2026 - 4:25PM

Japan

Japan seeks Southeast Asia sea lanes to avoid troubled waters in region

A proposal to map charts through five straits comes as Japan fears trade disruption from choke points in the South China Sea and off Malacca.

22 Jul 2026 - 8:00AM

US, Israel war on Iran

US war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion so far, Pentagon chief Hegseth says

The defence secretary was publicly facing questions from lawmakers for the first time since the US military restarted operations in Iran.

22 Jul 2026 - 7:57AMvideocam

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth testifies during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

China economy

Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia

Beijing is seeking to diversify its export channels as geopolitical tensions destabilise maritime trade hubs.

22 Jul 2026 - 9:13AMvideocam

Chinese workers are seen in a tunnel in Kyrgyzstan, on February 13, part of the 523km China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway currently under construction. Photo: Xinhua

Middle East

Trump vows to help Lebanon pursue peace with Israel

The US president also says he will allow direct flights by US airlines to Lebanon for the first time in over 40 years.

22 Jul 2026 - 5:27AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Asia’s oil buyers face US$100-per-barrel risk as Houthis threaten Saudi blockade

A Houthi blockade could disrupt Saudi oil flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leaving Asian buyers with fewer options.

21 Jul 2026 - 9:20PM

US-Iran tensions

What can China learn from the US sea drone strike on an Iranian submarine base?

Experts highlight struggle for conventional systems to detect fast, low-visibility vessels after first combat use of the technology.

21 Jul 2026 - 7:30PMvideocam

A Corsair, a multipurpose unmanned surface vessel, has been used by the US military in its conflict with Iran. Photo: X.com/Saronic

China-EU relations

EU lawmakers arrive in China for high-stakes talks to manage mounting tensions

Wang Yi calls on delegation to strengthen exchanges across Chinese society for ‘a genuine, multi-dimensional and evolving perspective’.

21 Jul 2026 - 8:46PMvideocam

An eight-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by committee chairman David McAllister (pictured) arrived in China on Tuesday. Photo: European Union

China energy security

As Iran war drags on, China keeps tight grip on fuel exports despite eased curbs

Tight mandates remain in place to protect domestic energy security amid a resurgence of war in the Middle East.

21 Jul 2026 - 5:19PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran and US trade more attacks as Houthis threaten blockade

US completes 10th consecutive night of strikes as tankers are targeted in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemeni rebels threaten broader war.

21 Jul 2026 - 2:54PM

China economy

Opinion | China won’t waste its reserves to cushion oil price impact of Iran war

On the contrary, conserving strategic reserves and letting prices spike in the short term may bring long-term benefits.

21 Jul 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

An oil tanker unloads imported crude at Qingdao port, in Chinas eastern Shandong province, on July 16. Photo CN-STR / AFP

China-Latin America relations

US claims 3 China-linked spy sites in Cuba monitoring American military activity

State Department report alleges Beijing and Moscow regard Cuba-based facilities as among their ‘most critical foreign listening posts’.

21 Jul 2026 - 5:44AMvideocam

Britain

China’s Li congratulates Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister

Li said strengthening dialogue and cooperation between ⁠China and the UK will benefit ‌the nations and ‘inject stability into global ‌peace’.

21 Jul 2026 - 7:01AM

China energy security

China’s June Gulf crude imports plunge amid slump in demand, higher prices

Chinese imports of liquefied natural gas rose 8.3 per cent year on year in June, while the country purchased nearly 30 per cent more coal in the month.

20 Jul 2026 - 8:30PM

This aerial photo shows a tanker unloading imported crude oil at a port in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province on June 25, 2026. Photo: CN-STR/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says fighting ‘full-scale war’ with US

The Middle East war resumed after a weeks-long lull prompted by an agreement signed in June, and oil prices surged to a month high.

21 Jul 2026 - 3:28AM

A US fighter jet takes off to launch what the military says are precision strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities on Saturday. Photo: CENTCOM/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US military reports another soldier killed in northern Iraq

The service member was killed in Iraq on Saturday during the ‘controlled detonation’ of a downed Iranian drone, the US military said.

20 Jul 2026 - 6:46AMvideocam

Indonesia

Did fear of the US force Indonesia’s ‘slap in the face’ to Iran?

The perceived snub has raised questions about the core tensions at the heart of Jakarta’s ‘good-neighbour’ diplomacy.

19 Jul 2026 - 5:00PM

Middle East

Lebanon’s president to meet Trump, push for Israeli withdrawal

President Joseph Aoun was commander of Lebanon’s army. He will focus on Hezbollah’s disarmament and finalising the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

19 Jul 2026 - 4:48PM

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in flight on Air Force One after landing at US Air Force Base at RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, Britain, on July 8, 2026. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US retaliates against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over killing of American troops

The US has targeted bridges and electrical facilities in Iran; Tehran has retaliated by hitting power and desalination plants in Kuwait.

20 Jul 2026 - 6:07AM

A man walks past a large banner depicting US President Donald Trump with a target on his head, during funeral ceremonies for Iran’s slain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla on July 5. Photo: TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

2 US troops dead, 1 missing after Iran attacks base in Jordan

These are the first American service members killed due to direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

19 Jul 2026 - 8:50AM

US, Israel war on Iran

UK’s Burnham faces test as Trump seeks British bases for Iran attack

The incoming PM said that he planned to be ‘upfront’ with the US president, who has threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

18 Jul 2026 - 12:31PMvideocam

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Iran

Houthis target tankers in Red Sea, threatening another Iran war chokepoint

Attacks on shipping expand regional conflict as US strikes Iran for a 12th consecutive night.

US unveils civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia

Terrorism trial opens in stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

US lawmakers accuse China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries

Chinese peacekeeping roles are ‘concentrated in strategically sensitive regions’ to gain intelligence, House Foreign Affairs Committee told.

Trump threatens to bomb Iranian bridge or power plant after Hormuz attacks

Warning comes as US expands air strikes, Iran targets Jordan and Houthis threaten shipping near another vital trade route.

Wang and Rubio at Asean discuss Xi’s planned US visit, South China Sea clash

America’s top diplomat describes dispute between Beijing and Manila over Second Thomas Shoal as very negative and benefiting no one.

As Iran war drags on, Trump sets sights on ‘Pickaxe Mountain’

Pickaxe Mountain is the location of a fortified underground site near one of Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment facilities.

Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal that could allow uranium enrichment, AP sources say

Deal is expected to last 30 years, with US firms helping the kingdom develop a civil nuclear industry.

Japan seeks Southeast Asia sea lanes to avoid troubled waters in region

A proposal to map charts through five straits comes as Japan fears trade disruption from choke points in the South China Sea and off Malacca.

US war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion so far, Pentagon chief Hegseth says

The defence secretary was publicly facing questions from lawmakers for the first time since the US military restarted operations in Iran.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia

Beijing is seeking to diversify its export channels as geopolitical tensions destabilise maritime trade hubs.

Trump vows to help Lebanon pursue peace with Israel

The US president also says he will allow direct flights by US airlines to Lebanon for the first time in over 40 years.

Asia’s oil buyers face US$100-per-barrel risk as Houthis threaten Saudi blockade

A Houthi blockade could disrupt Saudi oil flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leaving Asian buyers with fewer options.

What can China learn from the US sea drone strike on an Iranian submarine base?

Experts highlight struggle for conventional systems to detect fast, low-visibility vessels after first combat use of the technology.

EU lawmakers arrive in China for high-stakes talks to manage mounting tensions

Wang Yi calls on delegation to strengthen exchanges across Chinese society for ‘a genuine, multi-dimensional and evolving perspective’.

As Iran war drags on, China keeps tight grip on fuel exports despite eased curbs

Tight mandates remain in place to protect domestic energy security amid a resurgence of war in the Middle East.

Iran and US trade more attacks as Houthis threaten blockade

US completes 10th consecutive night of strikes as tankers are targeted in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemeni rebels threaten broader war.

Opinion | China won’t waste its reserves to cushion oil price impact of Iran war

On the contrary, conserving strategic reserves and letting prices spike in the short term may bring long-term benefits.

US claims 3 China-linked spy sites in Cuba monitoring American military activity

State Department report alleges Beijing and Moscow regard Cuba-based facilities as among their ‘most critical foreign listening posts’.

China’s Li congratulates Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister

Li said strengthening dialogue and cooperation between ⁠China and the UK will benefit ‌the nations and ‘inject stability into global ‌peace’.

China’s June Gulf crude imports plunge amid slump in demand, higher prices

Chinese imports of liquefied natural gas rose 8.3 per cent year on year in June, while the country purchased nearly 30 per cent more coal in the month.

Iran says fighting ‘full-scale war’ with US

The Middle East war resumed after a weeks-long lull prompted by an agreement signed in June, and oil prices surged to a month high.

US military reports another soldier killed in northern Iraq

The service member was killed in Iraq on Saturday during the ‘controlled detonation’ of a downed Iranian drone, the US military said.

Did fear of the US force Indonesia’s ‘slap in the face’ to Iran?

The perceived snub has raised questions about the core tensions at the heart of Jakarta’s ‘good-neighbour’ diplomacy.

Lebanon’s president to meet Trump, push for Israeli withdrawal

President Joseph Aoun was commander of Lebanon’s army. He will focus on Hezbollah’s disarmament and finalising the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

US retaliates against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over killing of American troops

The US has targeted bridges and electrical facilities in Iran; Tehran has retaliated by hitting power and desalination plants in Kuwait.

2 US troops dead, 1 missing after Iran attacks base in Jordan

These are the first American service members killed due to direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

UK’s Burnham faces test as Trump seeks British bases for Iran attack

The incoming PM said that he planned to be ‘upfront’ with the US president, who has threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia