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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

President Donald Trump said the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz “scares them even more than the bombing”. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war as world waits for peace talks

US leader sees ‘no time pressure’ on ceasefire while Iranian president says blockade, threats are ‘main obstacles to genuine negotiations’.

1 hour agovideocam

Diplomacy

Editorial | Saudi leader’s phone call to Xi Jinping shows shifting global power balance

3 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in World Cup, report says

4 hours ago

2026 Trump-Xi summit

As Iran talks go nowhere, will Donald Trump still go to Beijing?

With peace negotiations postponed, it is unclear if the US president will be ready to look at stabilising ties between the two top economies.

22 Apr 2026 - 11:37PMvideocam

Observers say pressure on Trump will rise as the war continues, and Beijing’s leverage in any talks with the US will also grow. Photo: EPA

France

Second French peacekeeper dies in Lebanon after ambush blamed on Hezbollah

Anicet Girardin is the third French soldier to die since the start of the fighting in the Middle East.

22 Apr 2026 - 10:48PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Video | World’s top condom maker to raise prices over Iran war

Malaysian condom producer Karex plans to raise condom prices by up to 30%.

22 Apr 2026 - 10:12PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | How China’s patient diplomacy can help secure peace in Iran

China’s diplomacy, backed by leverage and guarantees of assistance, could provide a template for contemporary conflicts where a single side cannot carry the day.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

A pedestrian passes a billboard for the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Iranian media said the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas were being escorted to Iran.

1 hour agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump extends Iran war ceasefire as Strait shutdown drags on

The US president stepped back from resuming attacks on Iran, while both sides maintained blockades of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

22 Apr 2026 - 6:09PM

Food and agriculture

Asia braces for food shortages as ‘super El Nino’ and Iran war collide

A precarious planting season looms amid suppressed rainfall and soaring fertiliser costs threatening the region’s harvests.

22 Apr 2026 - 5:06PM

Women sit and eat rice noodles on the sidewalk in Hanoi, Vietnam, on April 14. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Iran crisis casts light on energy security from the US to Asia

Rhetoric aside, the US is just not that energy-independent. As for Europe and Asia, it’s time they pursued true energy independence.

22 Apr 2026 - 5:30PM

Tankers and bulk carriers are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18. Photo: AP

Singapore

Singapore’s Balakrishnan warns Hormuz just a ‘dry run’ if US, China clash

Foreign minister also says Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have a ‘strategic interest’ in keeping the Strait of Malacca open.

22 Apr 2026 - 10:53PM

China energy security

China’s slowing oil imports

The war on Iran that has shut the Strait of Hormuz highlights China’s reliance on foreign energy supplies and shows why geopolitical risk is spurring its efforts to lower that dependence even as its economy grows.

22 Apr 2026 - 1:17PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Shifting Saudi ties: what role could China take after Iran war is over?

Caught between Washington and Tehran, Riyadh may shift towards self-reliance and diversifying partnerships, observers note.

22 Apr 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Smoke rises above RIyadh amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Since the war began on February 28, Iranian missiles and drones have targeted key Saudi infrastructure. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, testing Lebanon truce as talks loom

The incidents are among several that have occurred since a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire came into effect last Thursday.

22 Apr 2026 - 3:10PM

Coffins of Hezbollah fighters killed before the ceasefire are carried on a truck past mourners during a mass funeral procession in the southern village of Kfar Sir, Lebanon on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Taiwan

Trump effect? Taiwan poll reveals deep doubts about US military protection

Results also suggest a more pragmatic public mood on cross-strait relations, with many respondents favouring dialogue over confrontation.

22 Apr 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks drop as war uncertainty lingers after ceasefire extension

Investors need more conviction about material progress on a ceasefire and the normalisation of oil flow, investor says.

22 Apr 2026 - 4:19PM

Pacific nations

Pacific Islanders skip food, medicine amid global fuel shortage from Iran war

Pacific nations are the most reliant on diesel for power generation worldwide. They imported about 2.2 million tonnes of fuel in 2025.

22 Apr 2026 - 9:37AM

Boats ply the waterway in Buka, Papua New Guinea. Many Pacific Island communities rely on boat transport for movement. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks ship, fuel prices hit flights

US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:34PMvideocam

China shipbuilding

The Iran war’s unlikely winner: China’s shipyards

China already dominates global shipbuilding orders – and the Strait of Hormuz crisis appears to be boosting demand.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:00AM

China-Asean relations

Exclusive | China and Philippines taking ‘baby steps’ towards better relations: ambassador

Jaime FlorCruz says both sides want stable ties, but closer economic relations must not be used as ‘leverage’ in the South China Sea dispute.

22 Apr 2026 - 11:44AMvideocam

Jaime FlorCruz said relations should be “stable and predictable”. Photo: Handout

US-China relations

Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’

Strait blockade stays as US seizes vessel said to be carrying ammunition for Iran; Beijing denies role and talks face fresh doubt.

22 Apr 2026 - 8:05AMvideocam

145

Cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters

Banking & finance

No records, no role: HSBC, StanChart reject Iran-linked money laundering claim

HSBC chairman Brendan Nelson says bank is not a party to alleged Iran-linked case and holds no records, as US court seeks information.

22 Apr 2026 - 9:37AM

Malaysia

World’s top condom maker to raise prices by up to 30% over Iran war

Condom demand has surged with rising freight costs and shipping delays leaving many of Karex’s customers with lower stockpiles.

21 Apr 2026 - 8:13PM

China energy security

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Premier Li Qiang presides over a State Council group study session on energy development on Monday. Photo Xinhua

ICBMs

China urges US ‘sincerity’ on Iran, warns of Japan’s nuclear ambitions

Beijing also outlines progress in disarmament and its long-standing policies in first such report since 2021.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:24PMvideocam

People inspect the site of an American-Israeli air strike on a police station in Tehran, Iran, on March 3. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

IPO

Victory Giant skyrockets after biggest Hong Kong IPO this year

The Nvidia supplier jumped on its trading debut, underscoring demand for AI hardware stocks and the resilience of Hong Kong IPO demand amid Middle East upheavals.

21 Apr 2026 - 5:12PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | China’s diplomacy succeeds even if it doesn’t bring Middle East peace

From Beijing’s perspective, diplomacy is remarkably effective in advancing China’s regional interests and differentiating it from the US.

21 Apr 2026 - 4:30PM

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Iran

Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war as world waits for peace talks

US leader sees ‘no time pressure’ on ceasefire while Iranian president says blockade, threats are ‘main obstacles to genuine negotiations’.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Saudi leader’s phone call to Xi Jinping shows shifting global power balance

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in World Cup, report says

As Iran talks go nowhere, will Donald Trump still go to Beijing?

With peace negotiations postponed, it is unclear if the US president will be ready to look at stabilising ties between the two top economies.

Second French peacekeeper dies in Lebanon after ambush blamed on Hezbollah

Anicet Girardin is the third French soldier to die since the start of the fighting in the Middle East.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | World’s top condom maker to raise prices over Iran war

Malaysian condom producer Karex plans to raise condom prices by up to 30%.

Opinion | How China’s patient diplomacy can help secure peace in Iran

China’s diplomacy, backed by leverage and guarantees of assistance, could provide a template for contemporary conflicts where a single side cannot carry the day.

Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Iranian media said the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas were being escorted to Iran.

Trump extends Iran war ceasefire as Strait shutdown drags on

The US president stepped back from resuming attacks on Iran, while both sides maintained blockades of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Asia braces for food shortages as ‘super El Nino’ and Iran war collide

A precarious planting season looms amid suppressed rainfall and soaring fertiliser costs threatening the region’s harvests.

Opinion | Iran crisis casts light on energy security from the US to Asia

Rhetoric aside, the US is just not that energy-independent. As for Europe and Asia, it’s time they pursued true energy independence.

Singapore’s Balakrishnan warns Hormuz just a ‘dry run’ if US, China clash

Foreign minister also says Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have a ‘strategic interest’ in keeping the Strait of Malacca open.

China’s slowing oil imports

The war on Iran that has shut the Strait of Hormuz highlights China’s reliance on foreign energy supplies and shows why geopolitical risk is spurring its efforts to lower that dependence even as its economy grows.

Shifting Saudi ties: what role could China take after Iran war is over?

Caught between Washington and Tehran, Riyadh may shift towards self-reliance and diversifying partnerships, observers note.

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, testing Lebanon truce as talks loom

The incidents are among several that have occurred since a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire came into effect last Thursday.

Trump effect? Taiwan poll reveals deep doubts about US military protection

Results also suggest a more pragmatic public mood on cross-strait relations, with many respondents favouring dialogue over confrontation.

Hong Kong stocks drop as war uncertainty lingers after ceasefire extension

Investors need more conviction about material progress on a ceasefire and the normalisation of oil flow, investor says.

Pacific Islanders skip food, medicine amid global fuel shortage from Iran war

Pacific nations are the most reliant on diesel for power generation worldwide. They imported about 2.2 million tonnes of fuel in 2025.

Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks ship, fuel prices hit flights

US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues.

The Iran war’s unlikely winner: China’s shipyards

China already dominates global shipbuilding orders – and the Strait of Hormuz crisis appears to be boosting demand.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | China and Philippines taking ‘baby steps’ towards better relations: ambassador

Jaime FlorCruz says both sides want stable ties, but closer economic relations must not be used as ‘leverage’ in the South China Sea dispute.

Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’

Strait blockade stays as US seizes vessel said to be carrying ammunition for Iran; Beijing denies role and talks face fresh doubt.

No records, no role: HSBC, StanChart reject Iran-linked money laundering claim

HSBC chairman Brendan Nelson says bank is not a party to alleged Iran-linked case and holds no records, as US court seeks information.

World’s top condom maker to raise prices by up to 30% over Iran war

Condom demand has surged with rising freight costs and shipping delays leaving many of Karex’s customers with lower stockpiles.

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

China urges US ‘sincerity’ on Iran, warns of Japan’s nuclear ambitions

Beijing also outlines progress in disarmament and its long-standing policies in first such report since 2021.

Victory Giant skyrockets after biggest Hong Kong IPO this year

The Nvidia supplier jumped on its trading debut, underscoring demand for AI hardware stocks and the resilience of Hong Kong IPO demand amid Middle East upheavals.

Opinion | China’s diplomacy succeeds even if it doesn’t bring Middle East peace

From Beijing’s perspective, diplomacy is remarkably effective in advancing China’s regional interests and differentiating it from the US.

Editorial | Saudi leader’s phone call to Xi Jinping shows shifting global power balance

Video | World’s top condom maker to raise prices over Iran war

Exclusive | China and Philippines taking ‘baby steps’ towards better relations: ambassador