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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

Iranians walk past a huge billboard featuring previous supreme leaders Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE

US, Israel war on Iran

Pakistan’s mediators in Iran as US downs drones, Lebanon looks for peace

Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to restart US-Iran negotiations as the US military said it shot down two Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz.

2 hours ago

China consumption

Gold slump: China’s sales plunge as precious metal’s price dips

5 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

How Iran war allows residents to indulge in opulence at Dubai’s luxury hotels

7 Jun 2026 - 11:49AMvideocam

European Union

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

The pope says he hopes the week-long tour of Spain will set an example to the world about respecting ‘every human being’.

6 Jun 2026 - 9:39PM

Pope Leo waves to faithful from the popemobile after a welcoming event at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday. Photo: EPA

Aviation

Aviation leaders face Iran war fuel shock, rising fare prices at Rio summit

The annual industry meeting comes as airlines also battle a shortage of new aircraft.

6 Jun 2026 - 10:31PM

China energy security

How China is cashing in on a global scramble for offshore oil and gas

Chinese firms dominate the global market for machinery used to extract offshore energy – a sector that is booming amid the Iran war.

6 Jun 2026 - 11:00AM

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iranian radar sites after drone shootdown in Strait of Hormuz

Iran says it targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation, drawing condemnation over the ‘blatant act of aggression’.

6 Jun 2026 - 8:55PM

Iranians swim at Suru Beach in Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Photo: ISNA/AFP

US-China relations

Opinion | Energy now a focus of US-China contest of the century

As China and the US race towards energy dominance, attention to climate resilience and resource security can ensure positive outcomes for all.

6 Jun 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

US-Cuba relations

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

As I see it | Trump is turning allies and partners into friends of China

Dealing with Beijing offers countries such as Canada and India more leverage with the US in addition to economic benefits.

5 Jun 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney after signing various memorandums of understanding in New Delhi, India, on March 2. Photo: AP

China-North Korea relations

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to North Korea confirmed for next week

Relations rebuilding after years of relative isolation due to pandemic, Beijing’s denuclearisation stance and closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties.

5 Jun 2026 - 6:21PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang in 2019. Photo: AFP

Science

Chinese satellite company releases images of Nvidia, Apple HQs

Photos offering bird’s-eye view of the campuses are ‘routine satellite news’ according to the firm, which has been sanctioned by the US.

5 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

US-China trade war

US farm chief says reliance on China threatens American ‘freedom’

Agriculture secretary’s warning comes as tariffs weigh on China trade and Hormuz disruptions drive up fuel and fertiliser costs.

5 Jun 2026 - 5:49AMvideocam

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testifies before the House Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill. Photo: AP.

Obituaries

‘Persepolis’ author Marjane Satrapi dies ‘of sadness’ aged 56

The renowned graphic novel and film adaptation recount her early life and struggles in the shadow of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

5 Jun 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

Iranian-born French graphic novelist, illustrator and film director Marjane Satrapi poses for photographs during International Women’s Day celebrations in Saint Ouen, near Paris, in March 2023. Photo: EPA

United States

Trump foe Bolton to plead guilty in classified information case

Ex-national security adviser cuts deal to drop 18 felony counts down to one, facing a US$2.25 million fine but avoiding prison time.

5 Jun 2026 - 4:29PM

Science

Why wind and solar power is going to ‘waste’ in China in the global energy crisis

Use of renewables held back by ‘inflexible management of coal power plants and power grids, not a lack of grid infrastructure’: CREA.

4 Jun 2026 - 6:31PMvideocam

Middle East

Hezbollah rejects Israel and Lebanon’s ceasefire plan

Hezbollah leader insists that a ceasefire must include southern Lebanon, where Israel ‌has ‌seized a self-declared security zone.

4 Jun 2026 - 9:18PM

Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

US House votes to stop Iran war in rebuke to Trump

Measure will not end US military attacks on Iran, but it underscores the backlash against Trump over the war.

4 Jun 2026 - 2:18PM

US-China relations

How an ‘increasingly asymmetrical’ path is reshaping China-US-Russia ties

China has no need ‘to balance between the US and Russia in a causal sense, but treats the two relationships as parallel tracks’: analyst.

4 Jun 2026 - 9:02AMvideocam

United Nations

Portugal and Austria defeat Germany for seats on UN Security Council

Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines by a vote of 143-49 to join the council for the first time.

4 Jun 2026 - 2:39PM

The Austrian delegation celebrate their result. Photo: dpa

Ukraine war

Ukraine drone strikes causing ‘panic’ for Kremlin, EU’s Kallas says

Russia is increasing attacks on civilians because it doesn’t know how to respond to attacks deep in its territory, the top EU diplomat says.

4 Jun 2026 - 2:15AM

Smoke billows following hits by Ukrainian drones at an oil terminal in St Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday. Photo: Social media via Reuters

United States

Trump says Vance-Rubio team-up for 2028 run would be unbeatable

Trump ‌has continued to fuel the succession talk even as both Vance and Rubio downplay ‌their ‌2028 ambitions.

4 Jun 2026 - 12:58AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | How cooperating with the US on economic security could backfire

The conflict in the Middle East and the ensuing turmoil are testing the conventional concept of economic security.

4 Jun 2026 - 2:19AMvideocam

Banking & finance

China among top buyers as gold overtakes US Treasuries in global reserves: ECB

Higher prices and global shocks have fuelled demand for gold, as central banks hedge against uncertainty.

3 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

Gold buying reached historic highs in 2025, driven by geopolitical risks and higher valuations. Photo: dpa

China energy security

Global oil stockpiles could fall to ‘critical levels’ by summer, IEA warns

Even China’s inventories are now starting to decline, with Gulf oil supplies likely to take months to recover even if a peace deal is agreed.

3 Jun 2026 - 3:14PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Kuwait International Airport hit as US and Iran exchange attacks

Strikes damage terminal and halt commercial flights, sparking a fierce blame game between Washington and Tehran.

4 Jun 2026 - 8:15AM

US, Israel war on Iran

‘You’re crazy!’: Trump-Netanyahu relationship under growing strain over Iran

A reported profane phone tirade exposes deep fissures between two allies facing immense domestic strain.

3 Jun 2026 - 2:04PM

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Iran

Pakistan’s mediators in Iran as US downs drones, Lebanon looks for peace

Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to restart US-Iran negotiations as the US military said it shot down two Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold slump: China’s sales plunge as precious metal’s price dips

How Iran war allows residents to indulge in opulence at Dubai’s luxury hotels

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

The pope says he hopes the week-long tour of Spain will set an example to the world about respecting ‘every human being’.

Aviation leaders face Iran war fuel shock, rising fare prices at Rio summit

The annual industry meeting comes as airlines also battle a shortage of new aircraft.

How China is cashing in on a global scramble for offshore oil and gas

Chinese firms dominate the global market for machinery used to extract offshore energy – a sector that is booming amid the Iran war.

US strikes Iranian radar sites after drone shootdown in Strait of Hormuz

Iran says it targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation, drawing condemnation over the ‘blatant act of aggression’.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Energy now a focus of US-China contest of the century

As China and the US race towards energy dominance, attention to climate resilience and resource security can ensure positive outcomes for all.

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

As I see it | Trump is turning allies and partners into friends of China

Dealing with Beijing offers countries such as Canada and India more leverage with the US in addition to economic benefits.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to North Korea confirmed for next week

Relations rebuilding after years of relative isolation due to pandemic, Beijing’s denuclearisation stance and closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties.

Chinese satellite company releases images of Nvidia, Apple HQs

Photos offering bird’s-eye view of the campuses are ‘routine satellite news’ according to the firm, which has been sanctioned by the US.

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

US farm chief says reliance on China threatens American ‘freedom’

Agriculture secretary’s warning comes as tariffs weigh on China trade and Hormuz disruptions drive up fuel and fertiliser costs.

‘Persepolis’ author Marjane Satrapi dies ‘of sadness’ aged 56

The renowned graphic novel and film adaptation recount her early life and struggles in the shadow of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Trump foe Bolton to plead guilty in classified information case

Ex-national security adviser cuts deal to drop 18 felony counts down to one, facing a US$2.25 million fine but avoiding prison time.

Why wind and solar power is going to ‘waste’ in China in the global energy crisis

Use of renewables held back by ‘inflexible management of coal power plants and power grids, not a lack of grid infrastructure’: CREA.

Hezbollah rejects Israel and Lebanon’s ceasefire plan

Hezbollah leader insists that a ceasefire must include southern Lebanon, where Israel ‌has ‌seized a self-declared security zone.

US House votes to stop Iran war in rebuke to Trump

Measure will not end US military attacks on Iran, but it underscores the backlash against Trump over the war.

How an ‘increasingly asymmetrical’ path is reshaping China-US-Russia ties

China has no need ‘to balance between the US and Russia in a causal sense, but treats the two relationships as parallel tracks’: analyst.

Portugal and Austria defeat Germany for seats on UN Security Council

Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines by a vote of 143-49 to join the council for the first time.

Ukraine drone strikes causing ‘panic’ for Kremlin, EU’s Kallas says

Russia is increasing attacks on civilians because it doesn’t know how to respond to attacks deep in its territory, the top EU diplomat says.

Trump says Vance-Rubio team-up for 2028 run would be unbeatable

Trump ‌has continued to fuel the succession talk even as both Vance and Rubio downplay ‌their ‌2028 ambitions.

Opinion | How cooperating with the US on economic security could backfire

The conflict in the Middle East and the ensuing turmoil are testing the conventional concept of economic security.

China among top buyers as gold overtakes US Treasuries in global reserves: ECB

Higher prices and global shocks have fuelled demand for gold, as central banks hedge against uncertainty.

Global oil stockpiles could fall to ‘critical levels’ by summer, IEA warns

Even China’s inventories are now starting to decline, with Gulf oil supplies likely to take months to recover even if a peace deal is agreed.

Kuwait International Airport hit as US and Iran exchange attacks

Strikes damage terminal and halt commercial flights, sparking a fierce blame game between Washington and Tehran.

‘You’re crazy!’: Trump-Netanyahu relationship under growing strain over Iran

A reported profane phone tirade exposes deep fissures between two allies facing immense domestic strain.

Opinion | Energy now a focus of US-China contest of the century