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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

An image grab from a video released by US Central Command on Thursday shows what the US military says are strikes targeting “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communications systems and air defense sites”. Photo: CENTCOM/ AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US downs Iranian drones in Strait of Hormuz despite peace deal progress

The interception comes after weeks of halting talks between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Pakistan.

26 minutes agovideocam

Japan

‘Bad signal’: Japan’s Russia outreach puts Takaichi at odds with G7 allies

4 hours agovideocam

Investing

Why gold may rebound 13% this year – and what could hold it back

4 hours ago

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.

6 hours agovideocam

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

US, Israel war on Iran

US ‘80-85%’ confident of signing peace deal with Iran, senior official says

Proposed plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme and end the conflict.

13 Jun 2026 - 6:55AM

North Korea

As I see it | Kim Jong-un turns out to be the cleverest of them all

As others exert geopolitical influence based on economic or military might, North Korea’s leader has turned a weaker hand to his advantage.

12 Jun 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran inch closer to signing deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The pact, likely to be signed during next week’s G7 summit, would also see both sides extend their truce by around two months.

12 Jun 2026 - 10:36PMvideocam

Residents swim and play in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz while ships lie anchored in the distance off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Wednesday. Photo: ISNA via AP

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

Canada

Canadian policeman killed during investigation tied to US consulate shooting

Marc Pinizotto, 43, was shot by a suspect and died of his wounds in hospital.

12 Jun 2026 - 5:48AM

US, Israel war on Iran

In latest about-face, Trump calls off ‘very hard’ attack on Iran

After warning of imminent military action, US president says an agreement may be days away in a repeat of claims made in recent weeks.

12 Jun 2026 - 9:13AM

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly predicted a breakthrough with Tehran, even as fighting persisted and negotiations faltered. Photo: Reuters

Oman

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

01:45

Malaysia

Malaysia’s hunt for Russian oil tests Anwar’s ‘friends with all’ policy

Sourcing crude from Moscow to counter Middle East supply shocks risks drawing a backlash from the West.

11 Jun 2026 - 7:15PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

China stock market

China, Hong Kong stocks fall as AI bubble fears build up

Stocks in China and Hong Kong are suffering in a global sell-off after being laggards in the AI boom.

11 Jun 2026 - 5:18PM

Electric & new energy vehicles

BYD powers past Geely as oil shock charges up global EV demand

Strong overseas demand for battery-powered cars helped BYD recover from a first-quarter setback and retake pole position.

11 Jun 2026 - 5:18PM

Shanzhen-based EV assembler BYD lost its title as mainland China’s largest carmaker in the first quarter of 2026, but has since rebounded as rising oil prices powered demand for electric vehicles. Photo: Reuters

Yuan

‘Increasingly influential’ use of China’s currency puts euro on notice

The US dollar is still dominant, but a slump in Europe may see China’s currency gain strength and reach the No 2 spot in global settlements.

11 Jun 2026 - 10:11AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran exchange more strikes, Tehran tightens hold on Hormuz

Renewed fire and sanctions test fragile ceasefire as Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz ‘completely closed’.

11 Jun 2026 - 9:04PMvideocam

United States

‘I love the inflation’: Trump embraces 3-year price high as Iran war hits home

US president’s off-handed comment on the latest price jump sparks a fierce political backlash.

11 Jun 2026 - 12:22PM

A sticker of President Donald Trump that has been placed on a petrol pump. Photo: AP

Banking & finance

New York leads, but Asia-Pacific’s financial hubs are on the rise

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report.

10 Jun 2026 - 7:31PM

US, Israel war on Iran

US destroys Iran reservoirs, leaving thousands without water in searing heat

Some 20,000 residents lost access to safe drinking water after the strikes damaged two reservoirs in Sirik.

10 Jun 2026 - 5:14PM

China inflation

China’s factory price jump contrasts with muted consumer inflation

Higher oil costs and the AI boom are driving up producer prices, while weak domestic demand is weighing on consumer prices.

10 Jun 2026 - 5:07PM

China inflation

China’s consumer prices see May uptick as oil shock inflates factory-gate costs

The mild increase in consumer inflation, attributed to higher AI demand and global price fluctuations, fell short of market expectations.

10 Jun 2026 - 5:12PM

A man purchases groceries at a shop in Shanghai. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iran as Tehran targets bases in Bahrain and Jordan

US helicopter crew rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

10 Jun 2026 - 6:05PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Is Trump calling the shots on Israel, or just pretending to?

The US president says he’s losing patience with Israel’s prime minister. Analysts say he’s just playing to the crowd.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Israel

Video | Israel and Iran pause attacks

Israel has reopened most schools, while Iran lifted airspace restrictions on civilian flights.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:37PM

01:20

SCMP

SCMP Plus exclusive: meet John Mearsheimer in person

The distinguished University of Chicago political scientist is set to be featured in an exclusive in-person event for SCMP Plus subscribers in Hong Kong.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Who calls the shots? Netanyahu and Trump at odds over their war

Despite starting the Iran war in tandem with Israel, the US president is pushing for a swift exit as pressure builds at home.

10 Jun 2026 - 8:05AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump responds to US helicopter crash near Hormuz, claims Iran deal close

US president says crew are ‘fine’ and expresses optimism over dealings with Tehran for a ‘powerful deal’.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:46PMvideocam

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Iran

US downs Iranian drones in Strait of Hormuz despite peace deal progress

The interception comes after weeks of halting talks between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Pakistan.

‘Bad signal’: Japan’s Russia outreach puts Takaichi at odds with G7 allies

Why gold may rebound 13% this year – and what could hold it back

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.

US ‘80-85%’ confident of signing peace deal with Iran, senior official says

Proposed plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme and end the conflict.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Kim Jong-un turns out to be the cleverest of them all

As others exert geopolitical influence based on economic or military might, North Korea’s leader has turned a weaker hand to his advantage.

US and Iran inch closer to signing deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The pact, likely to be signed during next week’s G7 summit, would also see both sides extend their truce by around two months.

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.

Canadian policeman killed during investigation tied to US consulate shooting

Marc Pinizotto, 43, was shot by a suspect and died of his wounds in hospital.

In latest about-face, Trump calls off ‘very hard’ attack on Iran

After warning of imminent military action, US president says an agreement may be days away in a repeat of claims made in recent weeks.

.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.

Malaysia’s hunt for Russian oil tests Anwar’s ‘friends with all’ policy

Sourcing crude from Moscow to counter Middle East supply shocks risks drawing a backlash from the West.

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

China, Hong Kong stocks fall as AI bubble fears build up

Stocks in China and Hong Kong are suffering in a global sell-off after being laggards in the AI boom.

BYD powers past Geely as oil shock charges up global EV demand

Strong overseas demand for battery-powered cars helped BYD recover from a first-quarter setback and retake pole position.

‘Increasingly influential’ use of China’s currency puts euro on notice

The US dollar is still dominant, but a slump in Europe may see China’s currency gain strength and reach the No 2 spot in global settlements.

US and Iran exchange more strikes, Tehran tightens hold on Hormuz

Renewed fire and sanctions test fragile ceasefire as Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz ‘completely closed’.

‘I love the inflation’: Trump embraces 3-year price high as Iran war hits home

US president’s off-handed comment on the latest price jump sparks a fierce political backlash.

New York leads, but Asia-Pacific’s financial hubs are on the rise

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report.

US destroys Iran reservoirs, leaving thousands without water in searing heat

Some 20,000 residents lost access to safe drinking water after the strikes damaged two reservoirs in Sirik.

China’s factory price jump contrasts with muted consumer inflation

Higher oil costs and the AI boom are driving up producer prices, while weak domestic demand is weighing on consumer prices.

China’s consumer prices see May uptick as oil shock inflates factory-gate costs

The mild increase in consumer inflation, attributed to higher AI demand and global price fluctuations, fell short of market expectations.

US strikes Iran as Tehran targets bases in Bahrain and Jordan

US helicopter crew rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

Is Trump calling the shots on Israel, or just pretending to?

The US president says he’s losing patience with Israel’s prime minister. Analysts say he’s just playing to the crowd.

Video | Israel and Iran pause attacks

Israel has reopened most schools, while Iran lifted airspace restrictions on civilian flights.

SCMP Plus exclusive: meet John Mearsheimer in person

The distinguished University of Chicago political scientist is set to be featured in an exclusive in-person event for SCMP Plus subscribers in Hong Kong.

Who calls the shots? Netanyahu and Trump at odds over their war

Despite starting the Iran war in tandem with Israel, the US president is pushing for a swift exit as pressure builds at home.

Trump responds to US helicopter crash near Hormuz, claims Iran deal close

US president says crew are ‘fine’ and expresses optimism over dealings with Tehran for a ‘powerful deal’.

As I see it | Kim Jong-un turns out to be the cleverest of them all

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