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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

Smoke billows after an Israeli drone carried out a double strike on a vehicle in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Saturday. Photo: ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

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.

1 hour agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens US tolls on Hormuz after Iran says strait is closed

21 Jun 2026 - 4:43AMvideocam

Donald Trump

Trump escalates clash with Italy’s Meloni over G7 photo claim

5 hours ago

United States

US envoy Witkoff, Iranian minister to meet in Switzerland for talks

The development may signal that both sides intend to begin technical talks aimed at securing a permanent truce.

20 Jun 2026 - 9:22PMvideocam

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks during a meeting with foreign ambassadors, in Tehran on Tuesday. Photo: Handout via Reuters

Extreme weather

Asia’s shaky food supply shudders as ‘super’ El Nino arrives

Every few years, the Pacific runs a fever. This year, it could be worse than anything seen for decades, scientists warn.

20 Jun 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran floats insurance fees and asserts control over Hormuz

For many shippers and oil producers, the demand for mandatory insurance threatens to crystallise a worst-case scenario: tolls on the strait.

20 Jun 2026 - 1:13AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran waives Strait of Hormuz fees during 60-day peace negotiation period

A total of 25 commercial vessels crossed the newly reopened strait on Thursday, the highest number since mid-April.

19 Jun 2026 - 7:43PM

Vessels are anchored the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Thursday. Photo: ISNA/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

2 wars later, US-Iran nuclear diplomacy returns to square one

Analysts say the new agreement returns to a familiar trade-off: nuclear curbs in exchange for sanctions relief and oil waivers.

19 Jun 2026 - 5:01PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel, Hezbollah agree to truce in Lebanon after fighting flares up, killing 47

The fresh clashes caused US-Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Friday to be delayed, with no new date announced.

19 Jun 2026 - 10:44PM

SCMP Highlights

US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets face safety checks: 7 highlights

From Malaysian tourists calling Chinese ‘smelly’ to Shein’s Paris store set to close soon, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

19 Jun 2026 - 12:37PM

US President Donald Trump (centre) signs a memorandum of understanding with Iran in Versailles, France on June 17 as French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and his wife Brigitte Macron (left) look on. Photo: AFP and X/Scavino47

US-Iran tensions

US-Iran talks in Switzerland delayed, White House says Vance still ready to go

Announcement follows reports Tehran has suspended its delegation’s departure because of attacks on southern Lebanon.

19 Jun 2026 - 9:54PMvideocam

US Vice President J.D. Vance has postponed plans to travel to Switzerland for talks with Iran. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong property sales more measured as interest rate increase looms

Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns public to beware of interest rate uncertainties.

19 Jun 2026 - 9:59AM

Banking & finance

China trims US Treasury holdings to 18-year low

Overall foreign holdings of US Treasuries climbed to US$9.353 trillion in April.

19 Jun 2026 - 9:46AM

South Korea

Will Lee Jae Myung’s G7 gamble preserve future diplomacy with North Korea?

Analysts say Lee’s outreach could help preserve prospects for future diplomacy, but Pyongyang has ‘little incentive’ to pursue dialogue.

19 Jun 2026 - 9:58AM

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (right) with US leader Donald Trump and CEO of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis (centre) during the G7 summit on Wednesday in Evian-les-Bains, France. Photo: Pool AP via AP

Middle East

After US-Iran deal, Israel rules out troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon

Fighting persists in Lebanon as both Israel and Hezbollah ignore the new US-Iran framework agreement.

19 Jun 2026 - 12:11PMvideocam

An Israeli flag hangs from a damaged building in a southern Lebanon border village, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any military withdrawal. Photo: Reuters

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

US-China trade war

US trade official takes aim at Beijing, faults Washington on industry

William Kimmitt criticises trade distortions linked to China while faulting US leaders for allowing industrial decline.

19 Jun 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

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, Israel war on Iran

Trump lashes out at ‘fools’ who criticise his new Iran peace accord

Those who claim he has not been tough enough on Iran are ‘either jealous, bad people, or stupid’, the US president says.

18 Jun 2026 - 8:34PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Can the US-Iran deal survive a defiant Israel and Hormuz uncertainties?

Analysts say Washington appears to be making more concessions, but the shaky agreement is unlikely to guarantee lasting peace.

18 Jun 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Nato

Hegseth blasts Nato for not giving US access to European bases during Iran war

The defence secretary accused Nato of putting gender equity, climate change and austerity ahead of security spending.

18 Jun 2026 - 5:46PMvideocam

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte (left) banters with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a group photo taking at Nato headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. Photo: AP

US-China trade war

China touts new finance tools to fend off sanctions

Anti-sanctions measures and efforts to globalise the yuan were among key topics as Chinese finance regulators and policymakers addressed the 2026 Lujiazui Forum.

18 Jun 2026 - 6:34PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Investors focused on Hormuz miss bigger threat to world economy

As energy security becomes a more potent force, stress tests for countries vulnerable to supply disruptions are likely to become more severe.

18 Jun 2026 - 5:10PMvideocam

US-China relations

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

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

19 Jun 2026 - 9:07AM

SCMP Executive Editor Zuraidah Ibrahim and political scientist John Mearsheimer. Photo: SCMP

US, Israel war on Iran

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

18 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipments of vital supplies such as oil, gas and fertiliser. Photo: AFP

Japan

Trump says Japan ‘doing very well’ under his ‘biggest fan’ Takaichi

The US president also said Tokyo was not willing to get involved during the Iran war.

18 Jun 2026 - 9:17AMvideocam

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

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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.

Trump threatens US tolls on Hormuz after Iran says strait is closed

Trump escalates clash with Italy’s Meloni over G7 photo claim

US envoy Witkoff, Iranian minister to meet in Switzerland for talks

The development may signal that both sides intend to begin technical talks aimed at securing a permanent truce.

Asia’s shaky food supply shudders as ‘super’ El Nino arrives

Every few years, the Pacific runs a fever. This year, it could be worse than anything seen for decades, scientists warn.

Iran floats insurance fees and asserts control over Hormuz

For many shippers and oil producers, the demand for mandatory insurance threatens to crystallise a worst-case scenario: tolls on the strait.

Iran waives Strait of Hormuz fees during 60-day peace negotiation period

A total of 25 commercial vessels crossed the newly reopened strait on Thursday, the highest number since mid-April.

2 wars later, US-Iran nuclear diplomacy returns to square one

Analysts say the new agreement returns to a familiar trade-off: nuclear curbs in exchange for sanctions relief and oil waivers.

Israel, Hezbollah agree to truce in Lebanon after fighting flares up, killing 47

The fresh clashes caused US-Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Friday to be delayed, with no new date announced.

US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets face safety checks: 7 highlights

From Malaysian tourists calling Chinese ‘smelly’ to Shein’s Paris store set to close soon, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

US-Iran talks in Switzerland delayed, White House says Vance still ready to go

Announcement follows reports Tehran has suspended its delegation’s departure because of attacks on southern Lebanon.

Hong Kong property sales more measured as interest rate increase looms

Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns public to beware of interest rate uncertainties.

China trims US Treasury holdings to 18-year low

Overall foreign holdings of US Treasuries climbed to US$9.353 trillion in April.

Will Lee Jae Myung’s G7 gamble preserve future diplomacy with North Korea?

Analysts say Lee’s outreach could help preserve prospects for future diplomacy, but Pyongyang has ‘little incentive’ to pursue dialogue.

After US-Iran deal, Israel rules out troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon

Fighting persists in Lebanon as both Israel and Hezbollah ignore the new US-Iran framework agreement.

.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.

US trade official takes aim at Beijing, faults Washington on industry

William Kimmitt criticises trade distortions linked to China while faulting US leaders for allowing industrial decline.

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.

Trump lashes out at ‘fools’ who criticise his new Iran peace accord

Those who claim he has not been tough enough on Iran are ‘either jealous, bad people, or stupid’, the US president says.

Can the US-Iran deal survive a defiant Israel and Hormuz uncertainties?

Analysts say Washington appears to be making more concessions, but the shaky agreement is unlikely to guarantee lasting peace.

Hegseth blasts Nato for not giving US access to European bases during Iran war

The defence secretary accused Nato of putting gender equity, climate change and austerity ahead of security spending.

China touts new finance tools to fend off sanctions

Anti-sanctions measures and efforts to globalise the yuan were among key topics as Chinese finance regulators and policymakers addressed the 2026 Lujiazui Forum.

Macroscope | Investors focused on Hormuz miss bigger threat to world economy

As energy security becomes a more potent force, stress tests for countries vulnerable to supply disruptions are likely to become more severe.

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

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

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

Trump says Japan ‘doing very well’ under his ‘biggest fan’ Takaichi

The US president also said Tokyo was not willing to get involved during the Iran war.

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.

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