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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

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping when he travels to Beijing later this month, the first such visit by an American leader since his own trip in 2017. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

2 minutes agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

6 minutes agovideocam

Middle East

Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

1 hour ago

Taiwan

US strike on Iran fuels Taiwan’s air defence debate and energy supply fears

Analysts say attacks on Iran illustrate Taipei’s need for integrated weapons systems, superior intelligence and electronic warfare.

18 minutes agovideocam

The US strikes on Iran underscore the urgency of accelerating Taipei’s plans for a layered air defence network, Taiwanese observers say. Photo: Getty Images

Artificial intelligence

AI-aided US strikes in Iran to intensify China tech self-reliance push: analysts

AI’s militarisation adds momentum to China’s drive for domestic chips and infrastructure, analysts say.

1 hour ago

Defence

What weapons were used in US-Iran strikes, and which are deployed near China?

From American bombers and Iranian suicide drones to an array of missiles, military observers are tracking the roll-out of hi-tech armaments.

1 hour agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Long Iran war could hurt Ukraine’s defence, says Zelensky

The president said if military strikes in the Middle East continue, the supply of weapons to fend off Moscow’s long attack could be affected.

1 hour agovideocam

A plume of smoke rises after another strike on Tehran, Iran, on Monday. Photo: AP

China-Middle East relations

Why the US-Israel war with Iran leaves Asian economies exposed

Mainland China imports vast amounts of oil from the Middle East but India, South Korea and others could fare worse, analysts say.

2 hours agovideocam

Middle East

Iran war disrupts Chinese tech firms’ Middle East operations

Baidu, WeRide and Meituan among companies halting operations or instituting remote work, as some Chinese nationals seek to escape region.

37 minutes agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Attack on Iran normalises global descent into the ‘law of the jungle’

By waging war under the logic of pre-emptive defence, the US and Israel are hollowing out the foundations of international law.

3 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Millions of Asian migrant workers in Gulf at risk as war with Iran rages on

Deaths or injuries of people from the Philippines, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, who were working in the region, have been reported.

3 hours agovideocam

Smoke rises from a burning building in Bahrain hit by an Iranian drone strike, after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

Middle East conflict to drive up airfares for Hong Kong travellers: analysts

Suspension of major transit hubs in Dubai and Doha sends travellers scrambling for flights on ‘conflict-free’ paths to Europe.

9 minutes ago

China energy security

Why the Iran war will accelerate China’s push to become an ‘energy powerhouse’

The conflict does not pose an immediate threat to China’s oil supply, but will spur on the country’s energy security drive, analysts say.

3 hours agovideocam

Singapore

Singapore strives to stay non-aligned amid US-China rivalry, new conflicts

Foreign minister says the city state must assert its distinctiveness to remain relevant and will not act as a proxy for any major power.

4 hours agovideocam

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has said Singapore will not act as a proxy for any major power and that it must be prepared to “courteously stand up and say no”. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong economy

Middle East tensions highlight Hong Kong’s stability, opportunities: minister

Chris Sun also reveals over 270,000 non-locals settled in Hong Kong as of January 31, with 40 per cent admitted through Top Talent Pass Scheme.

4 hours ago

A crowded pedestrian crossing in Hong Kong’s central business district. The city will host the Global Talent Summit Week later this month. Photo: Jelly Tse

US, Israel war on Iran

US-Israel war on Iran: everything you need to know

From what’s next for Iran after Khamenei’s death to China’s reaction, here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

5 hours ago

Middle East

Asia’s travel sector rattled by Iran attacks, fears of ‘domino effect’ slowdown

Airlines are bracing for higher oil prices, continuous flight disruptions and plunging traveller confidence.

5 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US officials sceptical of Iran regime change after Khamenei killing, sources say

US President Donald Trump has called for Iranians to ‘take back’ their country.

6 hours agovideocam

Ali Khamenei

Video | US allies voice cautious support for Iran attacks

Some of the US’ traditional allies, including Canada and Britain, have voiced cautious support for the US military campaign against Iran.

6 hours ago

China energy security

China faces oil squeeze after US-Israel strikes on Iran

Replacing discounted oil supplies from Iran would be a headache for China as Russia is already making up the loss of shipments from Venezuela.

6 hours ago

India

Friend to all, foe to none: Iran war tests India’s Middle East balancing act

New Delhi has long prided itself on being friends with everyone in the Middle East. The killing of Khamenei just made that much harder.

6 hours ago

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a press conference on February 26. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong exporters and exhibitors face fallout from US-Israel strikes on Iran

Traders grapple with surging oil and freight costs, while flight disruptions compound challenges for Middle East exhibitors in the city.

5 hours ago

Exporters in Hong Kong have been hit by freight delays and surging costs as tensions mount. Photo: Sam Tsang

China-Middle East relations

Iran attack a ‘wake-up call’ for China on electronic warfare and intelligence

Retired PLA colonel urges China to watch out for ‘internal infiltration and intelligence leaks’ and boost ‘security around critical targets’.

33 minutes agovideocam

Israel-Gaza war

Gaza’s recovery was making progress. It risks being overshadowed by another war

With crossings closed, Palestinians in Gaza are hoarding again as the war in Iran transforms the regional security situation.

2 Mar 2026 - 4:10PM

Thailand

‘Not going anywhere’: Thai workers in Israel refuse to flee despite Iran threat

Bangkok has been here before: 46 Thais died in the Hamas assault that started the Gaza war. Now it fears history may be repeating.

6 hours agovideocam

Rescue workers attend to a wounded man at a site struck by an Iranian missile in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday. Photo: AP

Middle East

Asia’s main oil artery is all but blocked. What happens now?

Oil has surged by the most in four years. Tankers are fleeing the Gulf and up to 10 million barrels a day may be stripped from global supply.

48 minutes agovideocam

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. An estimated 20 million barrels of oil per day pass through the chokepoint. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: Hegseth hails ‘most precise aerial operation in history’

China’s foreign ministry reports more than 3,000 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Iran.

1 hour agovideocam

150

SCMP Highlights

US mining expansion in Africa, Indonesia’s aircraft carrier: 5 weekend reads

From how Khamenei’s death will impact China-Iran ties to what Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier means, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

2 Mar 2026 - 1:25PM

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Iran

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

US strike on Iran fuels Taiwan’s air defence debate and energy supply fears

Analysts say attacks on Iran illustrate Taipei’s need for integrated weapons systems, superior intelligence and electronic warfare.

AI-aided US strikes in Iran to intensify China tech self-reliance push: analysts

AI’s militarisation adds momentum to China’s drive for domestic chips and infrastructure, analysts say.

What weapons were used in US-Iran strikes, and which are deployed near China?

From American bombers and Iranian suicide drones to an array of missiles, military observers are tracking the roll-out of hi-tech armaments.

Long Iran war could hurt Ukraine’s defence, says Zelensky

The president said if military strikes in the Middle East continue, the supply of weapons to fend off Moscow’s long attack could be affected.

Why the US-Israel war with Iran leaves Asian economies exposed

Mainland China imports vast amounts of oil from the Middle East but India, South Korea and others could fare worse, analysts say.

Iran war disrupts Chinese tech firms’ Middle East operations

Baidu, WeRide and Meituan among companies halting operations or instituting remote work, as some Chinese nationals seek to escape region.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Attack on Iran normalises global descent into the ‘law of the jungle’

By waging war under the logic of pre-emptive defence, the US and Israel are hollowing out the foundations of international law.

Millions of Asian migrant workers in Gulf at risk as war with Iran rages on

Deaths or injuries of people from the Philippines, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, who were working in the region, have been reported.

Middle East conflict to drive up airfares for Hong Kong travellers: analysts

Suspension of major transit hubs in Dubai and Doha sends travellers scrambling for flights on ‘conflict-free’ paths to Europe.

Why the Iran war will accelerate China’s push to become an ‘energy powerhouse’

The conflict does not pose an immediate threat to China’s oil supply, but will spur on the country’s energy security drive, analysts say.

Singapore strives to stay non-aligned amid US-China rivalry, new conflicts

Foreign minister says the city state must assert its distinctiveness to remain relevant and will not act as a proxy for any major power.

Middle East tensions highlight Hong Kong’s stability, opportunities: minister

Chris Sun also reveals over 270,000 non-locals settled in Hong Kong as of January 31, with 40 per cent admitted through Top Talent Pass Scheme.

US-Israel war on Iran: everything you need to know

From what’s next for Iran after Khamenei’s death to China’s reaction, here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Asia’s travel sector rattled by Iran attacks, fears of ‘domino effect’ slowdown

Airlines are bracing for higher oil prices, continuous flight disruptions and plunging traveller confidence.

US officials sceptical of Iran regime change after Khamenei killing, sources say

US President Donald Trump has called for Iranians to ‘take back’ their country.

Video | US allies voice cautious support for Iran attacks

Some of the US’ traditional allies, including Canada and Britain, have voiced cautious support for the US military campaign against Iran.

China faces oil squeeze after US-Israel strikes on Iran

Replacing discounted oil supplies from Iran would be a headache for China as Russia is already making up the loss of shipments from Venezuela.

Friend to all, foe to none: Iran war tests India’s Middle East balancing act

New Delhi has long prided itself on being friends with everyone in the Middle East. The killing of Khamenei just made that much harder.

Hong Kong exporters and exhibitors face fallout from US-Israel strikes on Iran

Traders grapple with surging oil and freight costs, while flight disruptions compound challenges for Middle East exhibitors in the city.

Iran attack a ‘wake-up call’ for China on electronic warfare and intelligence

Retired PLA colonel urges China to watch out for ‘internal infiltration and intelligence leaks’ and boost ‘security around critical targets’.

Gaza’s recovery was making progress. It risks being overshadowed by another war

With crossings closed, Palestinians in Gaza are hoarding again as the war in Iran transforms the regional security situation.

‘Not going anywhere’: Thai workers in Israel refuse to flee despite Iran threat

Bangkok has been here before: 46 Thais died in the Hamas assault that started the Gaza war. Now it fears history may be repeating.

Asia’s main oil artery is all but blocked. What happens now?

Oil has surged by the most in four years. Tankers are fleeing the Gulf and up to 10 million barrels a day may be stripped from global supply.

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: Hegseth hails ‘most precise aerial operation in history’

China’s foreign ministry reports more than 3,000 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Iran.

US mining expansion in Africa, Indonesia’s aircraft carrier: 5 weekend reads

From how Khamenei’s death will impact China-Iran ties to what Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier means, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

Video | Missile and drone strikes hit cities across Middle East

Opinion | Attack on Iran normalises global descent into the ‘law of the jungle’