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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

China and Russia say the Golden Dome missile defence system initiated by US President Donald Trump would have “serious negative consequences for international security”. Photo: AP

China-Russia relations

China and Russia warn US Golden Dome poses ‘clear threat’ to stability

Days after Xi-Trump talks, Beijing and Moscow slam Washington’s military provocations and its plans for missile defence system.

6 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian public get basic gun training amid Trump’s threats to restart war

20 May 2026 - 8:18PM

China energy security

China turns to Russian oil as Gulf supply drops – but is it too expensive?

20 May 2026 - 5:13PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Aluminium supply crunch threatens Asia’s clean energy push amid Iran war

Key Gulf plants have been hit by Iranian missiles, causing a drop in output of the metal used in making solar panels and wind turbines.

20 May 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Aluminium prices have surged since the start of the Iran war and is the metal most exposed to the conflict. Photo: Shutterstock

US, Israel war on Iran

Vance says Iran talks making ‘good progress’, but US forces ‘locked and loaded’

Vice-President J.D. Vance said US and Iran are working together positively; however, military campaign will restart if negotiations collapse.

20 May 2026 - 7:28AMvideocam

China energy security

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

20 May 2026 - 8:23AMvideocam

War and conflict

Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful

Straits like Hormuz and Malacca are pressure points where commerce and power converge. What once defined success now defines vulnerability.

20 May 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

A motorcyclist passes by liquefied natural gas tankers in the Malacca Strait off the coast of Malaysia on April 15. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

US again avoids taking responsibility for Iran school attack that killed 155

CENTCOM head Brad Cooper said the school was on an active missile base, making the investigation ‘more complex’.

20 May 2026 - 2:36AMvideocam

United States

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange house, 19 ships from shadow fleet

The Treasury’s move came after Iran ‌said its latest peace proposal to the US involved ending hostilities on all fronts.

19 May 2026 - 11:37PM

Yuan

As the world retreats from US Treasuries, will the sell-off deepen?

China is one of several nations trimming their exposure to US debt, as inflation drives Treasury yields to levels not seen since 2007.

19 May 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Kevin Warsh was confirmed as the next chairman of the US Federal Reserve earlier this month. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

From Jack Sparrow to Bride of Chucky, Iran’s jibes at Trump are hit in China

The footage also leans into popular culture, using Chinese rap and popular cartoon figures to court younger social media users.

19 May 2026 - 8:00PM

The Iranian children’s puppet Pesar Ammeh Za and China’s Ne Zha are depicted as good friends. Photo: Handout

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran hosts mass weddings for couples volunteering for wartime sacrifice

The ceremonies, involving hundreds of couples in several major squares in Tehran, were broadcast on state TV to boost wartime morale.

19 May 2026 - 7:48PM

South Korea

South Korea’s Lee hails ‘deep friendship’ as he hosts Japan’s Takaichi in hometown

The talks in Andong, a city famous for its centuries-old folk village, come after the two met in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara in January.

19 May 2026 - 6:54PMvideocam

Yuan

China’s US Treasuries slump may not be what it seems

A reduction in China’s direct holdings of US government debt may be partly offset by the nation holding Treasuries via third parties.

19 May 2026 - 5:05PM

Malaysia

Can Malaysia’s PM afford a snap poll as the fuel bill burns?

With his coalition crumbling and former allies defecting, Malaysia’s prime minister has a fast-narrowing window to secure a fresh mandate.

19 May 2026 - 3:21PM

A worker repairs a signboard at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 12. Photo: EPA

Yuan

China joins global sell-off of US Treasuries in March as Iran war prompts panic

Seven of the top 10 foreign holders cut their exposure to US government debt, led by Japan, which offloaded US$47.7 billion.

19 May 2026 - 9:19AM

US-Cuba relations

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US attacks as Washington expands sanctions

Cuba’s president defends right to self-defence as US report claims the island has acquired more than 300 military drones.

19 May 2026 - 5:03PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

19 May 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

US President Donald in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Photo: EPA

United States

US extends Russian oil waiver by 30 days as Hormuz closure chokes supply

US Treasury secretary says reprieve will allow energy-vulnerable nations to access Russian seaborne oil.

19 May 2026 - 12:59PM

World Health Organization (WHO)

‘Crises’: WHO kicks off annual assembly amid Ebola, US withdrawal

Aid cuts ‘have disrupted health systems, widened inequalities’ said UN chief Antonio Guterres, with WHO budget down by almost US$1 billion.

18 May 2026 - 10:07PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Kenya protesters block roads in nationwide public transport strike over fuel

In Nairobi, demonstrators burn tyres on key roads, with both the Iran war and corruption cited for rising petrol and diesel costs.

18 May 2026 - 6:28PM

A protester in Nairobi reacts next to a burning barricade on a road blocked with stones to prevent traffic from passing during a nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices on Monday. Photo: AFP

China-Middle East relations

Why Iran’s choice of Beijing envoy signals an ‘unprecedented’ commitment

Prominent hardliner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, is a veteran of peace talks with the US.

18 May 2026 - 7:57PMvideocam

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is “likely a figure who can represent Iran and is acceptable to all domestic political factions”, according to a Chinese scholar. Photo: TNS

China consumption

China’s unexpected retail slowdown shows Hormuz strains

Retail sales growth slumped in April, industrial output cooled and fixed-asset investments tumbled as high oil prices hit China’s economy.

18 May 2026 - 5:07PM

Hong Kong stock market

Li Auto leads retreat in Chinese EV stocks as price cuts raise profit concerns

The renewed pullback in Chinese EV stocks follows a brief rally that was driven by expectations of rising demand for alternative energy.

18 May 2026 - 4:44PM

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi-Trump summit outcomes

US President Donald Trump touted his ‘successful’ meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week. While the leaders projected optimism, differences in their summaries of what was agreed hinted at tensions over the Iran war, trade and Taiwan.

18 May 2026 - 4:37PM

China manufacturing

China’s economy ‘weaker than expected’ in April as Iran war headwinds bite

China’s retail sales growth fell to just 0.2 per cent in April, while industrial output and fixed-asset investment softened more than forecast.

18 May 2026 - 11:47AM

Workers at a Sany new energy heavy truck factory in Changsha, Hunan province, on May 12. A new truck rolls off the production line every six minutes. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

How does the Strait of Hormuz stand-off look in the wake of Trump-Xi summit?

The US and Iran are both considering their next moves as the deadlock over the key shipping route continues.

18 May 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

With its Opec era over, the Gulf state has big post-war ambitions for Africa and beyond, bolstered by elite Nvidia chip deliveries.

18 May 2026 - 3:40PMvideocam

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Iran

China and Russia warn US Golden Dome poses ‘clear threat’ to stability

Days after Xi-Trump talks, Beijing and Moscow slam Washington’s military provocations and its plans for missile defence system.

Iranian public get basic gun training amid Trump’s threats to restart war

China turns to Russian oil as Gulf supply drops – but is it too expensive?

Aluminium supply crunch threatens Asia’s clean energy push amid Iran war

Key Gulf plants have been hit by Iranian missiles, causing a drop in output of the metal used in making solar panels and wind turbines.

Vance says Iran talks making ‘good progress’, but US forces ‘locked and loaded’

Vice-President J.D. Vance said US and Iran are working together positively; however, military campaign will restart if negotiations collapse.

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful

Straits like Hormuz and Malacca are pressure points where commerce and power converge. What once defined success now defines vulnerability.

US again avoids taking responsibility for Iran school attack that killed 155

CENTCOM head Brad Cooper said the school was on an active missile base, making the investigation ‘more complex’.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange house, 19 ships from shadow fleet

The Treasury’s move came after Iran ‌said its latest peace proposal to the US involved ending hostilities on all fronts.

As the world retreats from US Treasuries, will the sell-off deepen?

China is one of several nations trimming their exposure to US debt, as inflation drives Treasury yields to levels not seen since 2007.

From Jack Sparrow to Bride of Chucky, Iran’s jibes at Trump are hit in China

The footage also leans into popular culture, using Chinese rap and popular cartoon figures to court younger social media users.

Iran hosts mass weddings for couples volunteering for wartime sacrifice

The ceremonies, involving hundreds of couples in several major squares in Tehran, were broadcast on state TV to boost wartime morale.

South Korea’s Lee hails ‘deep friendship’ as he hosts Japan’s Takaichi in hometown

The talks in Andong, a city famous for its centuries-old folk village, come after the two met in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara in January.

China’s US Treasuries slump may not be what it seems

A reduction in China’s direct holdings of US government debt may be partly offset by the nation holding Treasuries via third parties.

Can Malaysia’s PM afford a snap poll as the fuel bill burns?

With his coalition crumbling and former allies defecting, Malaysia’s prime minister has a fast-narrowing window to secure a fresh mandate.

China joins global sell-off of US Treasuries in March as Iran war prompts panic

Seven of the top 10 foreign holders cut their exposure to US government debt, led by Japan, which offloaded US$47.7 billion.

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US attacks as Washington expands sanctions

Cuba’s president defends right to self-defence as US report claims the island has acquired more than 300 military drones.

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

US extends Russian oil waiver by 30 days as Hormuz closure chokes supply

US Treasury secretary says reprieve will allow energy-vulnerable nations to access Russian seaborne oil.

‘Crises’: WHO kicks off annual assembly amid Ebola, US withdrawal

Aid cuts ‘have disrupted health systems, widened inequalities’ said UN chief Antonio Guterres, with WHO budget down by almost US$1 billion.

Kenya protesters block roads in nationwide public transport strike over fuel

In Nairobi, demonstrators burn tyres on key roads, with both the Iran war and corruption cited for rising petrol and diesel costs.

Why Iran’s choice of Beijing envoy signals an ‘unprecedented’ commitment

Prominent hardliner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, is a veteran of peace talks with the US.

China’s unexpected retail slowdown shows Hormuz strains

Retail sales growth slumped in April, industrial output cooled and fixed-asset investments tumbled as high oil prices hit China’s economy.

Li Auto leads retreat in Chinese EV stocks as price cuts raise profit concerns

The renewed pullback in Chinese EV stocks follows a brief rally that was driven by expectations of rising demand for alternative energy.

Xi-Trump summit outcomes

US President Donald Trump touted his ‘successful’ meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week. While the leaders projected optimism, differences in their summaries of what was agreed hinted at tensions over the Iran war, trade and Taiwan.

China’s economy ‘weaker than expected’ in April as Iran war headwinds bite

China’s retail sales growth fell to just 0.2 per cent in April, while industrial output and fixed-asset investment softened more than forecast.

How does the Strait of Hormuz stand-off look in the wake of Trump-Xi summit?

The US and Iran are both considering their next moves as the deadlock over the key shipping route continues.

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

With its Opec era over, the Gulf state has big post-war ambitions for Africa and beyond, bolstered by elite Nvidia chip deliveries.

Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful