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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 journalist Shelly Kittleson poses for a picture in Baghdad in March. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Pro-Iran group says will release US journalist kidnapped in Iraq

Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad, must leave Iraq immediately, the Kataib Hezbollah militia says.

2 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: Russia and China veto UN resolution to reopen Strait of Hormuz

3 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran allows 2 French former detainees to leave country

6 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump gets late plea from Pakistan to extend Iran deadline ‘for two weeks’

With hours to go, Islamabad urges delay for diplomacy as Trump weighs response and Iran signals it may consider a temporary truce.

4 minutes agovideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he warns of potential escalation ahead of a deadline for Iran to accept a peace deal. Photo: AP

US-EU relations

‘Paper tiger’: what’s behind Trump’s renewed Greenland threat?

Europe is likely to stay neutral in the Iran war and could even benefit if America fares poorly in its military campaign, analyst says.

7 Apr 2026 - 11:02PMvideocam

War and conflict

As I see it | Why Donald Trump now needs a ‘forever war’

The US president and America are starting to understand you can’t go fascist at home and imperialist abroad halfway.

7 Apr 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Hungary

US’ Vance visits Hungary to boost Orban re-election bid

Orban, a Eurosceptic nationalist in power since 2010, is facing the toughest re-election bid of his career, with polls indicating his party will lose.

7 Apr 2026 - 8:18PM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (right) welcomes US Vice-President J.D. Vance in front of his office in Budapest, Hungary on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Malaysia

Iran ‘does not forget its friends’ as Malaysia-linked ships pass through Hormuz

The move signals Tehran’s use of access to Hormuz as leverage, analysts say, while drawing scrutiny over Malaysia’s oil transfers.

7 Apr 2026 - 7:52PMvideocam

India

India kicks off crucial state elections for Modi’s BJP amid Iran war turmoil

The ruling BJP is looking to break into opposition strongholds, especially in West Bengal, and secure dominance across India.

7 Apr 2026 - 7:20PM

US, Israel war on Iran

‘A whole civilisation will die tonight’: Donald Trump heightens Iran threats

Ahead of ‘complete demolition’ deadline, two sides face trust deficit and see no acceptable guarantor between them, analysts say.

6 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump, alongside Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, speaks about the conflict in Iran at the White House in Washington on Sunday. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

What is US telling Pacific allies by moving missiles to use in the Iran war?

Deploying US missiles to the Middle East ‘reinforces Beijing’s assessment that time and industrial scale favour China’, analyst says.

7 Apr 2026 - 7:04PMvideocam

According to US media reports, the Pentagon has ordered nearly all its JASSM-ER air-launched cruise missiles to be moved from the Pacific to boost its efforts in the war against Iran. Photo: Handout

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump steps up Iran threats as deadline approaches

US President Donald Trump said that Iran must reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz as part of any peace deal.

7 Apr 2026 - 5:24PM

Middle East

Opinion | For Gulf states, geography is both a generous and treacherous patron

Sandwiched between Iran and Israel, oil-rich transport hubs like the UAE now face the fragility of their newly built economic prosperity.

7 Apr 2026 - 4:30PM

Hong Kong economy

Failed bus cuts ‘tip of iceberg’ as fuel costs soar, Hong Kong lawmakers warn

Authorities urged to approve applications by non-franchised bus firms to increase fares, and provide subsidies to offset impact of oil shock.

7 Apr 2026 - 10:50PM

ABC Touring Car Company, a non-franchised bus firm, continues to operate rides at a loss after the government rejected its application to reduce its services. Photo: Eugene Lee

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran calls for ‘human chains’ around its power plants before US deadline

Tehran defiant after the US president warned the ‘entire country can be taken out in one night’.

7 Apr 2026 - 5:35PM

A woman walks past mockups of Iranian missiles in Tehran. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong property

Brisk flat sales at Hong Kong project as buyers unfazed by potential rate hikes

Flats at La Mirabelle in Tseung Kwan O range from 360 sq ft to 558 sq ft and with layouts of one to two bedrooms.

7 Apr 2026 - 7:39PM

SCMP Highlights

UAE retaliates against Iran, Bali’s spate of murders: 7 Asia highlights

From how UAE is fighting Iran back to a series of murders in Bali, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

7 Apr 2026 - 12:30PM

Japan

Japan confirms release of second citizen held in Iran

The person, believed to be the NHK’s Tehran bureau chief, is one of two Japanese nationals who had been detained in Iran.

7 Apr 2026 - 3:04PMvideocam

NHK’s Tehran bureau chief Shinnosuke ‌Kawashima is believed to be the person released on bail on Monday. Photo: Handout

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Damage control’? Behind France, Germany’s bid to contain Iran war oil fallout

The European powers are leading calls for de-escalation but analyst notes ‘the age of soft power as a substitute for hard capacity is over’.

7 Apr 2026 - 7:45AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Keep bombing’: Trump claims Iranians want more US strikes for ‘freedom’

US leader said he was unsure if the war was escalating or easing, but warned of sweeping strikes if no deal is reached by Tuesday at 8pm EST.

7 Apr 2026 - 5:06PMvideocam

Taiwan

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

US strengths and strains offer Beijing a playbook, but key differences limit how far the conflict can guide future military strategy.

7 Apr 2026 - 2:20AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Pakistan plan a ‘critical opportunity’ for US-Iran talks as Trump deadline looms

Islamabad has put forward proposals for a ceasefire as the US president threatens ‘hell’ for Iran if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.

6 Apr 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Air strikes on Iran continue on Monday ahead of US President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters

Nato

Opinion | In denying Trump airspace, Europe has drawn a line for Nato

Growing European defiance to US demands raises a critical question: is Nato a club of equals or a mechanism for enforcing one nation’s agenda?

7 Apr 2026 - 8:07PMvideocam

Thailand

Oil smugglers in Thailand worsen supply crisis as Anutin warns of tough times

Police are investigating alleged oil hoarding in southern Thailand and reselling to nearby countries, citing ‘abnormal’ vessel movements.

6 Apr 2026 - 8:04PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

As Trump hails airman rescue in Iran, Chinese experts count US wins and losses

Former PLA personnel say Iran’s success in shooting down US fighter jet boosts morale and shows it retains ‘some air-defence capabilities’.

6 Apr 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Handout photo provided by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ official website purportedly shows the wreckage of targeted and crashed US aircraft. Photo: AFP

South Korea

South Korea aims to send ships to Saudi port for oil to bypass Hormuz

Special envoys will also sail to Oman and Algeria to try to secure oil via other routes, said lawmaker Ahn Do-geol.

6 Apr 2026 - 6:01PMvideocam

Cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong society

Anxious days, sleepless nights for young Iranians in Hong Kong as war rages on

Peace of mind is elusive for young Iranians, who wait helplessly for news of loved ones and fight disinformation amid flood of contradictory reports.

6 Apr 2026 - 5:30PM

Malaysia

Can palm biodiesel be Malaysia’s quick fix for soaring fuel prices?

Infrastructure costs, supply chains and industry readiness could pose problems for wider adoption of biodiesel blends, analysts say.

6 Apr 2026 - 6:49PMvideocam

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Iran

Pro-Iran group says will release US journalist kidnapped in Iraq

Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad, must leave Iraq immediately, the Kataib Hezbollah militia says.

Iran war: Russia and China veto UN resolution to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iran allows 2 French former detainees to leave country

Trump gets late plea from Pakistan to extend Iran deadline ‘for two weeks’

With hours to go, Islamabad urges delay for diplomacy as Trump weighs response and Iran signals it may consider a temporary truce.

‘Paper tiger’: what’s behind Trump’s renewed Greenland threat?

Europe is likely to stay neutral in the Iran war and could even benefit if America fares poorly in its military campaign, analyst says.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Why Donald Trump now needs a ‘forever war’

The US president and America are starting to understand you can’t go fascist at home and imperialist abroad halfway.

US’ Vance visits Hungary to boost Orban re-election bid

Orban, a Eurosceptic nationalist in power since 2010, is facing the toughest re-election bid of his career, with polls indicating his party will lose.

Iran ‘does not forget its friends’ as Malaysia-linked ships pass through Hormuz

The move signals Tehran’s use of access to Hormuz as leverage, analysts say, while drawing scrutiny over Malaysia’s oil transfers.

India kicks off crucial state elections for Modi’s BJP amid Iran war turmoil

The ruling BJP is looking to break into opposition strongholds, especially in West Bengal, and secure dominance across India.

‘A whole civilisation will die tonight’: Donald Trump heightens Iran threats

Ahead of ‘complete demolition’ deadline, two sides face trust deficit and see no acceptable guarantor between them, analysts say.

What is US telling Pacific allies by moving missiles to use in the Iran war?

Deploying US missiles to the Middle East ‘reinforces Beijing’s assessment that time and industrial scale favour China’, analyst says.

Trump steps up Iran threats as deadline approaches

US President Donald Trump said that Iran must reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz as part of any peace deal.

Opinion | For Gulf states, geography is both a generous and treacherous patron

Sandwiched between Iran and Israel, oil-rich transport hubs like the UAE now face the fragility of their newly built economic prosperity.

Failed bus cuts ‘tip of iceberg’ as fuel costs soar, Hong Kong lawmakers warn

Authorities urged to approve applications by non-franchised bus firms to increase fares, and provide subsidies to offset impact of oil shock.

Iran calls for ‘human chains’ around its power plants before US deadline

Tehran defiant after the US president warned the ‘entire country can be taken out in one night’.

Brisk flat sales at Hong Kong project as buyers unfazed by potential rate hikes

Flats at La Mirabelle in Tseung Kwan O range from 360 sq ft to 558 sq ft and with layouts of one to two bedrooms.

UAE retaliates against Iran, Bali’s spate of murders: 7 Asia highlights

From how UAE is fighting Iran back to a series of murders in Bali, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Japan confirms release of second citizen held in Iran

The person, believed to be the NHK’s Tehran bureau chief, is one of two Japanese nationals who had been detained in Iran.

‘Damage control’? Behind France, Germany’s bid to contain Iran war oil fallout

The European powers are leading calls for de-escalation but analyst notes ‘the age of soft power as a substitute for hard capacity is over’.

‘Keep bombing’: Trump claims Iranians want more US strikes for ‘freedom’

US leader said he was unsure if the war was escalating or easing, but warned of sweeping strikes if no deal is reached by Tuesday at 8pm EST.

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

US strengths and strains offer Beijing a playbook, but key differences limit how far the conflict can guide future military strategy.

Pakistan plan a ‘critical opportunity’ for US-Iran talks as Trump deadline looms

Islamabad has put forward proposals for a ceasefire as the US president threatens ‘hell’ for Iran if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.

Opinion | In denying Trump airspace, Europe has drawn a line for Nato

Growing European defiance to US demands raises a critical question: is Nato a club of equals or a mechanism for enforcing one nation’s agenda?

Oil smugglers in Thailand worsen supply crisis as Anutin warns of tough times

Police are investigating alleged oil hoarding in southern Thailand and reselling to nearby countries, citing ‘abnormal’ vessel movements.

As Trump hails airman rescue in Iran, Chinese experts count US wins and losses

Former PLA personnel say Iran’s success in shooting down US fighter jet boosts morale and shows it retains ‘some air-defence capabilities’.

South Korea aims to send ships to Saudi port for oil to bypass Hormuz

Special envoys will also sail to Oman and Algeria to try to secure oil via other routes, said lawmaker Ahn Do-geol.

Anxious days, sleepless nights for young Iranians in Hong Kong as war rages on

Peace of mind is elusive for young Iranians, who wait helplessly for news of loved ones and fight disinformation amid flood of contradictory reports.

Can palm biodiesel be Malaysia’s quick fix for soaring fuel prices?

Infrastructure costs, supply chains and industry readiness could pose problems for wider adoption of biodiesel blends, analysts say.

As I see it | Why Donald Trump now needs a ‘forever war’