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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

Passengers board a government bus in Islamabad on Friday. Photo: AFP

Pakistan

Pakistan offers free public transport for 30 days following 40% petrol hike

The announcement of free travel for residents of Islamabad and Punjab came after people protested the steep rise in fuel prices.

39 minutes agovideocam

South Korea

Softly, softly: why South Korea, France prefer diplomacy over force in Hormuz

1 hour agovideocam

China-Australia relations

Australia’s 180-degree shift from 5 years ago: China in favour; US out

2 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

As I see it | The twilight of US hegemony and Israeli expansionism

The war in Iran is speeding the world towards a multipolar system.

5 hours agovideocam

Protesters gather in Washington on March 28 to join a massive “No Kings” demonstration against Donald Trump amid opposition to the US president’s decision to go to war against Iran. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump seeks US$1.5 trillion for defence in new budget request amid Iran war

If enacted, it would set military spending at its highest level in modern history, underscoring the US’ ongoing focus on defence investment.

4 Apr 2026 - 3:10AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

What 2 downed jets mean for US vulnerability in the Iran war

US launches rescue mission after F-15E downing; one crew member found, another missing in first such combat loss since war began.

28 minutes agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: French and Japanese-owned ships make first Hormuz crossings

France and Japan have called for a ceasefire in the conflict, with Macron saying the waterway can only be reopened when the bombing stops.

4 Apr 2026 - 12:32AMvideocam

A container ship operated by the French CMA CGM shipping company runs into the port of Marseille in June 2018. Photo: AFP

United States

US adds 178,000 jobs in March but Middle East war ‘likely not incorporated’

Gains in a slumping market were about three times the forecast, thought to be linked to construction firms doing more in recent warm weather.

3 Apr 2026 - 10:35PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

The president spoke out online while the UAE’s largest gas plant and a key Kuwait oil refinery were among Iran’s latest targets.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:18PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Opinion | How America’s stumble in Iran upends East Asia’s security calculus

A region where US allies lose faith in Washington won’t necessarily embrace Beijing; it is a region more likely to reach for its own guns.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:21PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

About a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

New Zealand

New Zealand doctor invoices US embassy for rising fuel costs

Shane Dunphy asked the embassy to reimburse him for the US$1,600 spent on petrol vouchers for his staff so that they could travel to work.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:25PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Human remains found on Thai ship attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Mayuree Naree was hit in March after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:22PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Tokyo is said to have plans to introduce suicide-style drones that fly to a target, crash into it and explode. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Malaysia

Malaysia urged to take more aggressive action to tackle energy crisis

Analysts warn of escalating risks to Malaysia’s economy and call for adjusting the subsidy scheme to stop the government from ‘burning cash’.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:17PM

Vehicles are seen near the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 27. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel strikes over 3,500 Lebanon targets in a month

Lebanon’s health ministry said on Thursday that 1,345 people have been killed and 4,040 wounded since the war began, including 125 children.

3 Apr 2026 - 5:30PMvideocam

US-China trade war

‘Liberation Day’ anniversary, war on Iran, Taiwan’s KMT visits Beijing

This week: One year since Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’, China proposes Iran war peace plan in partnership with Pakistan, Hong Kong retains IPO crown. Next week: Taiwan’s Kuomintang leader visits mainland, Chinese airlines raise fuel surcharges, factory-gate prices may end slump, and more.

3 Apr 2026 - 5:01PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount

Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:29PMvideocam

Samsung Electronics’ products displayed at an exhibition hall for the Apec summit in Gyeongju, South Korea in October. Photo: AP

Indonesia

Indonesia and Malaysia require geo-tracking for civil servants working from home

As governments roll out work-from-home policies to cut fuel use, civil servants face location tracking and other productivity measures.

3 Apr 2026 - 4:44PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | 3 reasons Xi-Trump summit won’t be a waste of time for China

Despite current tensions and dim prospects for meaningful progress, Beijing should still roll out the red carpet.

3 Apr 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says shot down F-35 fighter jet with new defence system

IRGC claims ‘complete destruction’ of the advanced jet occurred over central Iran, and it is unlikely the pilot survived.

3 Apr 2026 - 3:59PM

A US F-35C Lightning II landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln on March 7. Photo: US Navy via Reuters

Japan

US delays Japan’s Tomahawk missile supplies as Iran strikes take priority

The missiles are key to boosting Tokyo’s long-range strike capabilities to deal with challenges from China and North Korea.

3 Apr 2026 - 2:30PMvideocam

A Tomahawk missile launches from a US guided missile cruiser in the Mediterranean Sea in 2003. Photo: US Navy via AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats against Iran spark war crimes alarm

Over 100 US experts warn that strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran may violate international law.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:26PM

Indonesia

Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects

As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.

3 Apr 2026 - 2:20PM

SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s racial divide; Australia and Japan’s jet fuel woes: 7 highlights

From Hong Kong’s restaurant revamps to deep racial divisions in Malaysia, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

3 Apr 2026 - 1:41PM

A screengrab of footage of the crash in Klang, Malaysia, shows an allegedly speeding Honda City entering the opposite lane, and crashing into a motorcycle coming from the other direction. Photo: Handout

China energy security

Strait of Hormuz crisis

China remains relatively sheltered by its strategic oil reserves and investment in clean energy, even as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sparks a global energy crisis.

3 Apr 2026 - 12:50PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump hails destruction of Iran’s tallest bridge, warns of ‘much more to follow’

US president renews threats that Iran accept an immediate deal ‘before there is nothing left’.

3 Apr 2026 - 2:47PM

Hong Kong economy

More Hongkongers to travel over long Easter break despite higher costs

60 per cent of outbound travellers expected to head to mainland cities, with high-speed rail continuing to gain popularity as the preferred mode of transport.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:00AM

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Iran

Pakistan offers free public transport for 30 days following 40% petrol hike

The announcement of free travel for residents of Islamabad and Punjab came after people protested the steep rise in fuel prices.

Softly, softly: why South Korea, France prefer diplomacy over force in Hormuz

Australia’s 180-degree shift from 5 years ago: China in favour; US out

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | The twilight of US hegemony and Israeli expansionism

The war in Iran is speeding the world towards a multipolar system.

Trump seeks US$1.5 trillion for defence in new budget request amid Iran war

If enacted, it would set military spending at its highest level in modern history, underscoring the US’ ongoing focus on defence investment.

What 2 downed jets mean for US vulnerability in the Iran war

US launches rescue mission after F-15E downing; one crew member found, another missing in first such combat loss since war began.

Iran war: French and Japanese-owned ships make first Hormuz crossings

France and Japan have called for a ceasefire in the conflict, with Macron saying the waterway can only be reopened when the bombing stops.

US adds 178,000 jobs in March but Middle East war ‘likely not incorporated’

Gains in a slumping market were about three times the forecast, thought to be linked to construction firms doing more in recent warm weather.

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

The president spoke out online while the UAE’s largest gas plant and a key Kuwait oil refinery were among Iran’s latest targets.

Opinion | How America’s stumble in Iran upends East Asia’s security calculus

A region where US allies lose faith in Washington won’t necessarily embrace Beijing; it is a region more likely to reach for its own guns.

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

New Zealand doctor invoices US embassy for rising fuel costs

Shane Dunphy asked the embassy to reimburse him for the US$1,600 spent on petrol vouchers for his staff so that they could travel to work.

Human remains found on Thai ship attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Mayuree Naree was hit in March after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

Malaysia urged to take more aggressive action to tackle energy crisis

Analysts warn of escalating risks to Malaysia’s economy and call for adjusting the subsidy scheme to stop the government from ‘burning cash’.

Israel strikes over 3,500 Lebanon targets in a month

Lebanon’s health ministry said on Thursday that 1,345 people have been killed and 4,040 wounded since the war began, including 125 children.

‘Liberation Day’ anniversary, war on Iran, Taiwan’s KMT visits Beijing

This week: One year since Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’, China proposes Iran war peace plan in partnership with Pakistan, Hong Kong retains IPO crown. Next week: Taiwan’s Kuomintang leader visits mainland, Chinese airlines raise fuel surcharges, factory-gate prices may end slump, and more.

Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount

Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.

Indonesia and Malaysia require geo-tracking for civil servants working from home

As governments roll out work-from-home policies to cut fuel use, civil servants face location tracking and other productivity measures.

Opinion | 3 reasons Xi-Trump summit won’t be a waste of time for China

Despite current tensions and dim prospects for meaningful progress, Beijing should still roll out the red carpet.

Iran says shot down F-35 fighter jet with new defence system

IRGC claims ‘complete destruction’ of the advanced jet occurred over central Iran, and it is unlikely the pilot survived.

US delays Japan’s Tomahawk missile supplies as Iran strikes take priority

The missiles are key to boosting Tokyo’s long-range strike capabilities to deal with challenges from China and North Korea.

Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats against Iran spark war crimes alarm

Over 100 US experts warn that strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran may violate international law.

Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects

As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.

Malaysia’s racial divide; Australia and Japan’s jet fuel woes: 7 highlights

From Hong Kong’s restaurant revamps to deep racial divisions in Malaysia, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Strait of Hormuz crisis

China remains relatively sheltered by its strategic oil reserves and investment in clean energy, even as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sparks a global energy crisis.

Trump hails destruction of Iran’s tallest bridge, warns of ‘much more to follow’

US president renews threats that Iran accept an immediate deal ‘before there is nothing left’.

More Hongkongers to travel over long Easter break despite higher costs

60 per cent of outbound travellers expected to head to mainland cities, with high-speed rail continuing to gain popularity as the preferred mode of transport.

As I see it | The twilight of US hegemony and Israeli expansionism