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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

Israel

Israeli soldiers jailed for desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

In the latest ‘anti-Christian’ act by Israeli forces, a soldier put a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while the other took a photo.

56 minutes ago

China shipbuilding

The US tried to rein in China’s shipyards. Now, they are even more dominant

5 hours agovideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

US-China negotiations seek a quick Seoul search for deals ahead of Trump’s visit

11 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese smart cars set to control 20% of western European market by 2028: JPMorgan

Amid surging demand for electrification and a worldwide energy crisis, domestic carmakers can benefit from the stepped-up ‘go-global’ drive.

11 May 2026 - 8:49PM

MG electric cars before being loaded onto a ship for export at the port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province on April 29. Photo: CN-STR / AFP

2026 Xi-Trump summit

China readies for Trump visit amid rebound in trade growth

Surging Chinese exports will bolster the nation’s position with the US as the two countries ready for trade talks and a presidential summit this week.

11 May 2026 - 5:03PM

China inflation

China’s producer, consumer inflation up in April as Iran war pressures persist

Factory-gate prices increased 2.8 per cent last month and consumer prices were up 1.2 per cent, surpassing expectations as fuel costs rise.

11 May 2026 - 4:43PM

2026 Xi-Trump summit

China confirms dates for Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing

Trip will be first to the country by a US president since 2017 and include two bilateral meetings, according to White House.

5 hours agovideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping greets his US counterpart Donald Trump in November 2017, during Trump’s first-term visit to Beijing. Photo: TNS

2026 Xi-Trump summit

What to expect from this week’s Trump 2.0 visit to Beijing

Nearly a decade after his first-term visit, Trump returns to Beijing amid tensions over tariffs, Taiwan and tech rivalry.

11 May 2026 - 9:15AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump, Tehran and a Qatari tanker transit: here’s what happened overnight

US leader calls Iran’s response to its peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’, while a Qatari ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

11 May 2026 - 4:18PM

Israel

Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’

After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.

11 May 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Israelis protest against the war with Iran and Netanyahu’s government in Tel Aviv on May 2. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Jailed Iran Nobel laureate transferred to hospital after medical crisis

Narges Mohammadi’s transfer comes after days of pleading by her family and others who described her condition as critical.

11 May 2026 - 1:21PMvideocam

Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi in a hospital in Tehran on Saturday. Photo: Narges Foundation Archive via AP

Middle East

Opinion | The problem no one is naming as the UAE dramatically exits Opec

The fighting over oil production quotas was the symptom. Security realignment is the disease.

11 May 2026 - 8:11AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Playing games’: Trump calls Iran’s response to US peace proposal ‘unacceptable’

Both sides remain far apart as Tehran demands war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran state TV.

11 May 2026 - 10:57AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Netanyahu says war ‘not over’ until Iran’s uranium is physically removed

Israeli leader says nuclear material must be ‘taken out’, as US-Iran ceasefire remains tenuous.

11 May 2026 - 11:44AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summit

China, US confirm Seoul trade talks days before Trump-Xi summit in Beijing

Meeting follows Paris round in March and a video call in April as both sides prepare for Trump’s state visit.

11 May 2026 - 4:17AM

South Korea

‘Unidentified aircraft’ hit Korean cargo ship in Hormuz on Monday: Seoul

Iran has denied responsibility for the attack, with its embassy in Seoul stating that it rejects and denies any allegations of involvement.

10 May 2026 - 10:57PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Could military AI use be on the agenda when Chinese and US leaders meet?

The technology has become increasingly important for militaries around the world, but the two sides may struggle to reach a consensus.

11 May 2026 - 2:10PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot

As fractures within the US’ network of alliances deepen, China’s strategic window opens a little wider, with some key caveats.

10 May 2026 - 8:30PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Why war on Iran may be ‘accelerating end of US hegemony’ and damaging Stargate

Washington is fighting the ‘wrong war’ and Tehran is able to undermine the US president’s key AI strategy, an event in Beijing told.

10 May 2026 - 6:01PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

10 May 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

EVs surge in Bolivia amid fuel shortages, ‘junk gas’ scandal

The number of electric vehicles in Bolivia climbed from 500 to 3,352 in the last five years, and is set to triple again as broad appeal rises.

10 May 2026 - 4:52PMvideocam

An electrician installs a home electric vehicle charging station in La Paz, Bolivia, on April 21. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

The response, sent via Pakistan, focuses on ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping in the waterway.

11 May 2026 - 12:19AMvideocam

An Iranian walks past an anti-US and Israel mural in a street in Tehran on Friday. Photo: EPA

China-Philippines relations

Asian Angle | 3 reasons Marcos’ South China Sea energy gambit won’t work

The Philippine president has mooted the idea of joint oil and gas development. China is willing, but history shows this road leads nowhere.

10 May 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | China’s challenges in engaging with the US during the Middle East war

China needs the global system to succeed. So it must not get entangled with Iran nor jeopardise US relations over Taiwan.

10 May 2026 - 10:08AMvideocam

My Take

My Take | Starmer was right about political change. But this is not what he planned

Frustrated voters continue to shun Britain’s two major parties in favour of upstart challengers such as Reform UK. But now their credentials will be tested.

9 May 2026 - 11:08PM

Britain’s Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts next to newly elected councillors at the Havering Town Hall, following the results of the local elections, in the London Borough of Havering, Britain on Friday. Photo: Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Trump heads to China weakened as Xi gains leverage ahead of summit

Iran war, tariff setbacks and sliding US poll numbers reshape the balance going into next week’s high-stakes talks.

9 May 2026 - 10:03PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare

Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.

9 May 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

9 May 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

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Iran

Israeli soldiers jailed for desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

In the latest ‘anti-Christian’ act by Israeli forces, a soldier put a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while the other took a photo.

The US tried to rein in China’s shipyards. Now, they are even more dominant

US-China negotiations seek a quick Seoul search for deals ahead of Trump’s visit

Chinese smart cars set to control 20% of western European market by 2028: JPMorgan

Amid surging demand for electrification and a worldwide energy crisis, domestic carmakers can benefit from the stepped-up ‘go-global’ drive.

China readies for Trump visit amid rebound in trade growth

Surging Chinese exports will bolster the nation’s position with the US as the two countries ready for trade talks and a presidential summit this week.

China’s producer, consumer inflation up in April as Iran war pressures persist

Factory-gate prices increased 2.8 per cent last month and consumer prices were up 1.2 per cent, surpassing expectations as fuel costs rise.

China confirms dates for Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing

Trip will be first to the country by a US president since 2017 and include two bilateral meetings, according to White House.

What to expect from this week’s Trump 2.0 visit to Beijing

Nearly a decade after his first-term visit, Trump returns to Beijing amid tensions over tariffs, Taiwan and tech rivalry.

Trump, Tehran and a Qatari tanker transit: here’s what happened overnight

US leader calls Iran’s response to its peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’, while a Qatari ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’

After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.

Jailed Iran Nobel laureate transferred to hospital after medical crisis

Narges Mohammadi’s transfer comes after days of pleading by her family and others who described her condition as critical.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | The problem no one is naming as the UAE dramatically exits Opec

The fighting over oil production quotas was the symptom. Security realignment is the disease.

‘Playing games’: Trump calls Iran’s response to US peace proposal ‘unacceptable’

Both sides remain far apart as Tehran demands war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran state TV.

Netanyahu says war ‘not over’ until Iran’s uranium is physically removed

Israeli leader says nuclear material must be ‘taken out’, as US-Iran ceasefire remains tenuous.

China, US confirm Seoul trade talks days before Trump-Xi summit in Beijing

Meeting follows Paris round in March and a video call in April as both sides prepare for Trump’s state visit.

‘Unidentified aircraft’ hit Korean cargo ship in Hormuz on Monday: Seoul

Iran has denied responsibility for the attack, with its embassy in Seoul stating that it rejects and denies any allegations of involvement.

Could military AI use be on the agenda when Chinese and US leaders meet?

The technology has become increasingly important for militaries around the world, but the two sides may struggle to reach a consensus.

Opinion | China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot

As fractures within the US’ network of alliances deepen, China’s strategic window opens a little wider, with some key caveats.

Why war on Iran may be ‘accelerating end of US hegemony’ and damaging Stargate

Washington is fighting the ‘wrong war’ and Tehran is able to undermine the US president’s key AI strategy, an event in Beijing told.

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

EVs surge in Bolivia amid fuel shortages, ‘junk gas’ scandal

The number of electric vehicles in Bolivia climbed from 500 to 3,352 in the last five years, and is set to triple again as broad appeal rises.

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

The response, sent via Pakistan, focuses on ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping in the waterway.

Asian Angle | 3 reasons Marcos’ South China Sea energy gambit won’t work

The Philippine president has mooted the idea of joint oil and gas development. China is willing, but history shows this road leads nowhere.

Opinion | China’s challenges in engaging with the US during the Middle East war

China needs the global system to succeed. So it must not get entangled with Iran nor jeopardise US relations over Taiwan.

My Take | Starmer was right about political change. But this is not what he planned

Frustrated voters continue to shun Britain’s two major parties in favour of upstart challengers such as Reform UK. But now their credentials will be tested.

Trump heads to China weakened as Xi gains leverage ahead of summit

Iran war, tariff setbacks and sliding US poll numbers reshape the balance going into next week’s high-stakes talks.

US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare

Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

Opinion | The problem no one is naming as the UAE dramatically exits Opec