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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

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Damascus on Sunday. Photo: Ukrainian Presidency / dpa

Ukraine war

Zelensky in Syria to discuss security cooperation with President Ahmed al-Sharaa

Ukraine’s president also told the Syrian leader that Ukraine, as a major grain producer, was a reliable supplier of ‌food.

44 minutes ago

Donald Trump

Trump draws criticism with fiery, expletive-laden Easter message attacking Iran

3 hours agovideocam

China consumption

China’s luxury spending seen boosting global sales in 2026 despite headwinds

5 Apr 2026 - 6:00PM

Middle East

UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait lose water, energy infrastructure to Iran strikes

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile salvoes over Iran’s accusation that its neighbours allow US forces to carry out attacks from their territory.

5 Apr 2026 - 4:53PM

Smoke plumes billowing from the Jebel Ali port and desalination plant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after an Iranian strike on March 2. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Zelensky fears Ukraine may get less US support to fight Russia due to Iran war

Zelensky has offered to share Ukraine’s battlefield expertise with the US and allies to develop countermeasures against Iranian attacks.

5 Apr 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Fuel, food and fury: how the Iran war could topple South Asian governments

Analysts warn the crisis is threatening to spill over into wider economic and political instability.

5 Apr 2026 - 1:30PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong tourists choose safety, affordability with trips to mainland China

Travel industry leader says rise in airlines’ fuel surcharges and Mideast conflict have dampened Hongkongers’ desire to travel long distances.

5 Apr 2026 - 7:52PM

Crowds at the West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus on Friday. Photo: Jelly Tse

India

India turns to ‘trusted friend’ Russia for oil supply as Iran war energises ties

The two sides aim to keep their energy trade flowing despite sanctions while balancing against the US and China, analysts say.

5 Apr 2026 - 2:32PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Downed US airman found after ‘heavy firefight’ in Iran

Donald Trump says on social media the missing crewman had been injured but is now ‘safe and sound’.

6 hours ago

161

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Why the ‘Gate of Tears’ may yet make the whole world weep

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, any attacks on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait will pile further pressure on global supply chains.

5 Apr 2026 - 12:00PM

A satellite image shows Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen on February 27. Photo: Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters

Middle East

Letters | Iran war can increase vulnerability to human trafficking in Southeast Asia

Readers discuss the impact of the war on already struggling people, and coping with the effects of “blandemic” buildings.

5 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

A jeepney, or local minibus, driver counts cash to pay at a fuel station in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on March 25. Fuel shortages and increases in the cost of living can push vulnerable communities towards human traffickers. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran attacks Kuwait, Israel after Trump set deadline for deal

Kuwait and Israel say their air defences are responding to the latest attacks from Iran.

5 Apr 2026 - 3:56PMvideocam

Thailand

Thailand’s fishing industry fights for survival as Iran war hits fuel costs

Half of the fleet is already docked as the fishing association warns the whole sector may ‘collapse like dominoes’.

5 Apr 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US commits nearly all of stealthy long-range missiles to Iran war

JASSM-ER cruise missiles are to be pulled from Pacific stockpiles, reducing supplies of systems meant for more capable foes like China.

5 Apr 2026 - 1:53AMvideocam

A JASSM-ER is fired from a US Air Force F-16 over the Gulf of Mexico in September 2018. Photo: US Air Force

US, Israel war on Iran

US arrests niece and grandniece of slain Iran general Qassem Soleimani

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, who were allegedly living a ‘lavish lifestyle’ in Los Angeles, have had their green cards revoked.

5 Apr 2026 - 4:14AMvideocam

Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani in his hometown Kerman in January 2020. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to make deal, as US hunts for missing airman

Iran’s General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi responded by calling the US president’s threat a ‘helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action’.

5 Apr 2026 - 6:39AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Restrict everything’: Senegal curbs ministers’ foreign trips amid Iran war

PM says budgets in one of the world’s poorest nations were based on an oil price of US$62 a barrel. However, that has almost doubled.

4 Apr 2026 - 9:45PMvideocam

Afghanistan

Afghan boy sole survivor after quake kills 8 in refugee family back from Iran

The group, who recently returned to live in a tent near Kabul, died when a wall collapsed on them, their toddler the only one left alive.

4 Apr 2026 - 8:21PMvideocam

A man digs in the ruins of a building after a fatal earthquake in Kabul province, Afghanistan, on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

1 dead in strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant: IAEA

It is the fourth such incident in recent weeks involving Bushehr, which is closer to Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar than it is to Iran’s capital.

4 Apr 2026 - 10:26PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Iran points finger at Saudis and UAE after Chinese-made drone was shot down

Tehran says it has shot down a Wing Loong II, which could be proof of ‘active complicity’ in the US-Israeli war.

4 Apr 2026 - 6:13PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Ease the burden’: 5 EU nations urge tax on energy firms’ profits

As fuel prices spike, finance ministers from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria ‘stand united’ and call for action.

4 Apr 2026 - 7:10PMvideocam

A pump jack and drilling rig in Texas. File photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Why dollar and gold prices are looking abnormal amid Iran war

Two apparent anomalies stand out in recent market movements – the rising dollar and falling gold prices.

4 Apr 2026 - 5:25PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks

The UAE has quietly banned most Iranians from entering the country or transiting its airports, and cracked down on IRGC-related networks.

4 Apr 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Rights groups raise alarm after Iran executes 2 more opposition group members

The hangings are the latest targeting members of the banned People’s Mojahedin of Iran after four others were executed earlier in the week.

4 Apr 2026 - 2:31PMvideocam

Israel

Israel sets sights on Lebanon’s Hezbollah sites after blowing up crucial bridges

Lebanon was drawn into the Iran war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

4 Apr 2026 - 1:36PMvideocam

An Israeli air strike hits a bridge over the Litani River in Qasmiyeh, southern Lebanon, on March 22. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Asian Angle | Hormuz is sending Southeast Asia a warning – and we can no longer ignore it

The crisis has shown we must invest in renewables rather than staying in a fossil fuel comfort zone.

4 Apr 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

People wait to refill their motorbikes at a petrol station in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

In a time of war, Chinese museums are a safe haven for ancient treasures of Iran

Cultural exchanges established with the Middle East are underscoring China’s role as a safe harbour for vulnerable global heritage.

4 Apr 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

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.

4 Apr 2026 - 9:46AMvideocam

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Iran

Zelensky in Syria to discuss security cooperation with President Ahmed al-Sharaa

Ukraine’s president also told the Syrian leader that Ukraine, as a major grain producer, was a reliable supplier of ‌food.

Trump draws criticism with fiery, expletive-laden Easter message attacking Iran

China’s luxury spending seen boosting global sales in 2026 despite headwinds

UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait lose water, energy infrastructure to Iran strikes

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile salvoes over Iran’s accusation that its neighbours allow US forces to carry out attacks from their territory.

Zelensky fears Ukraine may get less US support to fight Russia due to Iran war

Zelensky has offered to share Ukraine’s battlefield expertise with the US and allies to develop countermeasures against Iranian attacks.

Fuel, food and fury: how the Iran war could topple South Asian governments

Analysts warn the crisis is threatening to spill over into wider economic and political instability.

Hong Kong tourists choose safety, affordability with trips to mainland China

Travel industry leader says rise in airlines’ fuel surcharges and Mideast conflict have dampened Hongkongers’ desire to travel long distances.

India turns to ‘trusted friend’ Russia for oil supply as Iran war energises ties

The two sides aim to keep their energy trade flowing despite sanctions while balancing against the US and China, analysts say.

Downed US airman found after ‘heavy firefight’ in Iran

Donald Trump says on social media the missing crewman had been injured but is now ‘safe and sound’.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why the ‘Gate of Tears’ may yet make the whole world weep

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, any attacks on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait will pile further pressure on global supply chains.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Iran war can increase vulnerability to human trafficking in Southeast Asia

Readers discuss the impact of the war on already struggling people, and coping with the effects of “blandemic” buildings.

Iran attacks Kuwait, Israel after Trump set deadline for deal

Kuwait and Israel say their air defences are responding to the latest attacks from Iran.

Thailand’s fishing industry fights for survival as Iran war hits fuel costs

Half of the fleet is already docked as the fishing association warns the whole sector may ‘collapse like dominoes’.

US commits nearly all of stealthy long-range missiles to Iran war

JASSM-ER cruise missiles are to be pulled from Pacific stockpiles, reducing supplies of systems meant for more capable foes like China.

US arrests niece and grandniece of slain Iran general Qassem Soleimani

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, who were allegedly living a ‘lavish lifestyle’ in Los Angeles, have had their green cards revoked.

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to make deal, as US hunts for missing airman

Iran’s General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi responded by calling the US president’s threat a ‘helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action’.

‘Restrict everything’: Senegal curbs ministers’ foreign trips amid Iran war

PM says budgets in one of the world’s poorest nations were based on an oil price of US$62 a barrel. However, that has almost doubled.

Afghan boy sole survivor after quake kills 8 in refugee family back from Iran

The group, who recently returned to live in a tent near Kabul, died when a wall collapsed on them, their toddler the only one left alive.

1 dead in strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant: IAEA

It is the fourth such incident in recent weeks involving Bushehr, which is closer to Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar than it is to Iran’s capital.

Iran points finger at Saudis and UAE after Chinese-made drone was shot down

Tehran says it has shot down a Wing Loong II, which could be proof of ‘active complicity’ in the US-Israeli war.

‘Ease the burden’: 5 EU nations urge tax on energy firms’ profits

As fuel prices spike, finance ministers from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria ‘stand united’ and call for action.

Macroscope | Why dollar and gold prices are looking abnormal amid Iran war

Two apparent anomalies stand out in recent market movements – the rising dollar and falling gold prices.

UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks

The UAE has quietly banned most Iranians from entering the country or transiting its airports, and cracked down on IRGC-related networks.

Rights groups raise alarm after Iran executes 2 more opposition group members

The hangings are the latest targeting members of the banned People’s Mojahedin of Iran after four others were executed earlier in the week.

Israel sets sights on Lebanon’s Hezbollah sites after blowing up crucial bridges

Lebanon was drawn into the Iran war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Asian Angle | Hormuz is sending Southeast Asia a warning – and we can no longer ignore it

The crisis has shown we must invest in renewables rather than staying in a fossil fuel comfort zone.

In a time of war, Chinese museums are a safe haven for ancient treasures of Iran

Cultural exchanges established with the Middle East are underscoring China’s role as a safe harbour for vulnerable global heritage.

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.

Opinion | Why the ‘Gate of Tears’ may yet make the whole world weep

Letters | Iran war can increase vulnerability to human trafficking in Southeast Asia