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Israel

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Israel. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Jerusalem

Head of State

President Isaac Herzog

Head of Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

USAF B-1 bombers at RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran awaits Trump threat to ‘obliterate’ power plants, readies response

Iran has threatened to ‘completely’ close the Strait of Hormuz and hit the region’s infrastructure after Trump’s ultimatum.

10 minutes ago

US, Israel war on Iran

US may need to ‘escalate to de-escalate’ Iran war, Bessent says

52 minutes ago

Middle East

Israel says investigating whether own soldiers shot civilian on Lebanon border

23 Mar 2026 - 1:38AM

China's military weapons

Why is China’s ASN-301 suicide drone more deadly than its Iranian counterpart?

In a conflict over Taiwan or western Pacific, Beijing may overwhelm air defences through sheer numbers in a war of economic attrition.

22 Mar 2026 - 11:47PMvideocam

China’s ASN-301, anti-radiation loitering munition, which shares the Iranian Shahed-136’s aerodynamic delta-wing design. Photo: Handout

Vietnam

Vietnam PM visits Russia to sign energy deal amid Iran war disruption

Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, the cost of 95-octane petrol and diesel in Vietnam has soared by 50 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.

22 Mar 2026 - 9:26PM

US-China relations

Chinese social media is awash with criticisms of the US. Can it go too far?

Online responses range from sarcastic variants on Beijing’s official line to ‘armchair generals’ telling Tehran how best to fight America.

22 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

European Union

Slovenia PM claims election win as results show neck-and-neck finish

Robert Golob’s liberal party had 28.54 per cent while the conservatives of Trump admirer Janez Jansa had 28.17 per cent.

3 hours agovideocam

Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob addresses supporters of Gibanje Svoboda (The Freedom Movement) after election results are released in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Commodities

Gold slides as hawkish Fed and strong US dollar override geopolitical fears

Market watchers point to fading hopes of interest rate cuts and oil-driven inflation concerns as key drivers of the decline.

22 Mar 2026 - 5:01PM

China trade

International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty amid Iran war

Conflict in the Middle East and growing global turbulence following US-Israeli strikes against Iran has seen foreign investors look to China.

22 Mar 2026 - 4:24PMvideocam

India

Why India faces dilemma over Iran war while seeking ‘diplomatic flexibility’

India has to carefully navigate the fallout from the war, given its huge stakes in the Middle East, analysts say.

22 Mar 2026 - 4:08PMvideocam

Iranians stand next to damaged residential buildings in southern Tehran on March 15 amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks against Iran. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

What the 4,000km Diego Garcia missile launch reveals about Iran’s intentions

By targeting the UK-US base, Tehran displays a ‘show of force’ and sends a ‘strategic messaging’ to Washington and Israel, experts say.

22 Mar 2026 - 3:30PMvideocam

A Sejjil missile (left) is displayed at Baharestan Square in Tehran. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Israeli towns reel from ‘terrifying’ Iranian missile strikes

Missiles hit Arad and Dimona, causing extensive destruction and injuries, as Israel vows to attack ‘our enemies on all fronts’.

22 Mar 2026 - 1:59PMvideocam

Japan

Japan may send ‘top level’ minesweepers to Hormuz after ceasefire

Foreign Minister Motegi also announced the release and return of one of the two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran.

22 Mar 2026 - 12:08PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants in Hormuz ultimatum

The US president demands Tehran reopen the shipping lane within 48 hours, making the deadline a ‘ticking time bomb’ for markets.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:08PMvideocam

Israeli security forces and rescuers work at the site struck by an Iranian missile in Arad, southern Israel, on Sunday. Photo: AP

Malaysia

Malaysia wanted 43 million tourists this year. Then the Iran war happened

Malaysia’s reliance on Gulf hubs is exposed as long-haul fares soar, but 21 million annual arrivals from Singapore offer a buffer.

22 Mar 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Members of the Iranian women’s football team seen at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian missile gets past Israeli interceptors to hit town with nuclear site

Iran says the attack, which wounded dozens, was in response to a strike on its own Natanz nuclear site.

22 Mar 2026 - 7:10AM

Taiwan

Could Taiwan’s military continue to fight after an Iran-like decapitation?

Analysts and officials in Taipei are assessing what lessons they can learn from the US-Israel precision strikes on the Iranian leadership.

21 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

China-France relations

China decries ‘unjust war’ on Iran as it calls for immediate ceasefire

In a call with Paris, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi urges mediation efforts and an end to the spread of the conflict.

21 Mar 2026 - 8:36PM

A woman stands near the grave of her son at a cemetery in Tehran on Monday. Her son was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Many more to follow? As Iran hangs 3 young men, rights groups raise alarm

The three are the first to be executed from among tens of thousands arrested during a brutal crackdown on protests in January.

21 Mar 2026 - 5:40PMvideocam

War and conflict

Macroscope | Trump’s war is uniting the world, just not how he might have expected

The war on Iran could prompt middle powers to go beyond forming coalitions independent of the US and align more openly with China.

21 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

Japan

Iran ready to help Japan ships pass through Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi says

Calling on the world to oppose the attacks against Iran, the foreign minister notes Japan’s ‘balanced and fair’ position.

21 Mar 2026 - 2:47PM

Cargo ships sail in the Arabian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to issue weekly updates on fuel charges to counter price gouging

Environment minister says information will allow public to monitor oil price changes more accurately.

21 Mar 2026 - 9:41PM

Vehicles get filled up at a petrol station in Sha Tin. Hong Kong’s fuel is mainly supplied by mainland China, according to the environment minister. Photo: Sam Tsang

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war nears 3-front tipping point as Gulf energy hubs burn

Israeli strikes on the world’s largest gas field and Iranian attacks on Saudi and Qatari hubs threaten a global energy crisis.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:30PM

Diplomacy

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

21 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

China travel

Middle East oil shock sparks global airfare rises, with 9% increases feared

Surging jet fuel prices are pushing airlines – including several Chinese carriers – to raise fares, with a warning of 9 per cent price rises.

21 Mar 2026 - 11:00AMvideocam

Smoke rises above aircraft parked at Dubai International Airport after a drone strike on March 16. The growing conflict in the Middle East is causing global airlines to raise fares amid a spike in jet fuel prices. Photo: AP

United States

US judge rules restrictive Pentagon press access unconstitutional

It is vital for the public to have information in light of the US war with Iran and its recent intervention in Venezuela, court says.

21 Mar 2026 - 7:16AM

US media and a host of international news outlets declined to sign the Pentagon’s new policy in mid-October last year, resulting in the stripping of their credentials. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash

Christians, in particular, were angered by the Israeli PM’s remarks, which some say suggest a ‘might is right’ approach.

21 Mar 2026 - 7:17AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:55AMvideocam

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Israel

Iran awaits Trump threat to ‘obliterate’ power plants, readies response

Iran has threatened to ‘completely’ close the Strait of Hormuz and hit the region’s infrastructure after Trump’s ultimatum.

US may need to ‘escalate to de-escalate’ Iran war, Bessent says

Israel says investigating whether own soldiers shot civilian on Lebanon border

Why is China’s ASN-301 suicide drone more deadly than its Iranian counterpart?

In a conflict over Taiwan or western Pacific, Beijing may overwhelm air defences through sheer numbers in a war of economic attrition.

Vietnam PM visits Russia to sign energy deal amid Iran war disruption

Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, the cost of 95-octane petrol and diesel in Vietnam has soared by 50 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.

Chinese social media is awash with criticisms of the US. Can it go too far?

Online responses range from sarcastic variants on Beijing’s official line to ‘armchair generals’ telling Tehran how best to fight America.

Slovenia PM claims election win as results show neck-and-neck finish

Robert Golob’s liberal party had 28.54 per cent while the conservatives of Trump admirer Janez Jansa had 28.17 per cent.

Gold slides as hawkish Fed and strong US dollar override geopolitical fears

Market watchers point to fading hopes of interest rate cuts and oil-driven inflation concerns as key drivers of the decline.

International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty amid Iran war

Conflict in the Middle East and growing global turbulence following US-Israeli strikes against Iran has seen foreign investors look to China.

Why India faces dilemma over Iran war while seeking ‘diplomatic flexibility’

India has to carefully navigate the fallout from the war, given its huge stakes in the Middle East, analysts say.

What the 4,000km Diego Garcia missile launch reveals about Iran’s intentions

By targeting the UK-US base, Tehran displays a ‘show of force’ and sends a ‘strategic messaging’ to Washington and Israel, experts say.

Israeli towns reel from ‘terrifying’ Iranian missile strikes

Missiles hit Arad and Dimona, causing extensive destruction and injuries, as Israel vows to attack ‘our enemies on all fronts’.

Japan may send ‘top level’ minesweepers to Hormuz after ceasefire

Foreign Minister Motegi also announced the release and return of one of the two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran.

Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants in Hormuz ultimatum

The US president demands Tehran reopen the shipping lane within 48 hours, making the deadline a ‘ticking time bomb’ for markets.

Malaysia wanted 43 million tourists this year. Then the Iran war happened

Malaysia’s reliance on Gulf hubs is exposed as long-haul fares soar, but 21 million annual arrivals from Singapore offer a buffer.

Iranian missile gets past Israeli interceptors to hit town with nuclear site

Iran says the attack, which wounded dozens, was in response to a strike on its own Natanz nuclear site.

Could Taiwan’s military continue to fight after an Iran-like decapitation?

Analysts and officials in Taipei are assessing what lessons they can learn from the US-Israel precision strikes on the Iranian leadership.

China decries ‘unjust war’ on Iran as it calls for immediate ceasefire

In a call with Paris, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi urges mediation efforts and an end to the spread of the conflict.

Many more to follow? As Iran hangs 3 young men, rights groups raise alarm

The three are the first to be executed from among tens of thousands arrested during a brutal crackdown on protests in January.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Macroscope | Trump’s war is uniting the world, just not how he might have expected

The war on Iran could prompt middle powers to go beyond forming coalitions independent of the US and align more openly with China.

Iran ready to help Japan ships pass through Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi says

Calling on the world to oppose the attacks against Iran, the foreign minister notes Japan’s ‘balanced and fair’ position.

Hong Kong to issue weekly updates on fuel charges to counter price gouging

Environment minister says information will allow public to monitor oil price changes more accurately.

Iran war nears 3-front tipping point as Gulf energy hubs burn

Israeli strikes on the world’s largest gas field and Iranian attacks on Saudi and Qatari hubs threaten a global energy crisis.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

Middle East oil shock sparks global airfare rises, with 9% increases feared

Surging jet fuel prices are pushing airlines – including several Chinese carriers – to raise fares, with a warning of 9 per cent price rises.

US judge rules restrictive Pentagon press access unconstitutional

It is vital for the public to have information in light of the US war with Iran and its recent intervention in Venezuela, court says.

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash

Christians, in particular, were angered by the Israeli PM’s remarks, which some say suggest a ‘might is right’ approach.

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

Macroscope | Trump’s war is uniting the world, just not how he might have expected

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed