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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Pope Leo chairs the Holy Rosary Prayer Vigil for Peace in St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday. Photo: EPA
US, Israel war on Iran

Pope Leo slams ‘delusion of omnipotence’ stoking US-Israeli war on Iran

The pontiff urged prayer and peace talks, rejecting religious justifications for violence.

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India

Fish and vegetarianism major flashpoints in India’s West Bengal election

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Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine begin 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter

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Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

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On March 26, Cathay Pacific announced it would increase its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34 per cent from April. Photo: Eugene Lee
US, Israel war on Iran

How the Gulf conflict recast risks for Asian investors in Dubai

Asian firms that use Dubai as a launch pad into the Middle East are weighing new threats to liquidity, logistics and confidence.

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China trade

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

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Japan

Japan’s Middle East oil habit gets an Iran war reality check

Almost all of Japan’s oil comes from the Middle East. A closed strait turned that dependence into a trap.

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Storage tanks are seen at an oil refinery in Yokohama, Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture, as Mount Fuji looms in the background. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US presses Iran as talks gear up in Pakistan under fragile ceasefire

Vice-President J.D. Vance to lead negotiations in Islamabad as Tehran sets preconditions, Trump warns of military action if diplomacy fails.

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Singapore

Singapore, Australia vow uninterrupted fuel supply amid global energy shock

Both countries are also working towards a legally binding agreement on economic resilience and essential supplies.

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s Hormuz toll threat lays bare Asia’s energy vulnerability

Analysts warn that charging ships to pass through Hormuz could set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways and hit Asia hardest.

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Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, on March 11. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

‘Their affair’: Anwar on Singapore’s refusal to negotiate over Hormuz

Responding to remarks by the city state’s top diplomat, Anwar said Malaysia balances regional ties with firm stands on global issues.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Photo: dpa
US, Israel war on Iran

‘I’m scared of war starting again’: fear grips Iranians ahead of US talks

Residents of Tehran face Pakistan-hosted talks with scepticism and anger, caught between a repressive regime and Trump’s threats.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran talks leave Gulf states on edge about the price of peace

The six GCC nations worry that the US will prioritise Tehran’s needs and leave the Gulf monarchies vulnerable to Iranian retaliation.

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Israel-Gaza war

Gaza marks 6 months of ceasefire. Does it offer lessons for the Iran war?

A ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Hamas since October 10, but deadly attacks have continued and limited aid is entering.

A makeshift camp for displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Photo: AP
Banking & finance

China healthcare stocks shine in Hong Kong amid Middle East turmoil

Hang Seng Healthcare Index outpaces broader market as Akeso, Innovent, Hansoh provide refuge for global investors.

A number of Chinese biopharmaceutical and biotech companies posted their first-ever annual profits in 2025. Photo: Shutterstock
SCMP Highlights

Dying man leaves riches to young wife; fisherman’s surprise catch: 7 highlights

From a missing elderly hiker in Hong Kong to a tragic car accident in Singapore, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong will pay diesel subsidies directly to oil firms, look out for abuse

Government will know if oil firms try to take advantage of HK$3 subsidy scheme by increasing prices, official warns.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Israel plans talks with Lebanon as violence imperils Iran ceasefire

Israel’s Netanyahu approves talks with Lebanon as the US plans for meeting in Washington next week.

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Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Asian economies face ‘formidable test’ as Middle East conflict drags on: ADB

Even if oil prices stabilise in the coming months, developing Asia-Pacific countries will still take years to recover, the bank says.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US Vice-President J.D. Vance strikes upbeat tone en route to Iran talks

As the clock ticks down to negotiations in Islamabad, two big factors stand in the way of progress.

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Hong Kong economy

Is oil crisis just the start of economic pain for Hongkongers?

With diesel and petrol prices in city highest in the world, analysts warn that consumers will inevitably feel the impact in their wallets.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Japan

Japan seeks to take back control of the world’s shipbuilding sector. Here’s how

Analysts warn higher costs, labour shortages and lost capacity will affect Japan’s bid for control in a sector now dominated by China.

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A shipyard in Japan’s Mie prefecture. Concern over Tokyo’s declining role in the global shipbuilding sector has persisted for more than a decade. Photo: Shutterstock
Nato

What Trump’s Iran war ‘loyalty test’ may mean for Nato’s long-standing alliance

Transatlantic allies’ refusal to back the Iran war fuels latest Trump outburst after meeting with Nato chief Mark Rutte.

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China economy

Opinion | Why Latin America is becoming indispensable to China

Latin America fits Beijing’s need for alternative partners with uncomfortable precision. That is a problem for Washington.

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Israel

Netanyahu corruption trial to resume on Sunday after Israel eases war restrictions

Netanyahu, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial for corruption.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Yuan tokens and oil-linked fees? China experts propose ‘innovative’ Hormuz tolls

Analysts warn Trump’s ‘joint venture’ plan with Iran could formalise grey zone, while Beijing balances roles as mediator, energy importer.

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Shipping vessels sit anchored in Muscat, Oman. The country, which shares control of the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, has no plans to impose fees on ships passing through the strait. Photo: Reuters
War and conflict

Opinion | For Asia, US-Iran ceasefire offers little relief – and much uncertainty

What may be coming is neither stable peace nor uninterrupted war, but something in between: a prolonged condition of managed instability.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Video | The Iran war could leave Asian airlines grounded

Jet fuel is often the first petroleum product to see shortages in a fuel crisis.

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