Advertisement
Advertisement
Middle East
TOPIC
 / location

Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Smoke and dust from an Israeli airstrike on the streets of the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua
Israel

Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon, Israel announces ‘security buffer’

Israel said it intends ‌to control a ‘security zone’ as deep as 30 km into Lebanon and has issued evacuation orders for around 15 per cent of Lebanese territory.

China consumption

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

Iran

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

6
Indonesia

Indonesia lays to rest peacekeepers killed in Lebanon, Prabowo condemns attacks

Another blast took place at a UN facility in southern Lebanon on Friday, injuring three more Indonesian blue helmets.

videocam
A relative reacts next to the grave of Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, a UN peacekeeper killed in Lebanon, after a funeral ceremony at Cikutra Heroes Cemetery in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Robotics

Meter running: CaoCao backs heavy-asset play to scale robotaxis

Geely-backed firm targets 100,000 autonomous vehicles by 2030, banking on tighter control of cars, tech and operations to drive efficiency.

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.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

Police clash with activists during a protest against the arrest of former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 29. Photo: EPA
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.

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.

videocam
13
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.

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

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.

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.

videocam
17
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.

videocam
United States

My Take | Lunar mission gives a fresh perspective on a troubled world

The journey of Artemis II coincides with Easter and its message of peace that can resonate with all of us.

A spectacular photo of Earth taken by Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman through the capsule window. Photo: Handout
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.

videocam
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. File photo: AFP
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.

videocam
Hong Kong tourism

Hongkongers crossing border for Easter break wowed by new Shenzhen tech museum

Immigration statistics show 532,023 residents departed Hong Kong as of 9pm.

4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

videocam
4
People protest outside the US State Department on Monday to highlight the executions of MEK members in Karaj, Iran. Photo: AP
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.

videocam
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.

videocam
7
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.

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

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

Presidents Lee and Macron have agreed to cooperate on safety in the strait but they are likely to wade in only after the war, analysts say.

videocam
4
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) toasts with Emmanuel Macron during a luncheon for the French leader at the presidential office in Seoul on Friday. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
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.

videocam
7
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.

videocam
20
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.

videocam
149
An F-15E Strike Eagle takes off for a combat flight during Operation Epic Fury, on March 16, 2026. Photo: Handout
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.

videocam
4
A container ship operated by the French CMA CGM shipping company runs into the port of Marseille in June 2018. Photo: AFP
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.

videocam
6
Pakistan

‘Why are we paying?’ Pakistanis face up to 54% rise in fuel prices

As the ripple effects of the Middle East war continue, the government says Islamabad will give people free public transport for 30 days.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement