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Middle East
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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.
Hong Kong business leaders expect consumer products, including toilet paper, to become more expensive amid the Middle East war that has led to surging oil prices. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong economy

From toys to toilet paper, prices set to rise amid Middle East war, experts say

Hong Kong business leaders also warn that local exporters and manufacturers face cash-flow squeeze as overseas buyers opt for short-term orders.

China trade

China’s Li pledges economic opening up, touts ‘stability’

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump’s erratic strategy on Iran raises questions about US war preparation

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war delivers new stress to African economies emerging from older shocks

Afreximbank is implementing measures to give financial help to African countries dependent on fuel imports, bank president says.

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In Africa, the squeeze on fertiliser imports because of the US-Israel war on Iran comes at a crucial time, at the start of the rains and the planting season. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Art March celebrations press on amid Middle East conflict disruptions

Flight cancellations via the region leave art fair participants juggling logistics, though organisers say impact remains limited.

Hong Kong stock market

Markets brace for rate hikes as Iran war and US$100 oil stoke tightening fears

The European Central Bank has become more hawkish, reverting to wording that analysts say often precedes interest-rate increases.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to raise postage rates from April 13 amid surging oil prices

Postage for local letters to go up by 9 per cent to HK$2.40, while increases for 90 per cent of airmail will be within HK$0.50.

Hong Kong residents in the queue at the General Post Office in Central. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks see steepest drop in nearly a year on rate and Iran worries

Hang Seng Index slumps as investors brace for tighter monetary policy, with oil shock and war risks darkening sentiment.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s fuel subsidy bill jumps to US$811 million amid Iran war

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said monthly fuel subsidies surged more than fourfold as the conflict chokes global supply routes.

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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.

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A USAF B-1 bomber at RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain. Photo: Reuters
Banking & finance

JPMorgan to add 10% to Asia-Pacific staff despite Middle East conflict

Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are central to client growth plans, ‘and we do not think that it is slowing down’, veteran banker says.

James Roddy, JPMorgan’s head of global corporate banking, pictured in Hong Kong on March 13, 2026. Photo: Jonathan Wong
US, Israel war on Iran

Starmer calls emergency meeting on Iran war’s economic impact on UK

Stretched public finances and dependence on imported gas leave Britain exposed to the energy war in the Middle East.

Donald Trump

Trump shares Saturday Night Live UK video to troll Starmer

US president shares a satirical portrayal of the UK leader panicking over a White House phone call.

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Syria

Syrians protest against alcohol sale limits, personal freedom curbs

Hundreds of demonstrators in Damascus gathered in a silent protest against the move they say deepens sectarian divisions.

Syrians protest against the Damascus governorate’s decision to restrict alcoholic drinks sales to designated areas in the city, in Bab Touma Square, Damascus, Syria on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

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

US Treasury chief defends massive military ramp-up after Trump set a 48-hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Photo: AFP
Israel

Israel says investigating whether own soldiers shot civilian on Lebanon border

Hezbollah had earlier claimed a rocket that killed one Israeli in the same area, among a series of attacks the group claimed on Sunday.

Hong Kong economy

Amid Iran war, Hongkongers choose short-haul high-speed rail trips

With war raging in the Middle East, tickets for mainland Chinese destinations are being snapped up.

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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.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh after attending a session during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC25) in Tianjin on June 25 last year. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Opinion | Another war, another trade chokepoint crisis. Who is hit the hardest?

Those with narrow trade structures are hit the hardest but those with broad networks of partners, such as China, tend to be more resilient.

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War and conflict

US hub in Iraq targeted overnight by Iranian drones, rockets

The Baghdad diplomatic and logistics hub is located in the international airport complex, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iran since February 28.

The Philippines

Philippines will allow use of dirtier, cheaper fuel amid US-Iran war

The ‌Philippines has taken steps such as shortening the work week and providing ⁠fuel subsidies to counter the impact of rising costs.

Protesters opposing fuel price hikes walk along a road in Manila, Philippines, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firms face profit squeeze as US importers cut orders amid oil crisis

City’s business leaders also say government should bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks.

Kwai Chung Container Terminal. Photo: Elson Li
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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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