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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.
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

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.

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Hong Kong tourism

Thousands of Hongkongers brave heavy rain for Shenzhen trip on day 2 of Easter

US, Israel war on Iran

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

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Human remains found on Thai ship attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Mayuree Naree was hit in March after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.

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The cargo ship Mayuree Naree, engulfed in smoke, in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. Photo: Handout via Reuters
China-Japan relations

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

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Tokyo is said to have plans to introduce suicide-style drones that fly to a target, crash into it and explode. Photo: Shutterstock Images
US, Israel war on Iran

Israel strikes over 3,500 Lebanon targets in a month

Lebanon’s health ministry said on Thursday that 1,345 people have been killed and 4,040 wounded since the war began, including 125 children.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount

Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says shot down F-35 fighter jet with new defence system

IRGC claims ‘complete destruction’ of the advanced jet occurred over central Iran, and it is unlikely the pilot survived.

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A US F-35C Lightning II landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln on March 7. Photo: US Navy via Reuters
China energy security

Chinese airlines shed weight, add flights over Russia to trim fuel costs

Some carriers have even removed non-essential items like in-flight magazines from their planes.

Japan

US delays Japan’s Tomahawk missile supplies as Iran strikes take priority

The missiles are key to boosting Tokyo’s long-range strike capabilities to deal with challenges from China and North Korea.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats against Iran spark war crimes alarm

Over 100 US experts warn that strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran may violate international law.

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A US B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. Photo: US Air Force via AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects

As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Tokyo on Tuesday. Prabowo has invited Japan to develop Indonesia’s nuclear and renewable energy. Photo: Kyodo
China energy security

Strait of Hormuz crisis

China remains relatively sheltered by its strategic oil reserves and investment in clean energy, even as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sparks a global energy crisis.

Hong Kong economy

685,000 Hongkongers head out of city at start of Easter holiday

More residents are travelling to mainland China for the break because of the Middle East war, Tourism Association head says.

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump hails destruction of Iran’s tallest bridge, warns of ‘much more to follow’

US president renews threats that Iran accept an immediate deal ‘before there is nothing left’.

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Donald Trump posted footage on social media of smoke rising from a bridge after a strike. Photo: Donald Trump via Truth Social
Hong Kong economy

More Hongkongers to travel over long Easter break despite higher costs

60 per cent of outbound travellers expected to head to mainland cities, with high-speed rail continuing to gain popularity as the preferred mode of transport.

Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung says recent fuel surcharge increases had not led to cancellations, as travellers had finalised plans by then. Photo: Eugene Lee
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: music and barbecues in Tehran despite Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats

Families celebrate the last day of the Persian new year holidays, even as the US president vows to hit the country hard.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz demanded at 40-nation talks

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage via its blockade of the waterway, said the UK’s foreign minister, who hosted the meeting.

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