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War and conflict

War and conflict
The latest news, analysis and opinion on War and conflict. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
In this US Army photo taken from an undisclosed location in December shows an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter as it prepares to support Operation Hawkeye Strike. Photo: US Air Force via AFP
Middle East

US strike in Syria kills leader tied to Isis ambush that left 3 Americans dead

Bilal Hasan al-Jasim was allegedly ‘directly connected’ to the incident, which has sparked a series of retaliatory attacks by US forces.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel objects to composition of Trump-led Gaza ‘board of peace’

Thailand

Ruling Thai party vows to end Cambodia conflict, close scam hubs if it wins poll

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Israel-Gaza war

Trump names Blair, Rubio to Gaza ‘board of peace’

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, envoy Steve Witkoff and World Bank President Ajay Banga will also be on the panel chaired by the US leader.

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Former British prime minister Tony Blair speaks at the International Bali Airshow in Indonesia in September 2024. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

Trump thanks Iran for ‘cancelling’ hanging of hundreds of political prisoners

The president has suggested for days that the US might strike Iran if its government triggered mass killings in its crackdown on protesters.

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Middle East

Iran cleric demands death for protesters, threatens Trump amid unrest

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami urged the execution of detained protesters, a step the Trump administration warned could spark military action.

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Russia

Putin offers to mediate Iran-Israel tensions after Trump threat

The Russian leader spoke with Israel’s Netanyahu and Iran’s Pezeshkian on Friday, offering Moscow’s help to de-escalate tensions, the Kremlin said.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

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Iran

Exiled crown prince’s plan for Iran seen as mostly aimed at Trump

Experts say Reza Pahlavi’s aspirations for a post-theocratic Iran are to win White House backing.

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US-China relations

US bill for US$300 million arms sale to Taiwan passed in House

The 482-page bill outlining varying military assistance comes as Taipei announced that more US weapons sales to Taiwan are in the pipeline.

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The Patriot missile system is deployed at a park in Taipei in July, 2025. A US bill approving US$300 million for Taiwan’s military is on its way to becoming law. Photo: AFP
US-Venezuela conflict

Venezuela’s Machado says she ‘presented’ her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

US president praises Machado for her ‘wonderful’ gesture as he warms to Venezuela’s new leaders.

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Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during their White House meeting. Photo: The White House via Reuters
US-Venezuela conflict

Washington completes first sale of Venezuelan oil ‘in US$500 million deal’

The White House official, who did not identify the buyer, said additional sales could take place in the coming days or weeks.

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United States

Trump admin closer to deporting pro-Palestinian activist after court ruling

The ruling, which reversed an earlier decision to release Khalil, is a win for the Trump administration’s efforts to deport the ex-student.

Myanmar

Video | Police find village-sized meth labs in Myanmar jungle

Junta authorities said they made the discovery after regaining control of land previously run by rebel groups.

A Myanmar police officer stands in the smoldering ruins of a captured methamphetamine lab near Namlan in Shan State on January 14, 2026. (Photo by Joe STENSON / AFP)
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United States

US seizes sixth sanctioned tanker as it tightens grip on Venezuela’s oil

The predawn ship raid marks the fourth seizure since the US capture of Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

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US personnel aboard the tanker Veronica at sea. Photo: US Southern Command via X
Ukraine war

Kremlin warns Ukraine running out of time to accept peace terms

The Kremlin insists Ukraine is running out of options as US-led talks stall, warning that the ‘situation is deteriorating’ for Kyiv daily.

European Union

Opinion | An internally split Europe can never fully engage China and Asia

The Brussels effect is real but so is Europe’s strategic subordination to the US. For China, and Asia, this means proceeding with pragmatism.

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2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict

Token gesture? Why US is spending US$45 million on Thai-Cambodian border war

Washington is looking to reposition itself as the main peacemaker in Southeast Asia following Beijing’s mediation successes, analysts say.

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Cambodian soldiers repatriated from Thailand receive roses following their release on December 31, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan

Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets

The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Trump prevails in US Senate showdown over Venezuela war powers

A 51–50 vote kills war powers resolution after Trump pressure flips two key Republican defectors.

Middle East

Trump claims ‘killing in Iran is stopping’, but keeps US options open

US president says that Iran hangings are off the table, and to ‘watch it and see’ about military action.

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Women cross a street under a huge banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian flags in Tehran on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Gaza entering next ceasefire phase as US pushes to disarm Hamas

Second phase of fragile ceasefire in war-torn Gaza envisages a new transitional administration and Hamas giving up arms.

A rainbow appears over tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Photo: Reuters
Brics

Could the Iran crisis push Global South blocs to deepen security ties?

A lack of response from the SCO and Brics could have a negative impact on the groups – but the crisis could also bring them closer.

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Ukraine war

Opinion | Why Russia is gambling on a protracted war in Ukraine

Despite a stagnating economy and mounting casualties on the battlefield, Moscow believes it can wait out Ukrainian and Western resolve.

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Middle East

Explainer | Who are Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and what is their role in the crackdown?

Reporting directly to Ayatollah Khamenei, this ‘empire within an empire’ wields immense wealth, intelligence, and suppresses dissent.

Members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps give a military salute during a military parade in the capital Tehran in 2019. Photo: Iranian Presidency/AFP
US-China relations

As I see it | The Chinese century may already be here

International competition will be won by nations with steady and realistic policies guided by a vision, not the ones indulging in cowboy militarism.

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Visitors enjoy the lush, futuristic interior of a shopping centre in Chongqing, on November 13, 2024. Photo: Getty Images
India

Opinion | Is India fuelling an arms race in Asia or closing a deterrence gap?

The challenge for New Delhi is to solve its deterrence shortfall without letting competition harden into permanent confrontation.

Iran

Iranians use Musk’s Starlink to pierce internet blackout during protests

Smuggled satellite terminals offer a high-risk lifeline as Iran’s protest death toll climbs.

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