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Iran

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Iran. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Tehran

Head of State

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Head of Government

President Masoud Pezeshkian

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas virtually addresses the UN General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Israel-Gaza war

Abbas says Israel has waged ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza, in pre-recorded UN address

The Palestinian leader’s speech was shown at the meeting in New York via video after the Palestinian delegation was denied visas by the US.

14 minutes agovideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Beyond the Rose Garden and the military review, Trump and Xi get down to business

2 hours agovideocam

Mainland China

China’s sulphur imports dive 65% as prices surge 3.5 times

4 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf nations keep oil flowing amid Iran war, but it’s getting costly

Despite the Strait of Hormuz blockade and other attacks, oil exporters and the US military have found workarounds, but they may not be sustainable.

6 hours ago

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

Can South Korea solve the US military’s ammunition shortage?

Depleted stockpiles from the Middle East and Ukraine wars are spurring South Korean arms makers to build US production hubs.

24 Sep 2026 - 8:00AM

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi lands in US for high-stakes summit with Trump amid deep tensions

Chinese leader begins 48-hour visit as Trump seeks progress on AI, Iran, rare earths and trade, with expectations for deals low.

24 Sep 2026 - 8:21AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Indian sailor killed in attack on vessel in Hormuz: India and Oman authorities

A strike on the cargo ship Cape Dao led to a fire in the engine room, and 27 crew members had to be evacuated by the Omani navy.

24 Sep 2026 - 3:20AM

Iranians walk next to an anti-US billboard carrying a sentence in Persian that reads “The devil army will be drowned in the Persian Gulf” in Tehran on Monday. Photo: EPA

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Rubio defends Xi’s US visit as essential despite deep disagreements

US secretary of state says Taiwan arms sales must be weighed against America’s military needs and voices hope Vladimir Putin will attend G20.

24 Sep 2026 - 5:42AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s president accuses Trump of ‘bullying mentality’ in wartime speech to UN

Masoud Pezeshkian rejects US threats while signalling readiness for diplomatic talks to end conflict.

24 Sep 2026 - 1:58PM

Banking & finance

US$365 trillion and counting: the world’s total debt hits record high, IIF finds

Debt climbs US$10 trillion in six months as fiscal strains deepen, exposing cracks in household and corporate balance sheets.

23 Sep 2026 - 11:00PM

The US Capitol building is seen following rain showers. The US federal government’s debt alone accounts for more than 10 per cent of all the debt in the world, spanning government, household, financial and non-financial corporate sectors in more than 100 economies, according to the Institute of International Finance. Photo: AFP

2026 Xi-Trump summits

China hawks grumble over Trump’s lavish welcome planned for Xi state visit

Chorus of disapproval rises ahead of the Chinese leader’s arrival, even as others say the welcome is the show, not the deal.

23 Sep 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Members of the US military honour guard rehearse ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the White House in Washington this week. Photo: AFP

China stock market

AI trade rallies on falling oil and Meta’s Muse agent ahead of Xi-Trump meeting

Nasdaq-100 hits record high while chip stocks in China and South Korea rebound, with investors betting that AI earnings can weather higher interest rates.

23 Sep 2026 - 2:24PM

Taiwan

As I see it | Taiwan might as well give up now

If Washington can’t or won’t defend the island, Taipei has no choice but to settle with Beijing.

23 Sep 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf tech firms turn to Hong Kong and Singapore as Iran war grinds on

Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk.

23 Sep 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

People take pictures with the city skyline of Singapore on September 14. The Iran conflict has accelerated Gulf businesses’ use of Asian financial hubs, insiders say. Photo: Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summits

In Focus | Can Xi and Trump use their leverage to actually make progress?

Analysts agree that keeping ties stable will be a priority when the leaders meet, and artificial intelligence could be an area for cooperation.

23 Sep 2026 - 9:07AMvideocam

United States

Trump criticises UK’s Chagos deal, says new British PM Burnham will reconsider

The US president says ties with Britain are better, as he met the prime minister for the first time.

23 Sep 2026 - 2:36AM

US, Israel war on Iran

‘To the victor belong the spoils’: Trump touts ‘America is back’ agenda at UN

US president casts domestic policies as a global success while addressing conflicts, China and the prospect of renewed Iran talks.

23 Sep 2026 - 1:43AMvideocam

UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)

Eyeing Ukraine, China’s military doctors voice progress on drone-caused injuries

Head, face and neck injuries are becoming a big problem in armed conflicts dominated by uncrewed aerial vehicles.

22 Sep 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

The rising number of cranio-maxillofacial injuries has prompted changes to military medical treatment protocols around the world. Photo: Shutterstock

China food security

Weathering the storm: can China’s grain reserves defend against El Nino?

As climate shocks and supply chain disruptions push global food prices higher, Beijing believes it has the tools to fend off rising risks.

22 Sep 2026 - 6:30PM

China-Germany relations

China seeks German help to stave off EU trade sanctions before Xi-Trump summit

Phone call between Wang Yi and Johann Wadephul underlines Beijing’s push to protect European partnerships alongside US relations.

22 Sep 2026 - 4:02PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Top US Democrat warns Trump not to waver on Taiwan as Xi heads to Washington

Jeanne Shaheen also said new law allowing tariffs on buyers of Russian oil ‘sends Beijing a message’ before this week’s summit in Washington.

22 Sep 2026 - 5:58AMvideocam

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen says she hopes US President Donald Trump “will not say anything that indicates a lack of support for Taiwan” during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Scanpix via AP

Britain

Burnham to meet Trump, make UN debut after offering UK support for Saudis

British prime minister targets Middle East stability and AI governance on New York trip.

22 Sep 2026 - 12:24PM

Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel board a plane for the United States. Photo: Reuters

Donald Trump

Trump approval hits career low as living costs bite, new poll shows

Just 17 per cent of Americans endorse the president’s handling of inflation ahead of midterm elections.

22 Sep 2026 - 1:39PM

United Nations

Burning questions: world leaders meet at UN amid climate, war and AI worries

As we face ‘three existential threats,’ says the UN chief, ‘international cooperation is more necessary than ever’.

21 Sep 2026 - 9:54PM

China energy security

Canada sells more oil and gas to China as relations with US sour

China’s imports of Russian energy products also rise sharply as Beijing diversifies its energy supplies.

21 Sep 2026 - 4:00PM

The Imperial Oil refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, on September 2. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

South Korea steps up to plug Europe’s jet fuel deficit

South Korea is the latest large source of jet fuel shipments to Europe, exporting 129,000 barrels per day, the highest since October 2022.

21 Sep 2026 - 8:59AM

Planes are parked on the tarmac at Rome’s Fiumicino airport on June 6. European airlines are monitoring higher jet fuel costs and supply concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Trump in New York

Planned meeting comes as Washington pushes for fresh, face-to-face peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

21 Sep 2026 - 2:30PM

Foreigners in China

China needs US-style migrant policy to win tech rivalry with Washington: expert

Li Mingbo, of Guangzhou Institute of the Greater Bay Area, says China should create English-friendly environment to attract foreign talent.

20 Sep 2026 - 7:04PMvideocam

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Iran

Abbas says Israel has waged ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza, in pre-recorded UN address

The Palestinian leader’s speech was shown at the meeting in New York via video after the Palestinian delegation was denied visas by the US.

Beyond the Rose Garden and the military review, Trump and Xi get down to business

China’s sulphur imports dive 65% as prices surge 3.5 times

Gulf nations keep oil flowing amid Iran war, but it’s getting costly

Despite the Strait of Hormuz blockade and other attacks, oil exporters and the US military have found workarounds, but they may not be sustainable.

Can South Korea solve the US military’s ammunition shortage?

Depleted stockpiles from the Middle East and Ukraine wars are spurring South Korean arms makers to build US production hubs.

Xi lands in US for high-stakes summit with Trump amid deep tensions

Chinese leader begins 48-hour visit as Trump seeks progress on AI, Iran, rare earths and trade, with expectations for deals low.

Indian sailor killed in attack on vessel in Hormuz: India and Oman authorities

A strike on the cargo ship Cape Dao led to a fire in the engine room, and 27 crew members had to be evacuated by the Omani navy.

Rubio defends Xi’s US visit as essential despite deep disagreements

US secretary of state says Taiwan arms sales must be weighed against America’s military needs and voices hope Vladimir Putin will attend G20.

Iran’s president accuses Trump of ‘bullying mentality’ in wartime speech to UN

Masoud Pezeshkian rejects US threats while signalling readiness for diplomatic talks to end conflict.

US$365 trillion and counting: the world’s total debt hits record high, IIF finds

Debt climbs US$10 trillion in six months as fiscal strains deepen, exposing cracks in household and corporate balance sheets.

China hawks grumble over Trump’s lavish welcome planned for Xi state visit

Chorus of disapproval rises ahead of the Chinese leader’s arrival, even as others say the welcome is the show, not the deal.

AI trade rallies on falling oil and Meta’s Muse agent ahead of Xi-Trump meeting

Nasdaq-100 hits record high while chip stocks in China and South Korea rebound, with investors betting that AI earnings can weather higher interest rates.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Taiwan might as well give up now

If Washington can’t or won’t defend the island, Taipei has no choice but to settle with Beijing.

Gulf tech firms turn to Hong Kong and Singapore as Iran war grinds on

Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}In Focus | Can Xi and Trump use their leverage to actually make progress?

Analysts agree that keeping ties stable will be a priority when the leaders meet, and artificial intelligence could be an area for cooperation.

Trump criticises UK’s Chagos deal, says new British PM Burnham will reconsider

The US president says ties with Britain are better, as he met the prime minister for the first time.

‘To the victor belong the spoils’: Trump touts ‘America is back’ agenda at UN

US president casts domestic policies as a global success while addressing conflicts, China and the prospect of renewed Iran talks.

Eyeing Ukraine, China’s military doctors voice progress on drone-caused injuries

Head, face and neck injuries are becoming a big problem in armed conflicts dominated by uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Weathering the storm: can China’s grain reserves defend against El Nino?

As climate shocks and supply chain disruptions push global food prices higher, Beijing believes it has the tools to fend off rising risks.

China seeks German help to stave off EU trade sanctions before Xi-Trump summit

Phone call between Wang Yi and Johann Wadephul underlines Beijing’s push to protect European partnerships alongside US relations.

Top US Democrat warns Trump not to waver on Taiwan as Xi heads to Washington

Jeanne Shaheen also said new law allowing tariffs on buyers of Russian oil ‘sends Beijing a message’ before this week’s summit in Washington.

Burnham to meet Trump, make UN debut after offering UK support for Saudis

British prime minister targets Middle East stability and AI governance on New York trip.

Trump approval hits career low as living costs bite, new poll shows

Just 17 per cent of Americans endorse the president’s handling of inflation ahead of midterm elections.

Burning questions: world leaders meet at UN amid climate, war and AI worries

As we face ‘three existential threats,’ says the UN chief, ‘international cooperation is more necessary than ever’.

Canada sells more oil and gas to China as relations with US sour

China’s imports of Russian energy products also rise sharply as Beijing diversifies its energy supplies.

South Korea steps up to plug Europe’s jet fuel deficit

South Korea is the latest large source of jet fuel shipments to Europe, exporting 129,000 barrels per day, the highest since October 2022.

Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Trump in New York

Planned meeting comes as Washington pushes for fresh, face-to-face peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

China needs US-style migrant policy to win tech rivalry with Washington: expert

Li Mingbo, of Guangzhou Institute of the Greater Bay Area, says China should create English-friendly environment to attract foreign talent.

As I see it | Taiwan might as well give up now

In Focus | Can Xi and Trump use their leverage to actually make progress?