Middle East

News analysis

Iran’s Hormuz leverage wanes as US economic squeeze bites

Iran is losing some of the leverage it has over the Strait of Hormuz because it has been unable to close it fully, say one Iranian insider.

Muslim nations say Israel’s Gaza expulsion plans threaten Trump peace

Collapsed buildings in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Aug 25. A ceasefire in October 2025 has reduced but not halted the violence in Gaza.

US carrier Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand after respite visit

People walk past an LED display welcoming U.S. service personnel from the U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which is docked at Laem Chabang Port for a rest stop following a long deployment in the Middle East, in Pattaya City, Thailand, September 3, 2026. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

Britain's King Charles to host Oman's Sultan for October state visit

Britain's King Charles attends a preview of the Bayeux Tapestry, at British Museum in London, Britain, September 2, 2026. Thomas Krych/Pool via REUTERS

China’s Xi urges new Middle East security framework during Egypt visit

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomes his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Cairo.

Two dead after Aug 31 attack on Saudi oil tanker in Hormuz: Shipping firm

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Sept 2.

Iran strikes back against latest US attacks

A US sailor directing the takeoff of a UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter from the flight deck of the USS Boxer, as the US enforces its blockade of Iran.

China’s Xi arrives in Egypt as US sanctions threat looms over Iran links

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted on the tarmac in Cairo on Sept 1 by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his wife, Entissar Amer.

Qatar still planning to host MotoGP and F1 races

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (centre) stands on the podium after winning the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix alongside second placed McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and third placed Williams’ Carlos Sainz Jr.

Tehran presses US to honour deal as Trump threatens to hit Iran ‘hard’

People drive near a billboard depicting US President Donald Trump on a building in Tehran.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.