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Oman

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

Capital

Muscat

Head of State

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

Head of Government

Prime Minister Haitham bin Tariq

On Monday, Omani authorities airlifted Indian sailors off the MT Marivex after a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker. Photo: Facebook/IndianCoastGuard

US, Israel war on Iran

Exclusive | Killing of Indian sailors ‘very unfortunate’, US lawmaker says, as tensions rise

Rob Wittman’s ‘thoughts and prayers’ were with families of three Indian sailors killed off coast of Oman by a US missile strike on Tuesday.

12 minutes agovideocam

Iran

Video | Three Indian sailors killed as US fires at oil tanker

11 Jun 2026 - 9:45PM

India

3 Indian sailors dead after US attacks commercial vessel off Oman

11 Jun 2026 - 9:52PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iran as Tehran targets bases in Bahrain and Jordan

US helicopter crew rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

10 Jun 2026 - 6:05PMvideocam

US Apache helicopters flying over the Strait of Hormuz on April 17. Photo: US Central Command via AFP

SCMP

SCMP Plus exclusive: meet John Mearsheimer in person

The distinguished University of Chicago political scientist is set to be featured in an exclusive in-person event for SCMP Plus subscribers in Hong Kong.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump responds to US helicopter crash near Hormuz, claims Iran deal close

US president says crew are ‘fine’ and expresses optimism over dealings with Tehran for a ‘powerful deal’.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:46PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel and Iran hold fire after exchange, but warn of escalation if provoked

Middle East foes lift immediate safety restrictions while actively preparing for the next wave of retaliation.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:47PMvideocam

The remains of an Israel-bound Iranian ballistic missile that landed in an agricultural field in the Damascus countryside, Syria, following Monday's exchange of fire. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

8 Jun 2026 - 7:13PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Pakistan’s mediators in Iran as US downs drones, Lebanon looks for peace

Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to restart US-Iran negotiations as the US military said it shot down two Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz.

7 Jun 2026 - 7:52PM

Science

Why wind and solar power is going to ‘waste’ in China in the global energy crisis

Use of renewables held back by ‘inflexible management of coal power plants and power grids, not a lack of grid infrastructure’: CREA.

4 Jun 2026 - 6:31PMvideocam

A new report says China’s “wasted” wind and solar energy stems from inflexible grid management that continues to position coal as a stabilising source of power and stymies a clean energy expansion. Photo: Xinhua

China energy security

Global oil stockpiles could fall to ‘critical levels’ by summer, IEA warns

Even China’s inventories are now starting to decline, with Gulf oil supplies likely to take months to recover even if a peace deal is agreed.

3 Jun 2026 - 3:14PMvideocam

An oil pumpjack is seen in the US state of North Dakota. The US-Israel war on Iran has upended global oil markets, with stockpiles likely to fall to “critical levels” by summer, according to the International Energy Agency. Photo: AFP

Energy

Oil prices rally on Hormuz talks but will Asia’s energy woes ease?

Analysts say recovery ‘will take a far longer time’, with ship backlogs and damaged facilities weighing on Asia’s energy importers.

1 Jun 2026 - 7:46PM

China trade

‘Unsustainable’: firms face huge spike in shipping costs amid Hormuz crisis

Shipping lines say they have no choice but to pass on steep cost rises, as the Iran war sparks a fuel crisis that could last well into next year.

1 Jun 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

India

India seals BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, eyes Indonesia next

A senior Indian defence ministry official made the announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

31 May 2026 - 10:51AM

India’s BrahMos missile system (left) takes part in the country’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi last year. Photo: AFP

China energy security

Stockpiles, distribution hubs: inside China’s drive to Hormuz-proof its economy

Beijing is bolstering strategic reserves and accelerating the buildout of distribution hubs, as China rushes to adapt to the Middle East crisis.

28 May 2026 - 5:03PMvideocam

Chinese Premier Li Qiang (second left) quizzes officials about an oil reserve facility during his trip to China’s eastern Zhejiang province earlier this week. Photo: Xinhua

China-India relations

What India’s ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ near Malacca means for its China ties

Uncertainty over Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran conflict has New Delhi moving on US$10 billion plan to transform Great Nicobar Island.

28 May 2026 - 5:21PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran, US reach outline ceasefire deal after latest air strikes: report

US military downs five drones and hits a ground station, triggering Iranian retaliation.

28 May 2026 - 10:57PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump appears to threaten to ‘blow up’ Oman, after question on Iran and Hormuz

Asked if he would accept a deal to allow Iran and US ally Oman to control the strait, Trump said the Gulf state must ‘behave’.

28 May 2026 - 5:28AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump points his finger during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Tanker hit by explosion near Hormuz hours after US strikes on Iran

The incident, in the Gulf of Oman about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, was an ‘external explosion’, UKMTO said.

26 May 2026 - 10:16PM

India

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.

26 May 2026 - 5:55PMvideocam

War and conflict

Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful

Straits like Hormuz and Malacca are pressure points where commerce and power converge. What once defined success now defines vulnerability.

20 May 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

A motorcyclist passes by liquefied natural gas tankers in the Malacca Strait off the coast of Malaysia on April 15. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

19 May 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

US President Donald in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Photo: EPA

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi-Trump summit outcomes

US President Donald Trump touted his ‘successful’ meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week. While the leaders projected optimism, differences in their summaries of what was agreed hinted at tensions over the Iran war, trade and Taiwan.

1 Jun 2026 - 3:20PM

Britain

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

The Green Party’s record-breaking gains in UK council elections are a sign voters are taking climate change seriously, analysts say.

15 May 2026 - 2:45PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

After Xi-Trump, China tech stocks retreat as market weighs ‘fantastic’ deals

Mainland benchmarks slip as investors lock in profits following Beijing summit, while analysts say the lack of specific deal terms suggests a deterioration ‘freeze’.

15 May 2026 - 7:18PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing on May 14, 2026. Photo: Pool via Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi-Trump summit day 1: everything you need to know from the meeting in Beijing

From an elaborate welcome parade to what the two leaders discussed, here is everything you need to know from Xi and Trump’s meeting in Beijing.

15 May 2026 - 7:28AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a banquet to welcome US President Donald Trump on his state visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Hormuz crisis tarnishing copper production, raising costs, Chinese analysts say

China Minmetals Economic Research Institute says disruption of sulphur shipments through strait is having ripple effects on copper production.

14 May 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Rubio calls on China to play a more ‘active’ role in ending Iran war

The Middle East crisis will come into sharp focus during the Xi-Trump summit as Marco Rubio says it threatens to ‘destabilise Asia’.

14 May 2026 - 2:43PMvideocam

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Oman

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Killing of Indian sailors ‘very unfortunate’, US lawmaker says, as tensions rise

Rob Wittman’s ‘thoughts and prayers’ were with families of three Indian sailors killed off coast of Oman by a US missile strike on Tuesday.

Video | Three Indian sailors killed as US fires at oil tanker

3 Indian sailors dead after US attacks commercial vessel off Oman

US strikes Iran as Tehran targets bases in Bahrain and Jordan

US helicopter crew rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

SCMP Plus exclusive: meet John Mearsheimer in person

The distinguished University of Chicago political scientist is set to be featured in an exclusive in-person event for SCMP Plus subscribers in Hong Kong.

Trump responds to US helicopter crash near Hormuz, claims Iran deal close

US president says crew are ‘fine’ and expresses optimism over dealings with Tehran for a ‘powerful deal’.

Israel and Iran hold fire after exchange, but warn of escalation if provoked

Middle East foes lift immediate safety restrictions while actively preparing for the next wave of retaliation.

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

Pakistan’s mediators in Iran as US downs drones, Lebanon looks for peace

Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to restart US-Iran negotiations as the US military said it shot down two Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz.

Why wind and solar power is going to ‘waste’ in China in the global energy crisis

Use of renewables held back by ‘inflexible management of coal power plants and power grids, not a lack of grid infrastructure’: CREA.

Global oil stockpiles could fall to ‘critical levels’ by summer, IEA warns

Even China’s inventories are now starting to decline, with Gulf oil supplies likely to take months to recover even if a peace deal is agreed.

Oil prices rally on Hormuz talks but will Asia’s energy woes ease?

Analysts say recovery ‘will take a far longer time’, with ship backlogs and damaged facilities weighing on Asia’s energy importers.

‘Unsustainable’: firms face huge spike in shipping costs amid Hormuz crisis

Shipping lines say they have no choice but to pass on steep cost rises, as the Iran war sparks a fuel crisis that could last well into next year.

India seals BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, eyes Indonesia next

A senior Indian defence ministry official made the announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

Stockpiles, distribution hubs: inside China’s drive to Hormuz-proof its economy

Beijing is bolstering strategic reserves and accelerating the buildout of distribution hubs, as China rushes to adapt to the Middle East crisis.

What India’s ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ near Malacca means for its China ties

Uncertainty over Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran conflict has New Delhi moving on US$10 billion plan to transform Great Nicobar Island.

Iran, US reach outline ceasefire deal after latest air strikes: report

US military downs five drones and hits a ground station, triggering Iranian retaliation.

Trump appears to threaten to ‘blow up’ Oman, after question on Iran and Hormuz

Asked if he would accept a deal to allow Iran and US ally Oman to control the strait, Trump said the Gulf state must ‘behave’.

Tanker hit by explosion near Hormuz hours after US strikes on Iran

The incident, in the Gulf of Oman about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, was an ‘external explosion’, UKMTO said.

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful

Straits like Hormuz and Malacca are pressure points where commerce and power converge. What once defined success now defines vulnerability.

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

Xi-Trump summit outcomes

US President Donald Trump touted his ‘successful’ meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week. While the leaders projected optimism, differences in their summaries of what was agreed hinted at tensions over the Iran war, trade and Taiwan.

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

The Green Party’s record-breaking gains in UK council elections are a sign voters are taking climate change seriously, analysts say.

After Xi-Trump, China tech stocks retreat as market weighs ‘fantastic’ deals

Mainland benchmarks slip as investors lock in profits following Beijing summit, while analysts say the lack of specific deal terms suggests a deterioration ‘freeze’.

Xi-Trump summit day 1: everything you need to know from the meeting in Beijing

From an elaborate welcome parade to what the two leaders discussed, here is everything you need to know from Xi and Trump’s meeting in Beijing.

Hormuz crisis tarnishing copper production, raising costs, Chinese analysts say

China Minmetals Economic Research Institute says disruption of sulphur shipments through strait is having ripple effects on copper production.

Rubio calls on China to play a more ‘active’ role in ending Iran war

The Middle East crisis will come into sharp focus during the Xi-Trump summit as Marco Rubio says it threatens to ‘destabilise Asia’.

Exclusive | Killing of Indian sailors ‘very unfortunate’, US lawmaker says, as tensions rise

Opinion | Malacca Strait could be the next hinge point if Asia isn’t careful