Middle East

Sri Lanka struggles to avert economic collapse over Middle East war

The Colombo Municipal Council building is pictured after lights out in Colombo on April 2, 2026 as authorities order measures to save electricity amid an energy shortage.

Italy’s Meloni on surprise ‘energy security’ visit to Gulf region

FILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks on as she waits for the arrival of President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, at Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, February 26, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo

Majority of commodities crossing Hormuz linked to Iran: AFP analysis

Around 670 commodity vessels sent signals from west of the Strait of Hormuz over the last day. The figures may understate the true totals, as some vessels may have turned off their transponders.

‘Plastic bag chaos’: Shortage fears highlight Taiwan’s energy security concerns

wyyplastic - Plastic bags are heavily used in Taiwan's wet markets.

ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE

From full houses to five customers a day: How the Iran conflict has hollowed out Bangkok tourism

MWTOURISM - 159, 535, 847: more shots of the empty street in Nana, downtown Bangkok with many empty halal/arabic restaurants along the street. A popular area with Middle East Tourists from countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and even Iran. But now, place has gone all quiet.

All photos taken by May Wong.
All photos taken on March 26, 2026
Location: Nana in downtown Bangkok. A popular and known location among Middle East tourists.

Trump vows to hit more Iranian infrastructure as nations seek to open Hormuz

Smoke rises following a reported strike in Baharestan, Isfahan province in Iran, on April 1.

Zelensky offers Ukraine’s maritime expertise with Strait of Hormuz

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took part in a virtual meeting attended by about 40 countries on April 2, devoted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.

World anxious to open Hormuz Strait while Trump and Iran trade threats

British officials, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (second from right), holding a virtual meeting on April 2 with counterparts from some 40 countries on ways to free up navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain says 40 countries discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz after Iran blockade

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper speaking during a virtual summit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, England, on April 2.

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany

FILE PHOTO: A cargo ship in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

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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.