logo
China hits out at US and Israel, why the Strait of Hormuz matters: SCMP daily highlights

China hits out at US and Israel, why the Strait of Hormuz matters: SCMP daily highlights

China sharply criticised the United States and Israel, calling on them to de-escalate their conflict with Iran, prioritise civilian safety and adhere to international law as Mideast anxiety intensified following the US attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities using massive 'bunker buster' bombs.
With his tenure as Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank president drawing to a close, the financier surveys the landscape for multilateral development.
A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. Photo: Reuters
Iran's parliament has approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz after the United States launched military strikes over the weekend. The final decision rests with the country's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – but the move has already deepened fears for the global energy trade.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar, after vowing response to strikes on nuclear sites
Iran attacks US military base in Qatar, after vowing response to strikes on nuclear sites

South China Morning Post

time2 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar, after vowing response to strikes on nuclear sites

The Middle East crisis has intensified after Iran struck back against the United States following recent US actions targeting its nuclear programme. This critical development escalates an already volatile situation, building on weeks of rising tensions between arch-rivals Iran and Israel – and now, Israel's key ally, the United States. Since June 13, Israel and Iran have exchanged wave after wave of devastating and deadly strikes. Israel launched its aerial campaign asserting that Tehran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, however, vehemently denies these claims, maintaining that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes. Follow live updates here as the world reacts to this critical and rapidly unfolding development.

Trump pushes oil producers to pump more crude amid fears Iran may close shipping lane
Trump pushes oil producers to pump more crude amid fears Iran may close shipping lane

South China Morning Post

time2 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Trump pushes oil producers to pump more crude amid fears Iran may close shipping lane

US President Donald Trump on Monday called for the US and other oil-producing economies to pump more oil as crude prices remain volatile following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Advertisement Trump urged stepped-up production as the White House sharpened its warnings to Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping lane, in retaliation for the US strikes on Iran's nuclear programme 'To the Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!' Trump posted on social media. He added, 'EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!' The push by Trump comes at an uncertain moment as US embassies and military installations in the Middle East are on high alert for potential retaliation. Global markets are trying to ascertain what lies ahead after the US struck key Iranian nuclear facilities with a barrage of bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Iran's parliament has approved cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane in the Persian Gulf through which about 20 per cent of global oil and gas passes. It is now up to Iran's national security council to decide whether to move forward with the idea, which could lead to a spike in the cost of goods and services worldwide. Advertisement Many energy industry analysts are sceptical that Iran would go forward with a full closure of the strait, something that it has threatened to do in the past.

Qatar shuts down airspace to ensure safety, says government, after US attacks on Iran
Qatar shuts down airspace to ensure safety, says government, after US attacks on Iran

South China Morning Post

time3 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Qatar shuts down airspace to ensure safety, says government, after US attacks on Iran

Qatar said it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry said on X. It said the move comes to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Qatar hosts the largest United States base in the area. The shutdown comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the US after strikes on its nuclear sites on Sunday. Earlier, the US and UK governments told citizens based in Qatar to lie low after Iran vowed to retaliate against an American attack on its nuclear facilities. 'Out of an abundance of caution we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice,' the US embassy in Doha said in a statement on Monday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store