Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? Six months into the war, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening. The world is slowly learning to live with it, oil flows are recovering, alternative routes are expanding and Tehran's own economy is bearing the cost of keeping the waterway under pressure. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran Beijing has significant leverage over Tehran, but little incentive to use it for Washington’s benefit, given its reliance on Iranian oil. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis The Houthis’ advances around Bab al-Mandab point to another crack in the US-led Gulf security architecture—one China could gain from diplomatically and economically, even as it seeks to prevent a wider regional escalation. By Joyce Karam
China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea. Iran
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Will Uighurs upend Turkey-China relations? Ankara’s angry outburst over the alleged death of a renowned Uighur folk musician while in Chinese detention has exposed the weakness of Turkey’s claims of defending the minority and its dire need to maintain good relations with Beijing. Turkey
Does China endanger Israel’s security? Israeli security experts warn that growing Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects could endanger the country’s security. Israel
Will China buy Turkey on the cheap? Some argue China may “swallow” Turkey through acquisitions, given China’s growing interest in the region and Turkey’s economic crisis, which has cheapened its assets and left it in dire need of external funds. But the realities on the ground speak otherwise. Turkey
Why Chinese public diplomacy is failing in Iran While political and economic engagement between Iran and China continues to increase, China’s image remains poor as it is hostage to factional disputes within Iran. Iran
