Displaying items by tag: Asia

Iran has rejected claims by Donald Trump that negotiations are under way to end the conflict, with military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari accusing Washington of ‘negotiating with itself’ to mask failure. While US officials suggest progress and reports indicate a proposed plan involving limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, Iranian leaders insist no direct or indirect talks have taken place. Confusion persists as regional actors, including Pakistan and Turkey, reportedly act as intermediaries, passing messages in hopes of de-escalation. Meanwhile, hostilities continue, with Israel and Iran exchanging strikes and civilian casualties reported. The US is also increasing its military presence in the region, highlighting the tension between diplomatic signals and ongoing conflict, and underscoring the fragility of any potential path toward peace.

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, sending oil prices higher and straining economies, especially across Asia. With nearly 90% of shipments through the strait destined for the region, countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India are facing fuel shortages and rising costs. Governments have introduced emergency measures, including reduced working hours, remote work policies, and fuel rationing. The crisis has deeply affected everyday livelihoods, with drivers, farmers, factory workers, and small businesses struggling to cope. Industries have slowed or shut down, while long queues for fuel and rising living costs have increased uncertainty. Though the conflict is geographically distant, its economic impact is immediate, exposing the vulnerability of global energy systems and the fragile balance many communities depend on.

Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the outset of the war. Known for his ability to bridge factions within Iran’s complex system, he played a key role linking military and civilian authorities while maintaining influence with international partners. His loss removes a figure seen as capable of navigating both internal divisions and external pressures. He had supported diplomatic engagement alongside firm internal control, positioning himself as a pragmatic voice amid hardline elements. His absence could strengthen more hardline forces, complicating any path towards stability or ceasefire. News update: on 18 March Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed in an air strike. See

Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See

Christians in Pakistan are using theatre to proclaim the Gospel through a growing creative movement centred in Karachi. The Othniel School of Biblical Art (OSBA) is preparing its 2026 season of 'Journey to Salvation', a large-scale musical production presenting the story of Jesus from Creation to the Ascension using only Bible verses. Scheduled for 7–15 March at the National Academy of Performing Arts, the production combines drama, music, and worship to bring Scripture to life on stage. Since its launch, the ministry has expanded rapidly, reaching thousands through dozens of performances and launching a Christian art gallery to encourage faith-inspired creativity. Over 110 actors from diverse backgrounds have participated, reflecting the unity of Pakistan’s Christian community. Organisers expect the 2026 performances to reach more than 8,000 attendees, with potential media exposure to millions across the country. Despite financial and cultural challenges faced by Christians as a minority, the movement continues to grow. Leaders believe theatre can help younger generations encounter the message of Christ in powerful, memorable ways.

The Middle East has entered a new period of instability following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed more than a thousand people and triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Among those killed was Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of the country. The strikes, described by US and Israeli officials as necessary to address security threats, have drawn global attention and concern. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting military installations and other sites across several countries in the region. The escalation has disrupted diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and raised fears of a wider conflict. Civilians across the Middle East face growing risks as violence spreads, while thousands of foreign nationals have struggled to leave affected areas. The conflict has also shaken global energy markets and travel networks, reflecting the far-reaching consequences of the crisis. Recent news: at least 87 were killed when a US submarine sank an Iranian tanker (see), and the US Senate voted against a bipartisan measure which would have limited Trump’s war powers (see).

The war in the Middle East tensions has raised concerns about global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries a large share of the world’s seaborne energy trade, including significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Analysts warn that disruption to shipping could drive energy prices sharply higher, affecting many Asian economies which depend heavily on imported fuel. Among ASEAN members, Thailand is considered especially vulnerable, as oil imports represent a significant share of its economy. Economists say even modest increases in oil prices could weaken the country’s financial balance. Other nations such as India, Pakistan, South Korea, and the Philippines could also face pressure due to reliance on imported energy. Some countries maintain limited reserves of fuel supplies, raising concerns if the disruption continues. Meanwhile, energy exporters such as Malaysia may experience short-term economic gains from rising prices.

Heavy fighting has erupted along the long border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. The clashes began after Pakistani air strikes targeted locations in Afghanistan, including sites linked to Taliban forces, following accusations that militants were launching attacks on Pakistan from Afghan territory. Taliban authorities have denied supporting such groups. Pakistan says it has struck military facilities used by militants, including locations near the former Bagram air base, while Afghan officials report that their forces have resisted several attacks and captured at least one Pakistani military post. Both sides claim to have inflicted significant losses, though details remain difficult to verify. The UN mission in Afghanistan reports that dozens of civilians have been killed and more than a hundred injured. Aid agencies warn that ongoing violence is worsening humanitarian conditions and limiting access for relief efforts, including continuing to help those affected by the earthquakes in August and September which killed more than 1,400 people.

Ngoc*, a 63-year-old believer in Vietnam, has endured severe persecution for her Christian faith. Raised in ancestral worship, she came to faith in Jesus after hearing about His love and forgiveness at a local church. When she told her husband, his violence intensified, including attempts to strangle and stone her. Though some of her children opposed her decision, one daughter stood by her. Local authorities and neighbours later pressured Ngoc to renounce her faith. When she refused, a mob forced her from her home, and she was expelled from her village with only the clothes she wore. With her daughter and granddaughter, she found refuge in another community where local Christians helped them rebuild their lives. Despite suffering rejection, violence and loss, Ngoc continues to express deep trust in God, testifying to His faithfulness through hardship. (*name changed for security reasons)

Amid growing concern over repression in Laos, another activist, Bao Mo Khaen, has been killed. Known for criticising the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party online, he was reportedly detained by soldiers in Vientiane on 14 February, and his body was discovered beside a damaged motorbike six days later. His death follows other cases involving Lao dissidents in recent years, including enforced disappearances and attacks at home and abroad. Observers note that such incidents often coincide with politically sensitive periods such as the national election on 22 February. Laos remains a one-party state, and the   election was conducted without opposition candidates. Economic pressures, rising debt and youth emigration have added to public discontent. Human rights advocates argue that the pattern of violence reflects efforts to silence dissent and instil fear. Authorities have not publicly provided detailed explanations regarding Khaen’s death, and concerns over accountability persist.