Iran • Table.Briefings

May 14th, 2026

BRICS: India chairs overshadowed talks

The escalating tensions in the Middle East, in particular the conflict surrounding Iran, is dominating the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi.

By Amelie Richter

News | Iran

May 14th, 2026

Hormuz: Green light for selected Chinese ships

At the request of Chinese officials, Iran has agreed to allow Chinese ships to pass through its waters. It is not yet clear what the specific implications of the new arrangement will be.

By Redaktion Table

Ein Arbeiter steht mit einem Solarpaneel auf einem Dach

Feature | Energy prices

May 14th, 2026

Iran war: Energy transition saves the European Union billions on fossil fuel imports

European Union member states could save €67 billion on gas imports through the expansion of solar power. Renewables are the main buffer against the fossil fuel price crisis. Germany, too, has yet to fully realize the potential savings.

By David Goeßmann

News | Iran

May 11th, 2026

Iran: Why Saudi Arabia is increasingly moving toward confrontation with the US

Even a month after the fragile ceasefire took effect, there is still no sign of a negotiated settlement between Iran and the US. In Riyadh, pressure is mounting on US President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz through diplomacy.

By Markus Bickel

News | Foreign trade

May 10th, 2026

Trade: China’s exports surge unexpectedly ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Despite the war with Iran, China’s exports rose sharply in April. This gives Xi a strong hand in his negotiations with Trump.

By Jörn Petring

News | Diplomacy

May 6th, 2026

Iran war: Wang Yi signals greater involvement

Just one week before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping, Iran’s foreign minister visits China.

By Julia Fiedler

News | Defense industry

May 4th, 2026

US government approves billions in emergency arms sales to Middle East

The US government has approved emergency arms sales worth more than $8.6 billion to partners in the Middle East, with air defense systems making up the bulk of the planned purchases.

By Katharina Kort

News | Economy

April 30th, 2026

Economy: Construction and services stumble

China’s PMI remained just above the tipping point in April. Construction and the services sector in particular are struggling. As a result, China may once again have to rely on foreign demand.

By Redaktion Table

Hongkong Tankstelle Caltex Diesel Benzin

News | Subsidies

April 29th, 2026

Hong Kong: Discount on diesel and liquefied gas

Rising fuel prices are leading to discounts at filling stations in Hong Kong. The city is subsidizing, among other things, commercial vehicles and ships with around €230 million.

By Marcel Grzanna

News | Iran

April 24th, 2026

Reza Pahlavi: “We are not asking Europe to supply weapons”

The eldest son of the former Shah of Iran accuses Germany and the EU of “appeasement” toward the regime in Tehran. While he does not expect the EU to supply weapons to the opposition, he does expect it to expel Iranian diplomats.

By Markus Bickel