geopolitical tensionslatest news & developments
Hit: Smoke rising from the Thai bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack in March 2026. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

Iran war and Greater Israel Project

The US-Israel war on Iran is disrupting oil trade, pushing up petrol prices and raising concerns over the growing use of religion to justify war

  • Library
3 min read

Tourism must be SA’s defining story

Although global instability may temporarily redirect travel flows, the real opportunity lies not in benefiting from conflict elsewhere but in ensuring that South Africa becomes a destination the world actively chooses, whether there is conflict in other regions or not

  • Library
8 min read
Ronald Lamola. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Pretoria summons US ambassador as diplomatic strain grows with Washington

US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, was called in for a formal diplomatic demarche following comments the government described as “undiplomatic”

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read

G7 failed to address core issue in escalating US-Israel-Iran war, experts say

With oil prices climbing to $120 a barrel and the Strait of Hormuz shut, analysts say the G7 missed a critical opportunity to push for peace in the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Iran has been under intensified scrutiny over its response to protests. (Screenshot: Al Jazeera)

South Africa urges restraint and dialogue in Iran conflict

The presidency said sustainable peace and stability could only be achieved through solutions that centred on the agency of the Iranian people

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
South Africa accounts for 54% of all exports to the US under Agoa — a trade law which gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products including clothing, agricultural goods, crafts and manufactured items.

South Africa-US trade faces uncertain future as Agoa renewal stalls

Business and economic leaders warn that diplomatic tension, tariffs and shifting global alliances could shape whether the country remains part of the renewed agreement

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Gold prices have surged by more than 30% in 2024, repeatedly hitting record highs as global economic uncertainty drives demand for the precious metal. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

South Africa risks missing out on gold price surge due to structural challenges in mining sector

Prices have increased by over 30%, favouring gold-producing countries like South Africa, but structural issues are dampening opportunities This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

  • Aarti Bhana
1 min read
The government did not specify which manufacturers or models are likely to be impacted by the rule, which will be open for public comment for 30 days. File photo

United States bans Chinese and Russian tech in vehicles over national security fears

China hit back by saying Washington was taking ‘discriminatory action’ against its companies

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read
Russian RS-24 Yars nuclear missile complex (NATO reporting name: SS-29) arrives during the main rehearsals of the military parade, in the Red Square, on May 5, 2024. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)

Nuclear arms spending soars as global tensions swell

China is, for the first time, believed to have some warheads on high operational alert

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read