Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Iran's military has escalated diplomatic pressure on Qatar and Kuwait, demanding access to investigate the fate of pilots allegedly captured by Qatari forces and four Iranians detained in Kuwait, while both Gulf states deny the claims.
Bangladesh's government expressed outrage after India allowed exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to conduct a live media briefing from New Delhi, warning the event damages efforts to normalise ties between the South Asian neighbours.
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has initiated an investigation into Saudi Arabia's claims that militant groups aligned with Iran operating within Iraqi borders were responsible for drone attacks on Saudi territory, according to official statements.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro are scheduled to meet this week at an Asean gathering in Manila, marking their first diplomatic encounter in two years as tensions mount over South China Sea claims and regional geopolitics.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has declared US President Trump's signature invalid after accusing Washington of breaching a peace memorandum signed in June, escalating already volatile Middle East tensions.
The United States has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and northern Israel, warning of heightened security risks and potential for unforeseen escalation in the volatile West Asia region.
The Philippines has strongly denounced state-run China Daily for releasing an AI-generated video that dehumanizes Filipinos as monkeys, demanding its immediate removal and condemning what officials describe as contemptible propaganda designed to mock the country's legal victories.
Bahrain has refrained from drawing on a $5.3 billion currency swap with the United Arab Emirates despite economic headwinds from regional conflict, while simultaneously negotiating the reinstatement of its Formula One Grand Prix.