AGP Executive Report

Iran-US Economic Pressure: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says it’s time to end the war with the US “in a position of power,” as Washington escalates “economic D-Day” threats and Iran vows a “devastating” response. China Rejects Sanctions Push: China firmly rejects US calls to join sanctions aimed at “squashing” Iran, arguing pressure won’t solve the conflict and warning against unilateral measures. Israel-Türkiye Syria Tensions: Israel warns Türkiye over “dangerous adventures” in Syria after strikes on a Syrian airbase it said was being prepared for Turkish forces. West Bank Settlement Row: Japan urges Israel to halt expansion of illegal settlement plans in the E1 area and calls for a freeze on all settlement activity. Jordan Politics & Budget Prep: Jordanian opinion pieces focus on a Cabinet reshuffle and preparations for the 2027 budget, with debate over how the government handled reshuffle timing. Gulf Business & Markets: Abu Dhabi’s exchange reports 99% compliance on H1 audited disclosures and rolls out conversational AI access to live market data. Logistics Under Strain: East Africa shippers appoint a new chair as port congestion, Middle East-linked disruptions, and regulatory pressures weigh on cargo clearance.

Iran-US Economic Pressure: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent says Washington will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran and aims to “collapse” Tehran’s regime, urging allies and China to join an economic isolation campaign; Trump warns any country offering “lifelines” to Iran faces “tremendous economic consequences,” as oil prices jump on supply fears. West Bank Settlements: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Canada condemn Israel’s E-1 settlement tender for about 1,200 homes, calling it unacceptable and warning it undermines peace prospects. Humanitarian Fallout: Doctors Without Borders condemns Israel’s decision not to investigate fatal attacks on its Gaza staff, while Gaza families bury 50 recovered bodies from earlier strikes. Red Sea Security: Yemen’s Houthis plan to seize land along the Bab el-Mandeb coast to tighten control of the chokepoint, raising risks for Red Sea shipping. Jordan Politics: Jordanian opinion pieces focus on the latest Cabinet reshuffle and preparations for the 2027 budget amid regional shifts tied to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Pakistan Finance Deal: IFC and Bank Alfalah sign Pakistan’s first Diversified Payment Rights programme, targeting up to $100m in long-term foreign-currency financing. Oman Energy Contract: Doosan Enerbility wins a $683m EPC deal for Oman’s Misfah 1,700MW gas power plant, targeting completion in 2029.

Iran Sanctions Escalation: Trump vowed an “economic D-Day” against Iran, warning any country or business aiding Tehran—including via oil smuggling, swaps, cash transfers, or ship registries—faces “tremendous economic consequences,” as the Strait of Hormuz deal remains elusive. US Military Redeployment: CENTCOM confirmed the USS George Washington has taken over in the Middle East after the USS Abraham Lincoln’s long, strained deployment, with the carrier now leading operations amid the regional blockade of Iranian ports. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Nigeria’s depots raised petrol prices after crude climbed on renewed US-Iran tensions, while Spain moved to compensate fishing shipowners for diesel hikes tied to the Middle East conflict. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz reaffirmed support for Syria’s sovereignty after Israeli strikes, urging deeper cooperation and resuming direct flights. Jordan Politics: Jordanian commentary says a Cabinet reshuffle was handled unusually, with advance disclosures aimed at cooling public appetite for further shake-ups, as budget planning and credit facilities remain key themes. Humanitarian Strain: Somalia faces another hunger crisis as WFP says it has far less funding than in 2022, warning it can only provide “bare minimum” aid. Aviation Tech: Qatar Airways became the first airline to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9, expanding gate-to-gate connectivity across its fleet.

Iran-US Economic Escalation: President Donald Trump announced an “economic D-Day” against Iran, warning any country offering Iran financial or logistical “lifelines” will face “tremendous” consequences, and listing oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers and front companies as targets. Gulf Pressure on Tehran: The UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran after renewed missile-related claims, while Iran warned Gulf states hosting US installations could be treated as participants. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: With Hormuz tensions keeping shipping slow, oil prices and inflation fears are feeding into markets and costs across the region. Diplomatic Spat Widens: France expelled two Iranian diplomats from Paris amid a growing row over alleged intimidation and support for civil society. Humanitarian Gaza Push: UK’s new Middle East minister Stephen Doughty urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, saying current flows are “simply too low.” Regional Security Talks: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar is set to meet counterparts in Istanbul with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt under an R-4 coordination push tied to the wider Iran-US crisis. Markets Watch: Asian stocks steadied after US Treasury buyback plans, but Middle East-driven oil and bond worries continue to rattle investor sentiment.

Middle East Security: Iran is weighing retaliation options beyond the region, including possible strikes on U.S. military assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus, as talks over the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled and Washington says it has no Iran negotiations planned. Gulf Energy & Trade: With Hormuz risk rising, Gulf exporters are looking at alternate routes to keep oil flowing, while shipping disruptions continue to feed higher costs and market jitters. Regional Diplomacy: The UAE announced it has halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, underscoring how missile and drone attacks are reshaping Gulf policy. Markets & Inflation: Middle East tensions are spilling into Asia-Pacific trading—Philippine stocks slid as the peso hit record lows and oil prices climbed on escalation fears, while investors elsewhere watch bond and rate moves. Local Governance & Society: In Jordan, analysis of a cabinet reshuffle and budget preparations highlights how political timing and regional security pacts are driving domestic debate.

Hormuz Tensions & Oil Prices: Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is “open and operating” and denied any planned Iran talks, while Iran and regional reports keep pointing to disruption risk—pushing oil higher and feeding back into fuel costs. Yemen Conflict: Japan’s foreign minister met Yemen’s interim leadership in Saudi Arabia, stressing peace as Houthis target Saudi infrastructure and shipping routes. ICC Crackdown: The US sanctioned International Criminal Court president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, escalating Washington’s fight with The Hague. Cyber & School Scams: Middle East-focused security coverage warns families about phishing and AI-enabled impersonation aimed at students, including attacks on school portal logins. Palestinian Culture Spotlight: A free festival in the UK highlights Palestinian culture with food, crafts, dance and film. Qatar Hospitality & Sports Build-Up: Andaz Doha named a new GM, while Qatar’s FIBA World Cup 2027 venue Al Janoub Arena hosted a media preview ahead of opening. Business/Tech: Coverage also highlights AI export infrastructure trends and a technology-first forex/CFD brokerage approach.

AI & Governance: A UAE study flags a widening gap between soaring AI spend and weak execution, with organisations still struggling to scale AI-enabled workflows and talent. Cybersecurity at LEAP: Cloudflare says AI adoption in Saudi Arabia demands security-by-design, with AI traffic visibility and agent identity/permissions. Israel–West Bank: Reports describe Israeli military “inaction” during a West Bank siege as settlers besieged Palestinians near Qusra, raising fresh questions about enforcement and settler influence. Gaza Power Struggles: An analysis details Hamas’s internal counter-intelligence unit and names anti-Hamas armed groups it targets, including the “Popular Forces.” Iran–Hormuz Tensions: Trump says the U.S. has no planned talks with Iran while insisting Hormuz remains open; an attack on a ship exiting the strait underscores shipping risk. Markets & Energy Shock: Global bond yields hit multi-decade highs as oil and diesel prices rise on Middle East fears, keeping investors cautious. Business & Growth: UAE R&D in Dubai supports Himalaya’s double-digit regional growth push; in Egypt, Rolls-Royce opens temporary sales/service as it tests demand.

US-Iran Tensions: Markets stayed jittery as the 60-day Iran truce expired and Tehran warned it will shift to a “fully offensive” posture, pushing oil higher and lifting bond yields. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Trump escalated rhetoric, threatening to bomb Oman if it “stands in our way” of a Hormuz deal, while Iran and Oman continued talks. Shipping Costs: Container shipping charges from South Korea to the Middle East rose again in July, adding to cost pressures for regional trade. Jordan Politics & Budget Prep: Jordanian opinion pieces focused on the latest Cabinet reshuffle, with writers saying advance disclosures were meant to cool public appetite for further shake-ups, alongside preparations for the 2027 budget and bank credit moves. Regional Security Diplomacy: Turkey’s top diplomat visited eastern Libya, signaling Ankara’s expanding reach and raising fresh questions about how Libya’s split is managed amid wider Middle East competition. Food Security: A UN report put chronic hunger at 645 million people in 2025 and flagged the rising cost of a healthy diet as inflation bites. Energy & Industry: Nigeria’s trade finance challenges were highlighted as oil and non-oil deals struggle with financing structures, while shipping and power costs keep weighing on business.

Iran-US Deadline: The 60-day US-Iran negotiation window ends today with no extension announced, leaving the war without a clear roadmap as tensions rise and oil stays supported by Strait of Hormuz fears. Hormuz Pressure: Iran says it is close to finalising an Oman transit plan for shipping, while Trump again threatens Oman with bombing if it “gets in the way.” Gaza Diplomacy: US envoy Jared Kushner, with Tony Blair and others, met Hamas in Egypt and is now set to meet Netanyahu as Israel rejects the US-backed 15-point Gaza roadmap, insisting Hamas must be fully disarmed first. Regional Security Shift: Trump hailed the new Mecca joint defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan as a sign the region is “coming together,” even as analysts question whether such deals can replace US security guarantees. Shipping & Economy: Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to slow shipping, while Middle East conflict uncertainty weighs on markets and raises costs for energy-importing economies. Jordan Politics: Jordanian analysts scrutinised a Cabinet reshuffle and budget preparations, linking domestic governance moves to wider regional realignments.

Gaza Diplomacy: US envoy Jared Kushner met Hamas leaders in Egypt as Washington pushes its Gaza “disarmament” peace plan, with Israel still insisting Hamas must be fully disarmed before any troop withdrawal. Regional Security: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed after tanker attacks, while US-Iran talks to ease the crisis reportedly stalled—keeping oil prices supported. Lebanon Front: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people, underscoring how the Gaza track is spilling into wider conflict. Mecca Defense Pact: Jordanian opinion pieces spotlight the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement linking Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan as a sign of shifting regional security architecture. Business & Markets: Investors stayed cautious amid Middle East risk and inflation worries; in Australia, NAB flagged home-lending pressure tied partly to the Middle East conflict and higher rates. Labour & Society: Bahrain’s talabat won an award for combating trafficking, citing its rider safety and worker-protection efforts.

Iran-U.S. Tensions: Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami announced a $30,000 bounty for captured or killed U.S. soldiers, as Tehran also vowed “resistance” until “complete defeat” of the U.S. and Israel. Hormuz Pressure & Oil Costs: The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with attacks and threats keeping energy prices and inflation worries front and center for central banks. Regional Security Pact: Turkey’s Erdoğan said Egypt could join the Mecca Defence Agreement linking Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, while Saudi concerns reportedly grow over Cairo’s ties to Abu Dhabi. Gaza Mediation: A senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo ahead of a Kushner visit, as mediators try to salvage a fraying ceasefire. Lebanon & Strikes: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed multiple people, underscoring how ceasefire talks collide with battlefield realities. Aviation Disruption: Middle East airlines face heavy losses tied to the Iran-war shock, while Hormuz disruptions continue to ripple through travel and logistics. Business & Connectivity: MDLBEAST Foundation opened applications for XPERFORM 2026, and FasterCapital backed a Maldives eSIM startup to speed cross-border mobile connectivity.

Gaza Diplomacy: Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is heading to Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence ahead of Jared Kushner’s planned Gaza visit, as Israel rejects a proposed roadmap and mediators press for renewed pressure on Netanyahu. Hormuz Flashpoints: Iran says Qatar is holding three missing pilots (Qatar denies), while the UAE blames Iran for another vessel attack in the Strait of Hormuz; meanwhile Trump again signals the strait could be treated as “US territory,” as Iran vows to keep it closed under its own control. Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes killed 11 in southern Lebanon amid renewed fears after the June truce, with Hezbollah-linked attacks cited by Israel. Yemen War Fears: Yemenis in port areas like Mokha are bracing for a return to all-out conflict as Houthi-government fighting disrupts daily life and displacement resumes. Regional Business & Investment: Kuwait touts a major FDI push, highlighting the Shaheen Project as a landmark foreign investment deal; Energy & Costs: road and fuel disruptions tied to West Asia conflict are already reshaping budgets and prices, with shipping slowdowns raising pressure on refined oil markets. Sports & Culture: Qatar’s Al Janoub Arena opens with Qatar-China basketball ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup, while Pinoy Popstar Middle East 2026 nears its grand finale.

Hormuz Tensions: Iran and Oman are edging toward a “shipping map” deal to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, amid mounting tanker attacks and fears for global oil flows. Lebanon-Israel Escalation: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed nine, with Hezbollah-linked attacks cited as the trigger, as hostilities remain fragile after a June lull. Afghanistan Crisis: The Taliban marked five years in power with a Kabul parade, while aid groups and UN-linked bodies warn humanitarian and social crises are worsening, especially for women and girls. West Bank Flashpoint: The US is urging Netanyahu to publicly condemn settler actions in Qusra, where families say they were trapped and cut off from water and electricity. US Military Strain: Reports say sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln face deteriorating conditions and mental health concerns, with a replacement carrier expected. Regional Security Pact: Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani defense coordination is being framed as a message that attacks on Gulf security threaten the wider region. Oil Market Pressure: Brent rose as deadlock over Hormuz persists, keeping prices and fuel subsidies under strain across the region.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Trump says he will soon declare Hormuz “US territory” as the US maintains an indefinite naval blockade and shipping traffic grinds toward a near standstill after tanker attacks. Iran Pressure & Sanctions: Washington signals “economic isolation” measures against Iran next week while Iran rejects intimidation and insists the strait remains under its authority. US Military Strain: Reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln—plus a sailor jumping overboard—are prompting the US to rush the USS George Washington toward the Middle East. Regional Security: CENTCOM begins a multinational suicide-drone task force in the Middle East, inviting regional allies to join. Energy Shock: Oil rises over $1 amid tanker attacks and blockade fears, with consumers facing higher fuel costs. Afghanistan Rights & Aid: UN urges donors not to cut funding for women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as restrictions deepen and humanitarian needs grow. Egypt Economy: IMF says Egypt’s economy grew 5% in Q3 FY2025/26, beating expectations, though conflict impacts may show more in the next fiscal year. Business & Finance: Mastercard’s $1.8bn BVNK deal signals stablecoins’ push into mainstream payments, while Pakistan’s petroleum dealers postpone a strike after a margin increase.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz “grinds to a near standstill” after two more attacks, with the US warning it can keep a naval blockade on Iran “indefinitely” as talks stall and transits drop. Regional Security Architecture: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan’s Mecca-style joint defense deal signals a NATO-like shift in West Asian geopolitics, driven by worries about US reliability and Iran’s growing leverage. Christian Community in Jerusalem: Reports say harassment against Christians in Jerusalem has nearly tripled over four years, with nuns now relying on Jewish bodyguards after violent incidents. Turkey’s AI Push: Türkiye’s $58bn tech market is being showcased ahead of GITEX Ai Türkiye, with plans for major data-centre and AI talent expansion. Business Impact from Middle East Conflict: Jaguar Land Rover flags sales and profit pressure tied to “market disruption” from the Middle East conflict plus a supplier fire. Tourism and Travel Links: The Middle East crisis is also reshaping travel demand, while Philippines-Türkiye talks focus on discounted Manila–Istanbul fares for OFWs.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran and the US trade accusations as Washington eyes an indefinite naval blockade and shipping through Hormuz stays thin, while oil and diesel markets tighten. Kuwait Energy Shock: Kuwait’s oil exports remain crippled because it must pass through Hormuz, leaving the country exposed to the wider Gulf war. Iran-US Tensions: Iran’s top diplomat says the US miscalculated due to “intelligence failures,” as regional disruption hits shipping firms like Hapag-Lloyd. Oil Market Stress: Wall Street warns of a “perfect storm” diesel crunch, with refined-product shortages worsening even as crude steadies below $100. Qatar Capital Markets: Qatar Investment Authority invests in Lesha Bank’s fund, backing locally managed Sharia-compliant equities. UAE Family Finance: Several UAE banks offer interest-free school-fee instalments, with rules varying by provider. Pakistan Water Red Line: PM Shehbaz Sharif warns India that every drop of Pakistan’s water is a “red line,” promising direct response if New Delhi doesn’t back down. Yemen Security: Clashes between Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen’s government forces raise fears of a renewed front. Oman Oil Spill: A tanker spill off Oman expands into protected areas, threatening coastline and wildlife.