AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed plan for a regional mechanism to manage the Strait of Hormuz, including voluntary fees for ships, aiming to restore smoother global energy flows amid US-Iran tensions. Drone & Oil-Security Fallout: Saudi Arabia and regional bodies condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities, with Pakistan also denouncing the strikes and Somalia backing Riyadh’s security. US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Debate: A new US-Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement is drawing scrutiny over safeguards and the possibility of enrichment-related pathways, as Washington and Riyadh clarify conditions. Saudi Economy & Tech: PIF-linked Jada launched a growth-stage SME private equity push, while Saudi introduced an instant digital “declaration of Islam” card via Tawakkalna. Qatar Health & Governance: Sidra Medicine administered Qatar’s first Itvisma gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, while Qatar also faced political backlash after Naftali Bennett’s renewed accusations. Pakistan Pressure Points: Pakistan forecasts heavy monsoon rains from July 29, circular debt hit Rs1.74tn, and refinery policy changes target Euro-4/Euro-5 fuel upgrades. Yemen Displacement: Yemen saw a sharp drop in internal displacement last week, though lightning injuries were reported in Hodeidah. Sports: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the 3rd ODI to clinch the series 2-1, with Chamari Athapaththu starring.

Saudi–Yemen Escalation: Yemen’s internationally recognised government says it is “prepared for any escalations” with the Houthis as the Iran-backed group targets Saudi oil and shipping, while Riyadh blames militias in Iraq and reports drone interceptions and fires at facilities including Aramco’s Abqaiq and Jazan. Gulf Diplomacy: Oman is pushing talks to reopen and stabilise Strait of Hormuz navigation, while the OIC condemns drone attacks from Iraqi territory and calls for restraint. Pakistan–Kashmir Tensions: Pakistan condemns Indian officials’ Kashmir remarks and urges the UN to hold India accountable over Jammu and Kashmir, warning rhetoric could raise risks between nuclear neighbours. Pakistan–Saudi Solidarity: Pakistan reiterates support for Saudi sovereignty after drone attacks. Qatar–Security & Society: Qatar and Pakistan discuss security cooperation; Qatar also expands anti-trafficking legal aid via an MoU with the Qatar Lawyers Association and backs hepatitis awareness efforts. Business & Trade: Brookfield raises about $2bn for a Middle East fund anchored by Saudi PIF; Pakistan and Iraq explore deeper trade ties. Sports: Qatar beats Kuwait in FIBA U18 Gulf qualifiers; Pakistan’s Test vs West Indies tightens after West Indies’ collapse.

Saudi-Iraq Drone Clash: Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry says it intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory aimed at oil facilities in the Eastern Province and targets in Riyadh, blaming Iranian-backed militias and urging Iraq to stop using its soil for attacks. Red Sea Pressure: The Houthis claim drone strikes on Saudi oil transport targets and warn of further disruption as Bab el-Mandeb traffic drops sharply, with insurers reportedly tightening coverage for Saudi-linked shipping. Oman Mediation & Hormuz Talks: Amid a pause in US-Iran strikes, Oman is again in the spotlight for indirect talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for regional energy flows. Pakistan Floods & Polio Push: Pakistan’s monsoon death toll has topped 100 as more heavy rain is forecast, while WHO says the next six months are decisive for ending polio transmission in Pakistan. Qatar Updates: Qatar Customs says it seized 1,650kg of chewing tobacco and 22,005 cigarette packs at Doha Port; Qatar Airways also launched a Doha-based fare promotion and Qatar Duty Free opened its first Aesop store at Hamad International Airport. Oman Energy Plans: Oman invited bids for consultancy support on four 1GW solar IPP projects, targeting operations by Q2 2030.

Red Sea Disruption: Shipping through Bab el-Mandeb hit a months-low after Yemeni Houthis struck Saudi oil installations, with only 11 commodity vessels passing Sunday and Red Sea traffic still disrupted; transit near the Strait of Hormuz also stayed low as the wider U.S.-Iran standoff continues. Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: Singapore condemned the attacks and urged restraint, while Qatar and Oman pushed de-escalation talks tied to the U.S.-Iran memorandum, including freedom of navigation in Hormuz. Saudi Nuclear Deal Fallout: A U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement is drawing sharp criticism in Washington, with a GOP senator publicly questioning the timing and proliferation risk as officials insist there is “no enrichment” and strict inspections. Yemen Port Damage: A Yemen transport minister said Saudi blockade and strikes have caused losses exceeding $12bn for Red Sea ports, with container traffic collapsing for years. Pakistan Pressure Points: Islamabad faces a ventilator shortage in major public hospitals amid monsoon deaths rising above 100, while Pakistan’s first Test vs West Indies saw Shan Masood’s unbeaten 88 lift the chase. Qatar-Saudi Coordination: Qatar and Saudi officials met to boost trade, logistics, and security cooperation, alongside Qatar’s community health and conservation updates.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says it made progress with Oman on operational mechanisms for safe ship passage, while the US pauses strikes for a second night, as Qatar and Pakistan push a US-Iran de-escalation path. Maritime Security: Qatar fully resumes maritime navigation after a two-week suspension tied to Gulf tensions; in the Red Sea, UKMTO reports a projectile splash near a tanker with no damage, as Houthis keep targeting Saudi-linked shipping. Yemen Frontlines: Houthis claim they shot down a Turkish-made Saudi reconnaissance drone over Al-Jawf, and fighting flares in Yemen’s Al-Dhalea after strikes on Houthi sites. Qatar Economy & Governance: QFZ launches the Qatar Diamond Exchange in Ras Bufontas Free Zone; Qatar Customs rolls out an enhanced Al-Nadeeb app; Qatar Chamber wraps an International CSR training program. Pakistan Weather & Sports: Pakistan’s monsoon death toll rises to 97; PCB adds Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique to the West Indies/England Test squads after injuries. Saudi Domestic Moves: Saudi Arabia deports 13,251 people in a residency and border crackdown; exports rise 3.9% in May on stronger oil shipments.

Yemen–Saudi Escalation: Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi oil installations in Yanbu and Jizan after strikes on Hodeida, as Saudi civil defense reported repeated alerts and the Bab al-Mandeb threat returned to the spotlight. US–Iran Pause, Gulf Tensions: The US halted nightly Iran strikes for a second straight night, while Iran and regional rivals traded warnings, keeping pressure on Persian Gulf allies. Air Defense in Saudi: A Greek Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted a Yemen-launched drone near Yanbu, adding to a fast-moving missile-and-drone defense cycle. Qatar Diplomacy & Development: ESCWA’s executive secretary said Qatar is a key partner for sustainable development, highlighting cooperation on social protection and digital transformation. Qatar–Portugal Business: Qatar Chamber signed an MoU with Portugal’s industrial association to boost trade, investment, and company links. Pakistan Security & Floods: India’s Jammu and Kashmir police issued an NIA court proclamation for a Pakistan-based terror handler over the Katra and Narwal blasts; meanwhile, flash floods and glacier melt kept parts of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan cut off for a fourth day. Qatar Sports & Culture: Qatar advanced in Davis Cup Group III and promoted local agriculture through the Local Dates Festival, while Oman and Bahrain opened strong in the Gulf U18 basketball qualifiers.

Yemen–Saudi Escalation: Iran’s FM Abbas Araqchi rejected a military solution to Yemen and urged dialogue as Houthis and Saudi forces traded blows. Red Sea Shipping Risk: UN chief António Guterres warned renewed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels could widen the conflict and threaten freedom of navigation. Houthi Claims: Houthis said they fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy sites in Jizan and Yanbu after strikes on Hodeidah, while Saudi-led coalition said it hit Houthi military targets tied to Red Sea attacks. Missile Defense Alerts: Saudi civil defense issued and later lifted warnings in Yanbu and Jizan after ballistic missiles from Yemen were intercepted by a Greek-operated Patriot system. Maritime Incidents: UKMTO reported a tanker incident involving military forces in the Gulf of Oman, as security tensions keep shipping on edge. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM urged an immediate halt to military operations and stressed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea in calls with Iran and Oman. Qatar–Portugal Trade: Qatar Chamber signed an MoU with Portugal’s industrial association to boost business cooperation and investment. Aviation Security: Qatar Airways flight scare in the UK led to RAF Typhoons scrambling after a hoax threat; a 14-year-old was identified. Business & Travel: Beond plans to expand premium European routes to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resort airport. Pakistan–Iran Talks: Pakistan explored ways to revive stalled US-Iran negotiations via Chinese-backed diplomacy, amid sensitivity over Yemen’s Houthi blockade of Saudi shipping.

Red Sea Flashpoint: Saudi Arabia and the US traded strikes with Iran as the Saudi-led coalition hit Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah after attacks on Saudi shipping; the Houthis vowed “escalation for escalation,” while Saudi officials said ports including Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Salif remained open and a Saudi vessel (NCC MASA) suffered only minor hull damage. Nuclear Deal Fallout: The US-Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement is signed, but Trump says it won’t proceed unless Saudi Arabia normalises ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords—sparking fresh proliferation concerns over uranium control and safeguards. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi at the SCO forum, urging dialogue and de-escalation and building on the Islamabad MoU; Pakistan also explored renewed US-Iran talks via China. Qatar Economy: Qatar is accelerating toward a cashless model as digital payments surge, with QCB data showing sharp year-on-year growth in transaction volume and value. Pakistan Domestic: PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir inaugurated Pakistan’s largest Sky47 AI data centre, while Qatar condemned a deadly police attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Labor Watch: A report says major fashion brands’ audit systems are “systemically silencing” garment workers in Pakistan, pointing to fear and retaliation risks.

Red Sea Escalation: Yemen’s Houthis say they hit two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the US carries out its 12th night of strikes on Iran-linked targets, pushing Brent above $100 and raising fresh shipping fears. US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi signed a civilian nuclear cooperation pact, but Trump immediately added a new condition: Saudi must normalize ties with Israel via the Abraham Accords, throwing the deal’s future into doubt and stoking nonproliferation concerns. Pakistan Security & Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz blamed India for terrorism and warned Afghan soil is used against Pakistan, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the SCO to press the Taliban on counterterrorism commitments. Pakistan-US Trade Pressure: New US forced-labour tariffs hit 60 partners including Gulf states and Pakistan, adding costs just as trade talks were expected to improve. Saudi Domestic Moves: Saudi Arabia topped the UN e-government digital services index for 2025, and launched a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa via Nusuk. Sports: West Indies coach Daren Sammy confirmed Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the Pakistan Test series; Qatar and Oman youth handball teams set for playoffs.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal Shock: Trump says the newly signed US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement is “totally subject” to Saudi joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing ties with Israel, while insisting there will be “no enrichment,” throwing the pact into uncertainty and triggering backlash over safeguards and proliferation risks. Red Sea Escalation: Yemen’s Houthis claim attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, with fires reported and Brent surging past $100, as UN envoy Hans Grundberg warns the renewed strikes could pull Yemen back toward full-scale war and calls for talks. Yemen–Saudi Standoff: Sana’a state-linked statements frame the crisis as “siege for siege,” with armed forces vowing continued naval operations and rallies backing a maritime blockade. Regional Diplomacy: Oman says it is coordinating with Saudi Arabia, Yemeni parties and the UN to resume a political track and avoid escalation. Pakistan Migration & Economy: Pakistan launched a National Immigration and Welfare Policy 2026 to protect overseas workers, while also raising petrol and diesel prices amid market volatility. Qatar Cooperation: Qatar joined Arab interior and CITES scientific meetings, and renewed its ONE Championship partnership for major events in 2027. Cyber Safety: Kaspersky flagged global SIM-card scams that also target Pakistan, urging users to avoid fake telecom login sites.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation pact that will go to Congress, with Trump saying it hinges on Saudi joining the Abraham Accords and that there will be no uranium enrichment under the agreement—sparking Israeli warnings of a possible regional arms race. Red Sea Escalation: Iran-backed Houthis claimed they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and declared a naval blockade around Bab el-Mandeb; Saudi confirmed one vessel was hit and on fire, while oil prices jumped toward $100 and Trump threatened “major military punishment” for Iran if attacks continue. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan and Oman urged restraint and respect for international law amid the US-Iran standoff, with Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia after the tanker strikes. Energy Cooperation: Kuwait and Oman reiterated plans to deepen energy ties. Pakistan Tech & Economy: Meta will train 1,000 Pakistani SMEs in AI and digital marketing, while PTA reported higher mobile call/data package prices. Weather & Disasters: Qatar warned of extreme heat up to 47°C, and monsoon flooding across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan killed at least 82.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal: Washington and Riyadh signed a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation pact that could open a pathway to uranium enrichment, with the framework now headed to Congress and sparking fresh alarm in Israel and among US lawmakers over safeguards and proliferation risks. Red Sea Shipping Crisis: Yemen’s Houthis claimed missile and drone strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, after warning ships against using Saudi ports; UKMTO also reported a tanker hit by an unidentified projectile near Al-Shuqaiq, while threats are already forcing reroutes and raising fears of another chokepoint. Pakistan–Iran Connectivity: Pakistan and Iran discussed reviving the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight rail link, alongside upgrades to Pakistan’s ML-3 corridor and Iran’s Zahedan–Mirjaveh line, aiming to boost trade and regional integration. Pakistan–US Economic Ties: Pakistan welcomed a US EXIM Bank financing framework proposal for priority projects, as S&P upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating to “B,” and officials highlighted growing investment and trade engagement. Regional Security Diplomacy: Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed cooperation on counterterrorism, border management, and curbing smuggling during interior minister talks, as Red Sea tensions continue to spill into wider Gulf security concerns.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Trump has formally approved a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia, with reports saying it could open the door to uranium enrichment on Saudi soil and be submitted to Congress soon, drawing nonproliferation concerns. Red Sea Tensions: Pakistan says it is “deeply concerned” about efforts to pull Saudi into the Middle East conflict and has condemned Houthi threats against Saudi-linked commercial shipping, warning of risks to navigation and global trade. Maritime Pressure on Shipping: Houthis have warned vessels using Saudi Red Sea ports could be targeted, with reports of tankers rerouting after the threat. Pakistan Economic Backstop: Pakistan has asked the US for a $10bn exchange-rate stabilization facility to support reserves and ease rupee pressure, amid IMF-linked reforms. Qatar Finance & Trade: Qatar’s central bank chief met the UAE ambassador, while QFC signed an MoU with CCI France Qatar to boost business ties. Afghanistan Rights & Health: A female Afghan Christian convert fled the Taliban but fears deportation in Qatar; Afghanistan also signed a $5.3m deal to expand oral polio vaccination in remote provinces. Sports & Culture: Qatar and Kyrgyzstan discussed tourism cooperation; Afghanistan ODI captain Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down; Pakistan’s gold hit Rs433,836 per tola.

Red Sea Flashpoint: Two Saudi crude tankers reversed course after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis warned they would attack vessels linked to Saudi ports, as the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz tensions push oil prices up and shipping reroutes. Gulf Diplomacy: Kuwait, Qatar, and the OIC condemned Houthi threats, while Qatar’s PM held calls with Saudi, Bahrain, and Oman to press de-escalation and protect navigation. Iran–US Escalation: US strikes hit southern and western Iran as Iran targeted US sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan; Qatar also condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Saudi Policy & Economy: Saudi introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa with a cumulative 90-day stay via Nusuk, and restructured sukuk maturities to bolster fiscal sustainability. Qatar Business & Culture: QFC signed an MoU with CCI France Qatar to boost trade ties; Qatar youth delegates attended the UN’s HLPF. Afghanistan Update: Afghanistan’s ODI captain Hashmatullah Shahidi resigned; flash floods and missing persons continue to strain response efforts.

Red Sea Tensions: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis announced a maritime embargo/blockade on Saudi ships, warning shipping firms not to load or discharge at Saudi ports and threatening targeting “in any location,” as Saudi officials condemned the move and vowed to protect navigation. Oil & Shipping Fallout: Analysts warn the Bab el-Mandeb choke point could squeeze global energy flows and raise insurance costs, while fears grow that Saudi crude exports may face fresh disruption. Gulf Escalation Diplomacy: Iran and the US attacks continue amid efforts to salvage a collapsed interim deal, with Iran’s interior minister meeting mediators in Pakistan as both sides press strikes. Afghanistan Floods: Flash floods in Nuristan’s Parun killed at least 20–23 people, injured dozens, and left over 100 missing as rescue teams struggle through debris and damaged homes and shops. Oman & Qatar Spotlights: Oman reported honey output topping 934,000 kg in 2025 and a record volleyball ranking; Qatar launched surgical aid in Syria for 800+ patients and urged UN action after Iran-linked attacks on Qatari shipping. Pakistan Weather & Economy: Monsoon rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed at least 12, while Pakistan’s gas sector circular debt hit Rs3.3 trillion as IMF talks on a Rs1.7tr plan stall.

Red Sea Tensions: Yemen’s Houthis announced a maritime embargo/blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning of “siege-for-siege” escalation after last week’s Sanaa airport row; Saudi Arabia hit back with its “strongest condemnation,” saying it will protect shipping under international law and UN freedom-of-navigation rules. Shipping Disruptions: UKMTO reported projectile strikes near Oman/UAE and another incident near Lima off Oman, while analysts warn a Bab al-Mandeb closure could cut global oil supply and further strain Saudi Red Sea exports. Regional Diplomacy: The UN urged de-escalation, warning a blockade would harm humanitarian goods and global commerce; Saudi-led coalition vowed operational measures to safeguard vessels. Pakistan-Gulf Fallout: Pakistan says deportations for begging from Saudi/GCC states fell to 802 this year after a crackdown. Humanitarian Crisis: Afghanistan’s Nuristan flash floods killed at least 20 and left 100+ missing. Qatar Focus: Qatar launched a youth trainer development programme and highlighted hydroponics for arid food security; Qatar also chaired an Arab industrial standards and mining session in Libya. Court Update: Pakistan’s Supreme Court overturned death sentences in the 2014 burning-alive case of a Christian couple, citing prosecution failures.