AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: After US-Iran technical talks in Doha, Washington told Tehran it rejects any change to the current Hormuz status quo and warned Iran’s next steps will be judged against the June MoU; UN officials also cautioned that each new strike and interception raises the risk of miscalculation. Iran’s Shipping Warning: Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command said oil tankers must use Tehran-approved routes or face a “forceful response,” while Iran’s FM dismissed US-led “protection” as chaos. Regional Security Push: The US and 12 Middle East countries backed uninterrupted trade through Hormuz at a Bahrain meeting led by CENTCOM, with Oman among participants. Oman Business & Services: OCCI proposed an emergency fund to safeguard factories; MoCIIP launched a summer discounts campaign; Nama Water awarded a RO878mn SUEZ-led consortium contract for water and wastewater services. Oman Daily Life: ROP boosted Khareef security with checkpoints; new teacher admission rules were issued; OMSB held an organ donation awareness event. Travel & Connectivity: SalamAir announced direct Muscat–Medan flights; Air India Express restored full West Asia links including Salalah and Kuwait.

Oman-France Space Push: Etlaq signed an LOI with France’s Latitude to run the first experimental Latitude rocket launch from Oman, with a target of late 2027, as Muscat seeks a regional space hub role. New Direct Air Links: SalamAir will start the first direct Muscat–Medan flights in Indonesia on Friday (twice weekly), boosting tourism, trade and Umrah connections. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran warned tankers to use approved Hormuz routes or face “forceful response,” while US-Iran talks in Qatar continue amid disputes over transit fees and control. Maritime Risk Warning: A shipping expert says global sea routes are facing a connected chain of crises, from Hormuz to the Red Sea, reshaping insurance and route planning. Oman Food Supply Support: Asyad Shipping will get government support covering 50% of fuel and insurance costs for eligible India–Oman food cargoes for up to six months. Oman Energy Pipeline: Nama launched an RFQ for two solar IPPs (Adam Solar and Sinaw Solar) adding 1,500MW, with Adam including battery storage. Local Governance & Education: UTAS council reviewed academic policies and student conduct rules, while Dhofar’s CAA launched the “Sharaka” initiative with training workshops for public-private knowledge exchange. Business & Investment: Tanmia and FIM Partners plan a $250m Oman real estate development fund, and Asyad–CMA CGM signed a framework for a $400m Sohar logistics terminal.

Strait of Hormuz Talks & Shipping: US-led indirect technical talks with Iran began in Doha, with Hormuz reopening and a new navigation mechanism on the agenda, while Oman’s proposal for “services” fees continues to clash with US and Iranian positions; meanwhile, a foreign container ship reportedly ran aground after using a route Iran says was not approved, as Tehran reiterates control demands. Oman-France Partnership: Sultan Haitham’s France visit keeps momentum rolling, with Oman and France pushing deeper cooperation, including plans linked to de-mining and wider strategic deals. Water & Infrastructure: SUEZ won a major performance-based water and wastewater services contract in Oman worth about RO 900 million for 15 years, covering services for 2.3 million people. Local Development: North Batinah launched a tender to operate and invest in a vehicle drifting arena to attract private events and tourism. Oman in the Region: CENTCOM hosted a Bahrain security dialogue with senior officials from 12 countries, including Oman, stressing the free flow of commerce through Hormuz. Aviation Safety: Oman’s ties to regional security also intersect with a US Navy MH-60S helicopter emergency landing in the Arabian Sea, with one crew member missing.

Hormuz Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran says it will not meet US envoys in Doha, insisting the ceasefire terms must be settled first, while Qatar confirms the Americans will talk with mediators and technical sessions continue. Oman’s Role in Shipping: As talks drag on, Iran and Oman keep pushing their approach to Strait of Hormuz management, with reports of Iran-approved routing rules and fresh friction over fees and safe passage. New Flashpoint at Sea: Iranian state TV reports a foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after not following Iran’s approved route, underscoring how quickly maritime tensions can disrupt traffic. Oman Energy & Industry: Meranti Green Steel has appointed India’s L&T for the FEED stage of its green iron project in Oman, while Siemens Energy is also linked to Oman power projects. Local Business: Alara Resources dispatched its 51st copper concentrate shipment from Oman’s Al Wash-hi Majaza mine.

US-Iran Talks in Doha: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Qatar for talks via mediators, but Iran and Qatar say there will be no direct high-level meeting, with technical discussions continuing and the ceasefire terms still the sticking point. Strait of Hormuz Fees Debate: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf called the strait Iran’s “greatest instrument of power” and rejected any retreat on sovereignty, while Oman reiterates it opposes transit fees but is open to voluntary maritime, environmental and navigation service charges. Maritime Security & Shipping: Qatar and Oman stressed safe passage and freedom of navigation as shipping partially resumes and Hormuz traffic fluctuates amid renewed tensions. Hezbollah Sanctions: The GCC-backed Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, with the US, announced new designations targeting Hezbollah’s financial entities and senior officials. Oman Energy Deal: Oman’s Nama PWP signed a PPA for a 500MW Al Kamil I solar IPP with EDF Power Solutions, ONEIC and OQ Alternative Energy. Digital Security: OMPAY achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system. Gold Prices in Oman: Gold prices in Oman fell about 27% from the January peak, easing costs for buyers.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says Iran requested a Doha meeting Tuesday, but Tehran denies any US talks are scheduled, even as both sides send delegations to Qatar for separate tracks amid a fragile ceasefire. Oman’s Hormuz Position: Oman’s FM Badr Albusaidi reiterated Muscat opposes transit fees for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving room for charges tied to maritime services like safety, emergency response and environmental protection. Hormuz Security & Shipping: Iran signals it wants to keep control of the strait and says demining is Iran’s responsibility alone, while shipping disruptions continue after attacks near Oman. Oman-France Deal: Sultan Haitham’s Paris visit included a package of agreements, including a logistics and infrastructure push tied to Muscat Metro and transport cooperation. Oman Business & Ports: CMA CGM and Asyad signed a framework for a new Sohar logistics terminal, boosting Oman’s maritime connectivity. Oman Society: Oman dropped the HIV certificate requirement for Filipinos, and Al Mouj Muscat said it added about $2.3bn to Oman’s GDP over 20 years.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman and Iran held their first joint committee meeting in Muscat to discuss future management, navigation and maritime services, while Oman’s FM Badr Albusaidi reiterated Muscat opposes transit fees but is open to voluntary maritime service charges tied to safety and environmental needs. Mine-Clearing Clash: France’s Macron said France and Oman will cooperate with partners to clear mines in Hormuz, but Iran’s deputy FM Kazem Gharibabadi rejected any international role, insisting demining is Iran’s responsibility and warning France against “provocations.” US-Iran Doha Talks: The US says high-level talks will resume in Doha on Tuesday with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but Iran denies technical meetings are scheduled, keeping the ceasefire’s next steps uncertain. Oman Energy Milestone: Oman LNG marked the maiden voyage of “Muscat LNG,” carrying its first LNG cargo to international markets. Business & Industry: L&T won FEED work for a 2.5 Mtpa Oman green iron project, and Oman’s Al Wusta Governorate reported 173+ projects worth about RO 37.5m underway.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran and Oman held the first meeting of their joint Hormuz committee in Muscat, with officials discussing future management of the waterway under the Islamabad Memorandum and coastal states’ sovereign rights, as the strait remains a key flashpoint for global shipping and oil flows. US-Iran Stand-Down: Reports say the US and Iran agreed to stop attacking each other “for now” and will meet in Qatar to continue talks, after days of tit-for-tat strikes that also involved Bahrain and Kuwait. Oman’s Travel Update: Oman removed the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for Filipino travellers entering under the 14-day visa-free stay, following earlier representations by the Philippines. Identity and Civil Records: Oman issued 81,630 new national identity cards in 2025 and 290,918 new/renewed passports, while divorce documents rose to 4,208 in 2025 (up 9.9% over two years). Transport and Industry: Electric trucks are expanding in Oman’s logistics sector, and Oman LNG launched its first shipment aboard the new “Muscat LNG” vessel.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes as the fragile ceasefire frayed, with Iran warning of a “complete halt” to talks and insisting it controls the strait for the next 30 days. Gulf Fallout: Kuwait said it intercepted two ballistic missiles with no casualties, while Bahrain reported drone/missile damage to a residential building near the airport; GCC leaders condemned the attacks. Oman’s Role: Oman told European partners the strait is unlikely to return to pre-war arrangements, with possible fees for services like navigation support and pollution control, while shipping continues using routes near Oman despite Iranian warnings. Shipping Disruption: Major carriers warned conditions are a “new normal” with extremely limited corridors and mine risks, even as some vessels managed to transit, keeping oil flows and market sentiment volatile. Local Governance: Oman toughened private-sector anti-bribery penalties, expanding criminal liability and raising prison terms and fines.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it has sole control of Hormuz shipping for the next 30 days, warning against “parallel structures” as the US-Iran ceasefire frays. Regional Escalation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes on Iranian targets, while Trump warned the US may “militarily complete the job” if violations continue. Oman’s Role: Oman condemned attacks on Kuwait and reiterated support for regional security, as disputes over navigation routes near Oman keep disrupting shipping and raising oil-supply fears. Wildlife Crackdown: Oman Air signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration to fight illegal wildlife trade, joining a global transport taskforce. Anti-Bribery Push: Oman tightened rules against bribery by extending criminal liability into the private sector. Environment: Oman’s fifth phase of the plastic bag ban starts July 1, expanding restrictions to furniture, jewellery and car-related shops. Economy & Tourism: Al Mouj Muscat marks 20 years with an OMR 878m contribution to Oman’s GDP, while Oman’s non-oil exports reached OMR 1.611bn in Q1 2026.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: A tanker was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, with the UK maritime agency saying the bridge was damaged but the crew was safe, as the U.S. and Iran traded strikes in the sharpest escalation since an interim peace deal. Ceasefire Under Strain: Washington said it struck multiple Iranian targets after an Iranian drone attack on a merchant vessel near the strait, while Tehran accused the U.S. of violating the memorandum and warned retaliation could broaden. Bahrain Targeted: Iran also launched drones targeting Bahrain, prompting strong condemnation from Gulf states and raising fresh fears for regional stability. Oman Trade Watch: Oman’s non-oil exports reached OMR 1.611 billion in Q1 2026, with re-exports up to OMR 367 million, while local investment institutions increased purchases on the Muscat Stock Exchange despite price dips. Weather & Daily Life: Oman’s NCM reported cloudy conditions and possible drizzle in parts of the UAE, with Oman’s own weather outlook including humid nights and a chance of light fog in some areas.

Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The US struck Iran on Friday after a drone attack on a cargo ship near Oman, with CENTCOM saying it hit missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites; Trump called it a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire while Iran and its IRGC denied wrongdoing and vowed further response. Maritime Traffic Update: A US Navy-linked maritime body said a route near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz is expanding to support inbound and outbound traffic, even as Iran warns ships and disputes control and possible fees. Regional Attacks: Bahrain accused Iran of launching drones targeting the island kingdom, and a tanker was reported attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; the UK maritime authority said the crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported. UN Evacuation Pause: The UN’s IMO said evacuations through the strait were temporarily paused after the vessel attack, pending guarantees that ships won’t be targeted. Oman Health: Oman carried out a landmark brain-dead donor transplantation that saved four patients (heart, liver, and two kidneys). Environment: Oman begins the fifth phase of its plastic shopping bag ban from 1 July, expanding restrictions to more business types.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile/drone storage sites and coastal radar locations after Iran’s drone attack hit the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely as it exited the Strait along the Omani coast, with CENTCOM calling it an “unwarranted aggression” that violated the ceasefire and saying U.S. forces will keep coordinating safe passage. Ceasefire Under Pressure: Trump said the attack was a “foolish violation,” while Iran denied claims about a direct U.S.-Iran communication channel and reiterated that safe passage can’t be guaranteed under “ambiguous” arrangements. Shipping and Markets: The incident has again rattled the corridor’s reopening efforts, with oil prices sliding as more tankers and vessels move, but security concerns remain. Oman-France Ties: Oman highlighted its deep-rooted strategic partnership with France ahead of a forthcoming official visit, stressing cooperation across political, economic, cultural and scientific areas. Aviation Growth: SalamAir said it is targeting Eastern Europe, launching scheduled services from Muscat to Vienna as part of fleet and network expansion.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation and escort plan for ships and sailors after a projectile hit the Singapore-flagged container vessel Ever Lovely off Oman, with no injuries reported; the IMO said safety guarantees must be reassessed while Iran warns vessels against using unauthorised routes. Oman-Iran Talks: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran and Oman will continue dialogue on managing and providing maritime services for the Strait, as Oman reiterates toll-free passage. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid more than 2% as supply fears eased with more tankers exiting Hormuz, even as the attack clouded the outlook. Diplomacy & Gulf Stance: Iran rejected a US-GCC statement after GCC ministers stressed freedom of navigation and said lasting peace requires addressing missiles, drones and proxies. Oman Updates: Oman Air will start daily Muscat–Abu Dhabi flights from July 9, and Nafath was named implementing contractor for a 1.5MW community solar project under the Imtidad programme.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation plan for more than 11,000 stranded seafarers after a cargo vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman, with UKMTO reporting bridge damage but no casualties. Oman-US-Iran Diplomacy: In Bahrain, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Gulf allies Washington won’t accept any tolls or fees on an international waterway, while Oman reiterated future arrangements would be toll-free. Iran’s Route Control: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that only Iran-authorised crossings are safe, and Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said ships using other routes won’t be covered by safe-passage guarantees. Market Watch: Oil prices jumped after the attack renewed safety concerns, as traders monitored Hormuz traffic and the fragile US-Iran ceasefire talks. Oman Local Response: ROP Coast Guard rescued four crew members after a wooden commercial vessel began sinking off Muscat. Aviation in Oman: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority held an Advanced Air Mobility Forum to push safe, sustainable operations under Aviation Strategy 2040.

GCC-US Diplomacy in Bahrain: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Manama, telling GCC leaders any Iran deal must protect Gulf security and insisting no country can charge for using international waterways. Hormuz Tensions, Oman’s Role: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned ships against crossing the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, calling Oman’s temporary southern corridor “unacceptable and dangerous,” while the UN’s IMO-backed evacuation plan has started moving stranded vessels. Shipping Reality Check: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil flows are near normal, with millions of barrels exiting Hormuz as tankers transit under new arrangements. Oman Energy Push: Nama Power and Water Procurement launched an RFQ for 1.5 GW of solar projects (Adam 1,000 MW with battery storage; Sinaw 500 MW) to support Oman’s grid and renewables goals. Oman Projects & Economy: Oman awarded a contract for the Oman Genome Centre and Bio Bank in Al Seeb; and MCBS climbed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, reinforcing Oman’s education and sustainability focus.