AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Energy Shock: Oil prices jumped after vessel attacks and fewer transits left the Strait of Hormuz effectively bottlenecked, with Brent and WTI rising as Iran and the US traded claims about whether the waterway is open. Household Cost Pressure: In Britain, the Middle East-driven energy squeeze is expected to push the winter price cap up about 4%, raising bills and underlining how exposed the UK remains to volatile imported gas. Ozone & Climate Compliance: Jordan says it’s making progress under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, focusing on stronger monitoring and a faster shift to climate-friendly alternatives. Land Restoration Push: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Action Program public platform was presented at UNCCD COP17, aiming to coordinate actions to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. Renewables Benchmark (Albania): Albania hit 105.2% renewable electricity in 2025 (mostly hydropower), a reminder of how water-dependent systems can deliver clean power while still carrying climate risk.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Trump says Hormuz is “open and operating” after claiming mines were cleared and that there are no Iran talks planned, as a projectile hit a vessel and shipping remains sharply reduced—keeping oil-price pressure and maritime safety risks front and center. Environmental Fallout from War: Reports link the Iran conflict to major oil-slick damage and pollution concerns around the Gulf and Qeshm, with claims of “trillion-dollar” harm and ongoing cleanup worries. Regional Climate & Water Action: Türkiye’s Zero Waste Foundation is ramping up COP31 prep with Lake Van basin governance work and Bosphorus seafloor cleanups, while Egypt and partners discuss Red Sea coral reef protection via UNDP. Renewables & Energy Transition: Türkiye is pushing renewable growth and renewable cooperation targets (including offshore wind planning), alongside broader regional efforts to cut emissions and manage resources. Local Governance & Waste: Turkey’s plastic recycling boom is blamed for cross-border marine pollution washing ashore in Northern Cyprus. Youth & Education: Qatar’s BilAraby tour wrapped up across Damascus, Amman and Djerba, and Dubai Charity launched an “Alif Ba” education drive spanning the UAE and multiple countries.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: A vessel was hit by an unknown projectile while exiting the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; the Omani Coast Guard assisted the crew and no environmental damage was reported, as shipping remains severely curtailed amid Iran-US standoffs. US-Iran Backchannel & Oman Pressure: Trump confirmed an indirect backchannel with Iranian officials linked to the IRGC and again threatened Oman with bombing if it “gets in the way” of a deal, raising new risks for the Gulf’s fragile marine environment. Oil Spill Risk in the Gulf: Iran estimates “trillion-dollar” pollution damage from Hormuz-area incidents, while reports continue to flag environmental scars from tanker attacks and spill cleanups. Water & Climate Security: A commentary warns the region’s “new weather” reality—heat, floods, and outages—will keep disrupting daily life and infrastructure, with climate impacts increasingly shaping policy debates. Desertification & Land Degradation: Armenia’s environment ministry faced scrutiny over how a GEF-backed land degradation grant was spent, spotlighting governance gaps in restoring degraded pastures. Regional Green Cooperation: BRICS environment ministers unveiled compendiums on sustainable lifestyles, fire management, landscape greening, and extended producer responsibility—aimed at scaling practical climate and circular-economy action.

UAE Space for Nature: UAE University launched its SEO satellite to support environmental protection, natural resource management and sustainability decision-making using space data. Renewables Deal: Turkey and Saudi Arabia agreed to expand renewable energy cooperation by another 3,000 MW, bringing the target to 5,000 MW as Hormuz disruptions push energy corridor planning. Water & Heat Politics: UK hosepipe bans begin for 1.4 million people amid drought, while Reform’s Richard Tice argues climate change could “improve” English wine—sparking renewed debate over adaptation vs net zero. Desertification & Land Restoration: Middle East Green Initiative announced participation in UNCCD COP17 to bolster regional cooperation on desertification and restoring degraded land. Agriculture Tech Push: Kuwait’s agricultural experts urged modern, smart irrigation and renewable-powered farming to tackle water scarcity and protect food security. Gulf Pollution Claims: Iran-linked reporting again frames Hormuz oil spill damage as massive and calls for compensation, keeping environmental fallout from the conflict in focus.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran and the US missed a 60-day MoU deadline over Hormuz shipping and the US naval blockade, with Iran saying the timeline was invalid after “violations” and warning of “strategic surprises” as talks with Oman continue. Oil Spill Fallout: Iran’s foreign ministry blamed US military presence for Persian Gulf pollution and cited “trillions of dollars” in damage after Hormuz-related spills, including impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems. Egypt Packaging Waste Push: Egypt is preparing to roll out extended producer responsibility for selected packaging via a digital platform, aiming to cut landfill waste and boost recycling under a circular-economy plan. Marine Life at Risk: A report says a tanker incident near Oman is raising fears of an Arabian Sea ecological disaster, while Iran estimates environmental damage from Hormuz pollution at “trillions.” Water & Climate Adaptation: Saudi Arabia drew water experts to Riyadh for a major event, and Türkiye-Saudi renewable cooperation targets 5,000 MW as the region plans for hotter, drier conditions.

Strait of Hormuz Pollution Fallout: Iran’s foreign ministry says pollution damage in the Persian and Oman gulfs runs into the “trillions of dollars,” citing oil slicks near Qeshm and calling for compensation from parties benefiting from shipping through Hormuz. Marine Conservation in Kuwait: National Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Dive Team back the Marine Moorings Project, installing eco-friendly mooring buoys to protect coral reefs around Qaruh, Umm Al-Maradim, Kubbar and coastal sites in Al-Khiran and Al-Zour. Regional Legal Tensions, Environment Included: Greece rejects Turkey’s new “national marine parks” in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean as unlawful under the Law of the Sea, arguing they extend into international waters and Greece’s continental shelf. Arctic Shipping Shift: With Hormuz disruption pushing interest in alternatives, China has launched a scheduled Arctic “ice silk road” container service, cutting travel time but raising environmental and geopolitical risks. Water & Land Resilience Spotlight: A Kenyan rangeland advocate was named a Global Landscapes Forum “Rangeland Hero,” highlighting rangelands’ role in carbon storage and drought-hit livelihoods. Crew Welfare vs. Operational Pressure: Allegations of filthy conditions and food shortages aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln add pressure to how long warships can stay at sea—an indirect but real environmental and human-systems concern for the region’s military footprint.

Strait of Hormuz & oil pollution: Iran and Oman are trading blame as oil slicks and tanker attacks raise fresh environmental fears around Qeshm and the wider Hormuz corridor, with authorities urging fishermen to avoid affected waters and report incidents. Clean energy & climate governance: UN chief António Guterres urged AI firms to “come clean” on the carbon, water and land footprint of data centres, tying the climate crisis to fossil-fuel dependence and Hormuz-linked shipping disruption. Regional maritime protection: Türkiye declared new marine parks in the Aegean amid Greece tensions, framing them as biodiversity protection while the dispute keeps simmering. Water/food security in conflict zones: Afghanistan received 724 humanitarian trucks via Pakistan despite border closures, as child malnutrition and acute hunger remain severe. Public health risk: Two children in Israel were hospitalized after eating chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms, highlighting how environmental/food hazards can quickly become medical emergencies. Tourism with a light footprint: Oman unveiled a glass sky deck at Shaat Overlook in Dhofar, adding visitor infrastructure to a sensitive coastal-mountain landscape.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping: Iran and Oman say they’ve agreed on a Strait of Hormuz shipping route map after weeks of talks, with coordination involving Iran’s defence, security and environmental authorities—though outstanding issues remain. Oil Spill Risk in the Gulf: Reuters reports new oil slicks inside the Gulf, including heavy fuel oil near Qeshm Island, as tanker attacks and counterattacks raise fears of wider marine damage. Environmental Security Claims: Iran’s deputy FM links Qeshm oil pollution to foreign cargo activity and calls for environmental safeguards and shared responsibility for damage tied to Hormuz shipping. Digital Safety for Kids (Egypt): Egypt’s NTRA says demand for its free “Safety SIM” is strong, offering filtered browsing and blocking harmful content via mobile networks. Kuwait Investment Push: Kuwait Petroleum’s $16bn Shaheen Project brings major foreign investors via a sale-and-leaseback pipeline deal, aiming to fund capacity plans and diversify financing. Climate Signal from Antarctica: Scientists report grass spreading in western Antarctica, warning of rapidly changing conditions that could increase wildfire risk.

Strait of Hormuz Oil Spill: A major spill in the Strait of Hormuz has spread over 300 sq km and reached Iran’s Qeshm Island, raising fears for mangroves, coral reefs, sea turtles and fisheries after an attack on a bulk carrier; Iran and others trade blame while calls grow for urgent cleanup and protection of marine life. Marine Pollution Response (Oman): Oman’s Food Safety and Quality Center has intensified monitoring at fish landing sites, factories and markets, collecting samples to check whether oil pollution is affecting seafood safety. Shipping Risk in Hormuz: UKMTO reported a bulk carrier hit by an unknown projectile, with crew safe but environmental impact still unclear—another reminder of how conflict is disrupting maritime safety. Heat and Climate Pressure: Reports highlight extreme heat and “new weather” impacts across the region, with hotter seas and severe conditions stressing water, power and ecosystems. Urban Resilience (Türkiye): Istanbul’s ongoing demolition-and-rebuild drive for earthquake-risk housing underscores how climate and disaster risk planning are colliding in fast-growing cities.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s deputy FM rejected Trump’s claim it could become US territory, saying Hormuz “cannot be seized” and will remain under Iranian command, as the US vowed to keep a naval blockade “indefinitely” and CENTCOM reported redirecting 62 vessels and disabling/boarding others. Oil Pollution Risk: A Russian shadow-fleet tanker ran aground off Oman, with Greenpeace warning of a potentially massive spill; Iran also blamed “foreign aggression” for oil pollution washing up near Qeshm. Climate & Water Stress: Drought and heat are worsening across the region’s wider weather systems, while the UK announced a £65m drought-and-wildfire support package for farmers, including on-farm reservoirs and earlier grazing flexibility. Desertification Talks: COP17 on desertification begins in Mongolia, with Egypt and Mongolia leading, as land degradation threatens biodiversity, food and water. Security Meets Environment: Reports say Iran-linked cyber actors targeted water infrastructure in Utah, underscoring how conflict can spill into environmental services.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The UAE blamed Iran for drone attacks on two ADNOC-linked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while UKMTO reported minor damage and no environmental impact—amid claims that Iran is effectively controlling and even seeking fees for passage. Marine Pollution Fallout: Iran’s deputy foreign minister said oil pollution near Qeshm Island was linked to foreign aggression, as Iranian authorities reported near-complete containment and cleanup efforts. Heat, Drought, Wildfire Risk: Europe baked under record heat, with wildfires forcing evacuations in France and the UK and fires also reported in Germany and Croatia—another reminder that extreme weather is worsening across the region. Local Greening Push: Kuwait and Türkiye launched a greening initiative at the Kuwait–Türkiye Friendship Park, using recycled materials and volunteer tree planting to support circular-economy goals. Water & Climate Capacity Building: A Turkmenistan meeting with DKU master’s students highlighted integrated water resources management as climate change, food and energy security, biodiversity, and land degradation reshape regional priorities. Renewables Research: China-Egypt’s Belt and Road joint lab advanced solar technology research in Egypt, supporting desert-adapted photovoltaic testing and production.

Oil Spill Response: Salvors are racing to contain a weeks-long Russian crude spill off Oman after it spread around a marine nature reserve and reached the coastline, with wildlife and fisheries being monitored and fishermen warned to stay away. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: UAE says two ADNOC vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz with no injuries, while Iran and Oman talks continue amid competing claims and rising shipping disruption risks. Environmental Scars from War: Iran’s deputy foreign minister blamed Qeshm Island oil pollution on foreign military aggression and renewed calls for Iran to control Strait of Hormuz management. Renewables in Egypt: Egypt’s NIAT and Rasgha wind farms (500 MW total) are set to generate up to 2.5 TWh of clean power annually, adding major onshore wind capacity in the Gulf of Suez region. Climate Action in Kuwait: UN-Habitat, the Gulf States and Turkey launched a greening initiative at Kuwait’s Kuwaiti-Turkish Friendship Park, planting trees and pushing circular-economy reuse. Biodiversity & Water: Rare blind fish were reported from Iraq’s Anbar desert underground river, highlighting fragile subterranean ecosystems. Data & Policy Signals: Saudi Arabia reported an 8.5% year-on-year rise in producer prices in June, while Turkey raised its end-2026 inflation forecast to 28%, underscoring economic pressures that can shape environmental spending and energy transitions.

Oil Spill & Gulf Pollution: A tanker grounded off Oman is leaking and oil has reached Omani beaches, while Iran reports pollution spreading along Qeshm and Hengam islands and cleanup teams work amid salvage efforts. Environmental Security in Conflict Zones: Firefighters and residents in southern Lebanon accuse Israeli military activity of deliberately causing wildfires that have damaged forests, olive groves and farmland. Microplastics & Waste Imports: Türkiye’s Mediterranean coasts are seeing a microplastic surge, with researchers linking it to record plastic waste imports and rising concentrations along tourist areas. Water Stress in the Region: The Caspian Sea has fallen to a roughly 200-year low, with Iran citing warming, evaporation and reduced inflows as key drivers. Climate Risk Beyond the Middle East: A Reuters report warns a potentially record-strong El Niño could reshape rainfall and drought patterns across Latin America, affecting food and trade networks. Energy Transition Watch: An opinion piece argues Trump’s hostility to offshore wind is forcing large payouts to firms for canceled projects, underlining how policy shocks can stall clean-energy buildout.

Oil Spill Crisis: A sanctioned tanker grounded off Oman is leaking for weeks, and oil has now reached Oman’s mainland beaches, threatening up to tens of kilometres of coastline and a marine reserve as monsoon conditions slow cleanup. Environmental Crime & Waste Trade: A Guardian investigation says British plastic waste shipped to a recycling zone in southern Turkey is leaving nearby farms and canals polluted, with locals reporting toxic air, microplastics in irrigation water, and recurring fires. Wildfire Accusations: Lebanese firefighters and conservation groups tell The Guardian that Israeli forces are allegedly using drones and incendiaries to start wildfires, damaging woodland and ecosystems near the frontline. Water Stress & Data Centers: In Virginia, experts warn Google’s planned data center could strain Carvins Cove water supplies amid drought and aging infrastructure, with knock-on risks for the reservoir’s ecosystem. Desertification Control: Saudi Arabia is expanding desertification-fighting cooperation with China, citing lessons on sand encroachment and phased land rehabilitation under the Saudi Green Initiative. Cyber & Workplace Risk: A Kaspersky survey in Pakistan finds many employees make IT mistakes due to weak cybersecurity training, highlighting how operational risk can cascade into broader harm.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The IEA says oil stockpiles are “rapidly depleting,” with inventories falling below 7.9 billion barrels, raising the stakes for any reopening of Hormuz as diplomacy stalls and attacks disrupt shipping. Shipping Costs & Climate Stress: Panama Canal transit prices hit record levels as El Niño-linked water shortages and Iran-war disruption force longer queues, with one vessel reportedly paying about $4m to skip the line—another reminder that climate and conflict hit trade together. Red Sea Fallout: Houthi attacks killed six on a Red Sea cargo ship, further tightening routes as Hormuz remains constrained, pushing more rerouting and raising environmental risk for marine ecosystems. Renewables & Energy Transition: Türkiye is turning to offshore wind to meet renewable goals, while a separate Arctic expedition highlights growing environmental threats in the High North. Heatwave Warning: Europe’s latest heatwave is set to push temperatures above 35C for tens of millions, underscoring how warming is worsening extremes that also strain water, health, and disaster response across the wider region. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan says it helped extend a US-Iran ceasefire for 60 days, a potential pressure release for energy corridors—though the environmental and supply-chain impacts of continued uncertainty are already landing.

Renewables Push: EDF-led consortium secured financial close for Oman’s 120 MW Jaalan Bani Bu Ali onshore wind project, with operations due in Q3 2027 and projected cuts of 270,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Climate Governance: Türkiye’s COP31 Advisory Board held its first meeting in Antalya, aiming to turn climate promises into investment ahead of the Nov. 9–20 summit. Wildlife Crime: Two lion cubs trafficked into Israel were released into a South Africa sanctuary after an international rescue and transfer, highlighting the ongoing damage from wildlife trafficking networks. Food & Heat Risks: UK analysts warn extreme heat and drought could trigger the “worst food security crisis in decades,” with flash drought damaging crops and raising reliance on imports. Water & Pollution Pressure: Reports of fish deaths in Iraq point to worsening water and pollution conditions, adding urgency to regional water management. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: Negotiations around Hormuz remain tense, with shipping and oil-market volatility continuing to ripple through the region’s economy and environment-linked supply chains.