AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Fallout: UNCTAD warns that even as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes, 100+ days of disruption have already hit inflation, food security, industrial output and public finances across the region. Regional Security Talks: CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper met officials from 12 Middle East countries in Bahrain to coordinate defense cooperation and protect the free flow of commerce through Hormuz. Heat and Water Stress: A report on extreme heat highlights how rising temperatures are pushing more land into uninhabitable conditions, while another story shows the Colorado River headwaters drying up—an echo of the water stress the Middle East also faces. Gaza Humanitarian Alarm: The UN says Gaza’s crisis has reached 1,000 days with deepening humanitarian needs and calls for expanded access. Environment Policy in Iraq: Iraq strengthens environmental accountability with legal reforms, including sewage dumping bans in rivers. Climate-Energy Moves: Egypt’s SCCT and SCZONE push clean power supply deals, and the UAE and Qatar deepen environment and energy cooperation. Local Environment Health: A restaurant in Birmingham was shut over a severe cockroach infestation, underscoring ongoing public health enforcement.

Climate Research & Policy Gaps: A Gulf-focused review argues the region’s climate research is growing fast, but still misses “people, policy, and price” pathways that turn findings into action. Carbon Capture Reality Check: A profile on amine-based CCS says the hard part is shifting from capturing CO2 to transport, storage, and financing. Gulf Biodiversity Watch: Kuwait Environmental Lens documents breeding season at Kubbar Island, reporting encouraging tern recovery and new migration tracking links to India and Pakistan. Energy Efficiency Push: Portugal expands its E-Home support by bundling incentives for efficient appliances with rooftop solar and battery storage, while also planning a fresh EV incentive round. Water & Farming Tech: St. Vincent’s FAO-funded project will use agriculture drones and geospatial datasets to improve crop monitoring and coastal risk management. Heat & Resilience Context: Coverage highlights how the Arabian Peninsula’s rising heat and sea-level risks demand long-term resilience planning, not just technical studies. NGO Accountability Concern: A report alleges antisemitism and weak accountability inside major human-rights NGOs, raising questions about how humanitarian groups operate.

U.S.-Iran Hormuz diplomacy: Washington urged Tehran to drop plans for Strait of Hormuz transit fees, warning that a comprehensive nuclear deal would outweigh any revenue, as a weeklong calm and Qatar-mediated talks continue. Regional security: CENTCOM led a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain focused on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for commerce, with air-and-missile coordination and threat-sharing on the agenda. Water and health in Gaza: A UN Commission of Inquiry said Israel’s operations have helped destroy water systems and the conditions needed for child survival, marking 1,000 days of water deprivation. Heat risk for Gulf homes: New research highlights intensifying heat stress across the Arabian Peninsula, pushing GCC developers to redesign for humidity, air quality, and moisture control. Energy storage momentum: A Wood Mackenzie report says Chinese firms dominate the BESS integrator market (76% global share) while mega-scale storage procurement is accelerating in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. UAE child online safety: The UAE banned social media accounts for children under 15, requiring digital ID and AI age checks, with platforms facing penalties for non-compliance. UAE clean power pipeline: Egypt’s Cabinet granted “Golden Licenses” to $800m battery storage projects, signaling continued grid-scale storage buildout.

Battery Storage Push: Saudi Arabia prequalified 27 firms for a second round of utility-scale BESS projects totaling 3 GW/12 GWh across six provinces, aiming to boost grid reliability and speed up renewable integration. Renewables Supply Chain Shift: Reporting says the US–Israel–Iran conflict is deepening China’s grip on global renewable energy supply, with China adding hundreds of gigawatts of renewables and dominating key manufacturing inputs. Hormuz Risk & Shipping Costs: Oman’s proposed “environmental fees” style payment structure for Strait of Hormuz transit is back in focus as US–Iran de-escalation talks try to keep calm, while shipping remains jittery and insurance premiums stay high. UAE Urban Sustainability: The UAE highlighted its UN-Habitat leadership on sustainable cities and livability, while also noting higher building material costs are being absorbed by contractors after supply disruptions. Climate Finance Backslide: Multiple reports say the World Bank has dropped major climate lending targets under pressure from its largest shareholder, raising concerns for regional climate funding. Local Adaptation: Kenya’s Marsabit camel-breeding model is being scaled as a drought-smart livestock strategy.

Wildfire Risk: Türkiye’s western Manisa province saw 50 fires in 24 hours after extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds, with grass and agricultural blazes dominating; officials warn temperatures may keep rising and urge residents to avoid stubble burning and careless waste disposal. Energy Storage Push: Saudi Arabia’s power procurement firm prequalified 27 firms for a second round of 12GWh battery storage projects, selecting companies to compete for six utility-scale BESS sites. Climate-Linked Finance for Jobs: The World Bank approved a $700m loan for Jordan to turn macro stability into private investment, jobs, and a green-and-digital transition. Heat Mortality Warning: A new look at Lancet Countdown data shows Europe’s heat-related deaths nearly doubled from 1992–2021 to 2012–2021, with aging populations and weak heat preparedness driving risk. Hormuz Shipping Tension: A container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed claims and scrutiny over control and routing, in a waterway where a fifth of oil and gas transits. Green Rights Work: Africa’s Environmental Rights coalition is launching 20-country case studies to assess how environmental rights are enforced, including access to information and justice.

Strait of Hormuz Reopens: After more than 100 days of disruption, maritime traffic is returning, but UNCTAD warns the economic shock—higher oil, fertilizer and transport costs—will linger for vulnerable developing economies. Hormuz Fees Debate: Iran insists safe passage is no longer “free,” while Oman says it opposes transit tolls under international law, even as talks circle “service” and “environmental” fees. Iraq Pollution Crackdown: In Tuz Khurmatu, authorities pledge legal action over emissions from heavy fuel burning, gas flaring and asphalt plants, citing links to respiratory and cancer risks. Karbala Refinery Probe: An Iraqi MP alleges unpermitted foreign workers and questionable contracts at the Karbala refinery, pushing the case to integrity and labor authorities. World Bank Climate Finance Cut: The World Bank drops a 45% climate-finance target, extending its plan while facing backlash from developing-country shareholders. UAE-Iran Connectivity: Dubai welcomed its first direct Tehran–Dubai passenger flight since the conflict, signaling gradual air-route recovery.

Water Resilience: The UAE is laying out its blueprint for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, aiming to tackle worsening water stress that threatens food, health and climate adaptation. Energy Transition: The Energy Institute says global electricity demand hit a tipping point in 2025, with renewables and hydro replacing fossil generation rather than just adding to it. Gulf Shipping & Climate Risk: Air cargo demand rose 6% in May, but Middle East carriers fell 8.9% as conflict disrupts routes—highlighting how instability keeps feeding higher logistics and emissions pressures. Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Gulf states are exploring “their own deal” with Iran, including how to manage Hormuz traffic and whether incentives could replace tolls—while US-Iran talks remain fragile. Local Climate Governance: Turkey is preparing for a NATO summit while also facing heat and fire risks, as officials warn about extreme weather impacts. Food & Water Security Partnerships: India and Saudi Arabia signed water cooperation plans, adding to a regional push for shared water management solutions. Waste & Circularity: Egypt and Switzerland backed a $1.7m e-waste recycling project, targeting safer handling of growing tech waste. Accountability: Nigeria’s regulator warns oil marketers against profiteering as petrol prices are expected to fall further amid easing crude costs.

Gulf Water Security: GCC ministers backed a regional water interconnection feasibility push to strengthen supply resilience amid climate and geopolitical shocks. Strait of Hormuz Governance: Oman signaled support for “service fees” tied to navigation and environmental safety, while also stressing any arrangement must stay within UNCLOS. Energy Efficiency Push: Governments pledged to put energy efficiency at the center of policy to cut bills and boost resilience after Middle East disruptions, with COP31-linked work on building targets. Gas Flaring Warning: A World Bank-linked report says global gas flaring rose again for a third year, wasting usable fuel and worsening air pollution. Biodiversity Clash: Environmentalists protested a proposed wind farm near endangered Egyptian vulture nests in Bulgaria, warning of possible cross-border impacts. Water Cooperation: India and Saudi Arabia signed a water resources MoU to share planning and sustainable management know-how. Manuscript Conservation Breakthrough (Egypt): Egypt’s Bibliotheca Alexandrina developed locally made cotton paper for archival restoration, reducing reliance on scarce imported conservation materials. Shipping Costs Under Strain: Analysis highlights how Iran conflict-related bunker surcharges and routing uncertainty have driven major fuel-related charge spikes for shippers.

Hormuz Flashpoint: The U.S. launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran after Tehran hit Bahrain and Kuwait, while Iran warned it could impose a “complete halt” to talks—raising fresh risks for shipping and regional energy flows. Heat & Fire Risk: A record European heatwave pushed into the Balkans, with health warnings and wildfires reported across Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. Green Industry Push (Kuwait): Kuwait’s Al-Na’ayem industrial city is reported at 15% completion, aiming for a 2032 handover and planning to rely on clean energy to cut industrial environmental impact. Water & Climate Diplomacy (Egypt): Egypt called for global partnership on non-conventional water projects as it faces growing climate stress. Energy Security Investing (Gulf): A new study says Middle East sovereign investors are prioritizing energy security and critical infrastructure amid volatility. Data Centres & Power (India): India is attracting hyperscale data-centre investment as other markets hit capacity limits, with major AI infrastructure commitments.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after new U.S. strikes, warning it could halt negotiations, as both sides spar over who controls the key shipping lane for oil and gas. Water Security Push (Egypt): Egypt’s water minister called for global partnership on “non-conventional” water and more financing for water projects, highlighting Egypt’s Water 2.0 push for desalination, digital monitoring, and nature-based solutions. Food & Health Risk (MENA): A study warns bovine tuberculosis may be spreading across the Middle East and North Africa because cattle disease testing and surveillance are patchy, with spillover to humans via raw milk. Energy Costs & Climate Pressure (UK, linked to Middle East conflict): UK energy bills are set to rise as global energy costs stay elevated, with the Strait of Hormuz disruption cited as a driver. Digital Jobs & Exports (Egypt): Egypt is betting on freelancers to grow offshoring and digital exports, aiming to scale cross-border services as demand for tech talent rises. Tourism Tech (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia launched an AI Tourism Vision and “TourismX” platform to modernize the visitor journey and build a more sustainable, innovation-led tourism ecosystem.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The US launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets after a Panama-flagged tanker was hit near the Strait, as Iran and the US trade accusations of ceasefire breaches and Bahrain/Kuwait report drone and missile threats—raising risks for global shipping and navigation. Oil Spill Response: Egypt moved quickly after a river barge sank at Lake Nasser’s High Dam East Port, triggering an oil slick; authorities ordered sampling, monitoring, and cleanup to protect water quality. Climate Risk & Insurance: A UK-focused report warns climate-driven floods and wildfires are creating “protection gaps” as insurers struggle to price rapidly changing hazards. Heatwave Warning: Greenpeace highlights a brutal 2026 heatwave pushing temperatures toward or beyond 50C across parts of the Middle East, with knock-on health and infrastructure risks. Renewables vs Fossil Fuel Pushback: Commentary argues the Iran war is shifting energy investment priorities toward security and fossil fuels, complicating the green transition. Water Governance in Iraq: Coverage flags local efforts to tackle escalating Tigris-Euphrates pollution through shared water governance. Clean Tech & Research Capacity: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi opened Biosphere Labs, expanding GCC life-sciences infrastructure and support for biotech startups.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: A tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with UK maritime authorities reporting bridge damage but no crew injuries or environmental damage; the incident comes as Iran launches drones at Bahrain and the US strikes targets in Iran, pushing the fragile ceasefire into fresh strain. Shipping Risk Escalates: Bahrain condemned the drone attack, while a US Navy-linked maritime body raised the threat level to “substantial” and expanded routing near Oman—raising new concerns for regional marine safety and pollution prevention. War’s Climate Cost: A new analysis warns that modern conflict in the region is also a climate driver, with emissions from strikes, burning infrastructure, and post-war rebuilding potentially reaching millions of tonnes of CO2. Oilfield Pollution Watch: The World Bank says global gas flaring rose again in 2025 to a six-year high, with methane-heavy flaring climbing faster than oil output—highlighting a major Middle East-linked pollution risk. Coastal Resilience in Egypt: Egypt reviewed coastal protection projects to better manage climate-driven shoreline risks, stressing monitoring, forecasting, and compliance with environmental standards. Regional Governance for Climate: CHAMP for Climate Action launched a Subnational Advisory Council to bring cities and regions into climate decision-making, aiming to speed implementation on the ground.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: A tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reporting the crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported—another sign that the Iran-U.S. ceasefire remains fragile as strikes and drone incidents keep flaring up. Maritime Safety & UN Response: After the attack reports, the UN’s International Maritime Organization paused evacuation efforts for ships through the strait while safety guarantees were reviewed, as Iran’s new shipping-control posture raises uncertainty for commercial routes. Gulf Security Fallout: Iran’s senior adviser warned that any renewed confrontation by the U.S. or Israel could bring heavy casualties, while officials trade blame over ceasefire terms—keeping regional escalation risk tied directly to energy and shipping corridors. Heat & Climate Pressure (Regional): In parallel, Karnataka reported a major monsoon rainfall shortfall, with experts warning of drought-like conditions if weak systems persist—highlighting how climate stress can compound economic strain across the wider region.

Methane rules vs energy security: Germany warned the EU’s methane emissions law for imported fuels could disrupt jet fuel and gas supply, pushing ministers to seek a three-year delay or suspension. Strait of Hormuz risk spikes: The UN paused ship evacuations through Hormuz after an Iranian attack on a cargo vessel off Oman; the U.S. then struck Iranian missile/drone storage and radar sites, while Iran warned Israel against using nearby airspace. Heat and climate pressure: Europe baked through a record heatwave, with deadly impacts and calls for faster action; separately, Turkey prepared for extreme heat and warned of doubled humid heat days in Gulf states. Turkey crackdown with environmental voices caught up: Ahead of the NATO summit, Turkish courts ordered pretrial detention for 103 people, including environmental volunteers and journalists, amid broader online censorship moves. Clean energy policy push: EU energy ministers advanced the grids package to speed electrification and permitting, explicitly linking it to Middle East energy shocks. Marine heritage: Libya’s University of Benghazi and an Irish partner discussed protecting endangered underwater sites threatened by sea-level rise and stronger waves.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The UN’s IMO paused its evacuation of stranded ships after a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman, with the UK reporting damage but no injuries or environmental impact; Iran had warned ships to use only Tehran-authorized routes, raising fresh uncertainty for one of the world’s busiest oil corridors. Energy & Climate Pressure: OPEC says oil demand will still rise to 124 million bpd by 2050 despite EV growth, underlining why the region’s oil-and-gas security debate keeps colliding with decarbonization goals. Egypt Renewables Push: Egypt signed an MoU for its first wind turbine manufacturing plant and a 2GW Gulf of Suez wind project, aiming to boost local content and cut import dependence. Turkey Heat Risk: Türkiye is bracing for extreme heat this weekend, with humidity expected to make coastal conditions feel far hotter—an urgent public-health and labor-safety issue. Turkey Crackdown Ahead of NATO: Ankara issued arrest warrants for 103 people days before the NATO summit, including members linked to environmental and LGBTQ+ groups, while authorities imposed broad demonstration bans. Bahrain SDG Progress: Bahrain says it is on track for 2030 SDGs despite missile and drone attacks, highlighting how climate and development planning are being tested by security shocks. COP31 Cycling Link: Portugal’s COP Bike Ride relay is pushing cycling infrastructure proposals toward Antalya’s COP31, tying transport choices to climate action.

Strait of Hormuz Security & Shipping: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation plan for more than 11,000 stranded seafarers after a cargo vessel was hit off Oman, with no reported injuries or environmental impact; the IMO said it needs safety guarantees before resuming. GCC–US Diplomacy: GCC foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Manama, stressing reopening Hormuz for free, unconditional transit and rejecting any tolls or fees, while pointing to Oman and the IMO evacuation effort. Iran’s Fees Push: Iran is reportedly exploring a system to charge ships for “security, safety and environmental services” in Hormuz, but Rubio said no country can charge for use of an international waterway. Local Climate Resilience: Syria’s emergency and disaster management minister met the WMO in Geneva to upgrade meteorological observation, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness. Power & Renewables Cooperation: Pakistan and Türkiye signed three MoUs to deepen power-sector collaboration, including grid operations, market development, and digitalisation. Heat Risk: Europe’s heatwave coverage highlights growing transport and health disruption concerns as temperatures soar.