AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Diplomacy: Indirect US-Iran talks in Qatar wrapped up with “positive progress,” and mediators said the next round is expected after Iran’s late supreme leader’s funeral processions, alongside plans for a communication channel to log violations. Regional Security: The US CENTCOM led a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain, with Kuwait among participants, reaffirming commitments to keep Strait of Hormuz commerce flowing; Iran’s deputy foreign minister rejected the summit’s legitimacy, saying Hormuz is under Iran’s command, not CENTCOM. Kuwait Courts & Family Law: Kuwait’s Court of Appeal upheld a ruling requiring a Gulf resident to register his marriage officially and pay KD35,000 dowry, affirming the wife’s legal rights. Energy & Infrastructure: KPC is asking some bidders for a $7bn oil pipeline stake to form consortiums to consolidate investors; Kuwait also launched the second phase tender to upgrade public LED streetlights nationwide, with bids due 28 July. Domestic Governance: The Prime Minister chaired a meeting on infrastructure plans and state land inventory/classification; Education announced Grade 12 results, while Kuwait’s first Q8-branded fuel station opened in Riqqa. Public Safety/Services: Kuwait’s AMAN task force met New Zealand’s emergency agency to exchange disaster-management expertise as it builds a national crisis framework.

Oil Sector Restructuring: The Prime Minister inaugurated Kuwait’s first Q8-branded fuel station in Riqqa, calling it a milestone for modernizing petroleum services; KPC officials said the rollout supports KPC subsidiary integration and a higher-end customer experience. Oil Governance: Kuwait marked another major step as the KIPIC-KNPC merger was completed, with the Oil Minister framing it as a pillar of KPC’s 2040 strategy to boost integration, efficiency and sustainability. Telecom Expansion: Zain won a 25-year licence to operate Syria’s mobile network after a $747m bid, with commercial launch targeted for early 2027 and planned investment of $800m+ over a decade. Regional Security: US and Iranian officials began indirect technical talks in Doha via Qatari and Pakistani mediators, aiming to implement a MoU covering ceasefire, Hormuz reopening and frozen-asset steps—while Iran has signaled it will not meet US envoys directly. Defense Procurement: Kuwait is set to bolster air defenses with a $400m NASAMS-related contract under US foreign military sales, adding to earlier fire-unit procurement. Local Administration & Services: The Social Affairs Minister ordered investigations after a surprise Riqqa visit found attendance violations; the Interior Ministry also launched drone ownership registration through the Sahel app. Education & Society: Kuwait University opened admissions guidance for high school graduates, while Grade 12 results for 2025–2026 were released online. Integrity & Jobs: The State Audit Bureau launched a four-year integrity and transparency program for government financial performance, and Social Affairs will open registration for Kuwaitization supervisory roles in cooperative societies.

US-Iran Doha Talks Stalled: Iran says it will not meet top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Qatar, insisting any next step depends on finalizing the two-week ceasefire terms first; Qatar confirms the Americans will meet mediators and Qatari officials, not Iranian counterparts, as technical talks are set to begin. Strait of Hormuz Dispute: The interim framework links shipping through Hormuz to incentives and a 60-day negotiation period, but Iran and the US remain divided over control, tolls, and enforcement—keeping regional trade risk high. Kuwait-Saudi Fraternal Meetings: Kuwait’s Emir and Crown Prince met Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed, reviewing bilateral ties and ways to deepen cooperation. GCC Security Pressure: The US and Gulf partners announced coordinated sanctions on Hezbollah-linked financial networks, underscoring how the Lebanon front could complicate any Iran ceasefire. Kuwait Defense/Procurement: Kuwait is set to receive NASAMS as part of its air-defence architecture via US foreign military sales. Kuwait Economy & Services: Kuwait’s fuel prices take effect July 1, while the government continues legislative modernization and probes absenteeism in public service.

Gulf Diplomacy: Two U.S. envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Qatar for talks via mediators on implementing a U.S.-Iran interim MoU, but Qatar says there will be no high-level U.S.–Iran meeting in Doha and Iran insists no talks are planned at any level in the coming days. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain and reiterated support for measures to protect sovereignty and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Air Defence: Kuwait is set to strengthen its layered air defence with the NASAMS system via a Raytheon contract under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales programme, boosting protection against drones, cruise missiles and aircraft. Domestic Governance: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior launched a digital vehicle registration license download service through the Sahel App. Labour & Economy: PAM received 5,430 applications for 70 supervisory vacancies in Kuwait’s cooperative sector, with 2,880 meeting eligibility. Health Regulation: The Health Ministry ordered closure of seven private facilities and referred a medical center to the Medical Liability Authority after joint inspections found serious violations. Business & Tech: Zain won a 25-year licence to operate a mobile network in Syria, and Kuwait’s KUNA met Huawei officials to discuss tech and AI-driven digital upgrades.

US-Iran Hormuz Diplomacy: Trump says Iran requested a Doha meeting on Tuesday, but Tehran’s top negotiator and foreign ministry insist no US talks are scheduled “at any level,” even as both sides send delegations and keep a fragile ceasefire alive after weekend strikes. Kuwait Security Fallout: Iran-linked attacks reportedly hit Kuwait and Bahrain after US strikes, raising fresh concerns for Kuwait’s regional security posture and the stability of any interim deal. Ceasefire Under Strain: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran will honor the MoU only if Washington does too, while a senior Iranian MP rejects any GCC “tolls/fees” or attempts to control Hormuz as interference. Kuwait Energy Projects: Kuwait Oil Company bids for three power infrastructure packages worth KD132.28m ($427m) show MECC as the lowest bidder, supporting oil-field electrical upgrades. World Bank Policy Shift: The World Bank will retire its 45% climate-lending goal, extending its climate plan with a focus on development outcomes. Markets & Oil Mood: Oil prices hold near $73 as supply fears ease, but the Doha uncertainty keeps investors jittery.

US-Iran Hormuz Talks: After days of strikes and counterstrikes, the US and Iran agreed to “stand down” and allow shipping to move through the Strait of Hormuz, but the ceasefire remains shaky as both sides trade blame and dispute what comes next. Doha Meeting Clash: Trump says Iran requested a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attending, while Iran’s deputy foreign minister denies any technical talks are scheduled this week. Frozen Funds: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says Qatar will release $6 billion in frozen assets, framing it as support for the interim MoU even as attacks threaten negotiations. Kuwait Impact: Kuwait is directly pulled into the crisis after reports of Iranian drone and missile strikes hitting Kuwait and Bahrain, raising concerns for regional stability and Kuwait’s economic outlook. Kuwait Infrastructure & Governance: In local policy, Kuwait’s Public Works Minister inspected road works to the new airport, while Kuwait’s Justice Ministry launched a third phase to modernize 400 laws by Dec 2027 and the MoE rolled out the “T” digital platform for training and scholarships. Oil Sector Update: KPC says amended decree-law changes strengthen its governance and commercial flexibility, and Kuwait Oil Company received bids for major electrical infrastructure projects.

US-Iran Truce Watch: The US says it and Iran have agreed to halt further strikes and “stand down for now,” with vessels allowed to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz while technical talks continue, after a weekend of tit-for-tat attacks that had threatened the June 17 interim MoU; reports also point to a Doha, Qatar meeting on Tuesday focused on Hormuz arrangements, port access, sanctions, and Iran’s enriched uranium. Kuwait Security Angle: Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian missiles and said there were no injuries or damage in the latest attacks, underscoring how the Gulf flashpoint keeps pulling Kuwait into the wider US-Iran standoff. Diplomatic Pressure: Iran-aligned reporting says the technical track was moved from Switzerland to Qatar, while Iran insists it must govern Hormuz passage and warns against “separate arrangements.” Markets & Oil: Oil prices swung as traders weighed the pause in fighting against renewed shipping risk, with Brent slipping after the halt reports. Kuwait Governance: PACI cancelled registered residential addresses of 464 expatriates, requiring updates within 30 days or facing penalties. Defense & Infrastructure: Kuwait approved a military cooperation framework with Ukraine, and MEWRE signed a KD 74.703m contract to expand the Shuwaikh water distribution complex.

Iran-US Escalation Hits Kuwait: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain after new US strikes, with Iran claiming it has control over the Strait of Hormuz and warning of a “complete halt” to talks if attacks continue. Kuwait’s armed forces said they intercepted two hostile ballistic missiles in its airspace, while the Foreign Ministry condemned the “repeated criminal attacks” as a violation of sovereignty and international law. Hormuz Shipping Fight: The dispute over who manages the Strait remains the core flashpoint, with Iran insisting on direct oversight and the US warning it will keep striking if shipping is threatened. Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran pulled out of technical talks with the US, citing unmet memorandum conditions, while Pakistan urged strict adherence to the ceasefire. Regional Condemnations: GCC and multiple countries condemned the attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, as Italy also urged restraint to protect recent diplomatic understandings. Kuwait Domestic—Youth & Justice: The Cabinet approved merging the Public Authority for Youth and the Public Authority for Sport into a single “General Authority for Youth and Sport.” Kuwait also arrested three juveniles over a Salmiya assault video. Humanitarian & Governance: Kuwait reaffirmed support for refugees with UNHCR on World Refugee Day, and Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said 2,422 cases were approved under a debtors relief campaign.

Iran-US Gulf Escalation: Iran’s IRGC claimed it launched coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting US facilities in Kuwait (Ali al-Salem) and Bahrain (Fifth Fleet at Port Salman), warning of a “crushing response” and threatening further retaliation as the US and Iran trade accusations of ceasefire breaches. Kuwait Security Response: Kuwait said its air defences intercepted “hostile” missiles and drones with no reported casualties or damage, while the Foreign Ministry condemned the “repeated heinous Iranian aggressions” as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and the UN Charter. Bahrain Damage and Readiness: Bahrain reported intercepting “a number of” Iranian attacks, with sirens sounding and a residential building damaged in Muharraq, while officials urged residents to seek shelter and called the strikes a systematic pattern against civilians. Ceasefire Under Strain: Both sides point to the fragile interim MoU and the Strait of Hormuz dispute over safe routes, as US strikes on Iranian targets continued and Iran warned negotiations could face a “complete halt.” Diplomatic Fallout: Iran’s Araghchi was reported heading to Iraq amid Baghdad rumors of a Green Zone raid, while Kuwait and Bahrain pressed for accountability and de-escalation. Kuwait Domestic Note: Boursa Kuwait moved ahead with plans to launch the Emerging Companies Market (ECM), opening listing applications after technical tests.

Gulf Security: Kuwait and other GCC states condemned Iran’s drone attack on Bahrain as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability, as Bahrain reported no immediate casualties and shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly slowed amid renewed tit-for-tat strikes. Diplomacy & Law: Kuwait backed Judge Mahmoud Al-Hamoud’s ICJ role, praising his legal career and the value of Arab representation in the court. Regional Engagement: Kuwait’s delegation at the Dubrovnik Forum highlighted a multilateral, dialogue-first approach, with focus on maritime security and energy and supply-chain resilience. Internal Governance: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower announced new summer student training rules and intake numbers, with training set to run July 1 to end of August. Sports & Society: Para table tennis kicked off with a combined championship featuring athletes from five clubs, while Kuwait also hosted international sports diplomacy via visits to the volleyball federation. Business & Services: NBK rolled out 24/7 digital safe deposit boxes, and Lulu Hypermarkets launched its “Let’s Connect” tech festival across Kuwait.

Kuwait Courts & State Security: A new Kuwait-focused legal explainer says many State Security cases end without prison but are wrongly treated as “acquittals,” after recent judgments tied to harming national interests, inciting sectarian division, promoting prohibited groups, and social media misuse. Drug Control Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says it arrested a Bangladeshi expatriate after customs and drug-control teams intercepted a courier shipment of chemical-saturated narcotics (80 sheets) and found more at his home (7 sheets), with investigations pointing to instructions from abroad. Gulf Diplomacy & Iran Tensions: Iran condemned a US-GCC statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative,” while GCC officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressed for reopening the Strait of Hormuz without tolls or control. Hormuz Security & Markets: The Strait saw renewed traffic as ceasefire talks continue, but fresh drone attacks and retaliatory US strikes keep shipping and oil prices volatile, with crude sliding toward the high-$60s. US-Iran Ceasefire Politics: Reports highlight public differences in tone between JD Vance and Rubio over Israel and the Iran framework, even as Washington denies any split.

Gulf Security Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, telling allies the US-Iran framework will not undermine Gulf security and warning Tehran against any Strait of Hormuz “tolls” or control. Hormuz Ceasefire Stress Test: Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran insisted safe passage depends on routes coordinated with Tehran. US Military Posture: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is weighing moving some Gulf assets farther west after Iranian strikes damaged the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, with Israel mentioned as a possible destination. Kuwait Drug Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says authorities arrested a Bangladeshi expatriate after intercepting a shipment of chemical-saturated narcotic papers, seizing 80 sheets plus 7 more at his residence and coordinating further action via international channels. Regional Politics Friction: Iran condemned a US-GCC statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative,” while the GCC reiterated rejection of Hormuz fees and conditions. Tourism Watch: Cyprus Deputy Tourism Minister said May tourist arrivals fell 4.9% year-on-year but impacts remain manageable, with Kuwait flight resumption boosting prospects. Property Signals: London luxury sales are rebounding as Middle East buyers return amid steep discounts and favorable financing.

Gulf-US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a GCC tour in Bahrain, telling Gulf allies Washington will factor in their security concerns as it pursues a US-Iran framework, while the US and GCC jointly demanded the Strait of Hormuz be reopened with “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” and rejected any tolls or attempts to control the waterway. Kuwait Foreign Policy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah led Kuwait’s delegation to the GCC-US ministerial meeting, with discussions focused on regional security and de-escalation after the US-Iran MoU. Hormuz Disruption: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation plan after a ship was hit near Oman, renewing fears over safe passage as Iran threatens vessels using routes without Tehran’s permission. US Military Posture: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is reviewing its Gulf footprint after Iranian strikes damaged the Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, with options including shrinking operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and relocating some capabilities farther west, potentially to Israel. Kuwait Anti-Drug Push: Kuwait’s Interior Minister said authorities intercepted about 95% of drug shipments, as a national anti-drug campaign urged stronger preparation for students abroad and highlighted Kuwait’s updated anti-drug law. Education & Finance: Kuwait University jumped nearly 400 places in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and Kuwait’s Finance Ministry won “Deal of the Year” for its sovereign bond issuance.

Gulf-US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, telling GCC foreign ministers the US wants an Iran peace that protects Gulf security and prosperity, while rejecting any Strait of Hormuz tolls or fees; the US-GCC joint statement also backed “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” and highlighted concerns over Iran’s missiles, drones and proxy support. Maritime Flashpoint: Oman said future Hormuz arrangements will be fee-free, but reports of an apparent Iranian attack on a tanker near Oman and Iranian demands for mandatory coordination for passage kept shipping risk in focus. Kuwait Security & Drugs: Kuwait’s Interior Minister said authorities intercepted about 95% of drug shipments, and Kuwait Customs seized synthetic narcotic-soaked A4 papers in a parcel from London. Courts & Justice: Kuwait’s court overturned a two-year jail sentence in a drug case after rejecting urine-test evidence over procedure and jurisdiction. Finance & Economy: Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance won “Deal of the Year” for a sovereign bond issuance, while Kuwait Petroleum Corporation law amendments were discussed as a push for more commercial flexibility and returns. Education & Society: Kuwait University said it jumped nearly 400 places in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, and Kuwait University approved the MD curriculum phase for 2026–2027. Sports: Kuwait ended the Arab Athletics Championships with 12 medals, and handball teams stepped up preparations for upcoming regional events.

US-Iran Diplomacy in the Gulf: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Bahrain after stops in the UAE and Kuwait, telling Gulf leaders Washington will not undermine their security or prosperity as it negotiates a final Iran deal; he also warned that any Strait of Hormuz tolls would spread “like a contagion” and said the US will stay aligned with GCC partners. Nuclear Inspections Row: The UN nuclear chief says IAEA inspectors will visit Iran’s nuclear sites under the interim framework, while Iran insists access comes only after a final agreement—keeping pressure on the fragile ceasefire. Hormuz Shipping Fight: Iran’s IRGC rejects Oman’s proposed route through the Strait of Hormuz and says safe passage is only via Tehran-designated corridors, as more tankers transit and oil prices slide. Kuwait Finance & Debt: Kuwait’s Central Bank, for the Finance Ministry, issued KWD 550m in treasury bonds and public debt tawarruq across maturities, citing the widening deficit amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Kuwait Traffic Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported over 17,000 traffic violations and 359 vehicles impounded, with daily enforcement continuing. Regional Security Messaging: Rubio called Kuwait “an indispensable partner” for regional stability and met the Amir on bolstering security and stability. Oil Market Impact: Brent fell to around pre-war levels as Hormuz traffic improves, easing supply fears. Arab Anti-Crime Cooperation: The League of Arab States and UNODC met in Cairo to advance regional cooperation against drugs, transnational crime, terrorism, corruption and financial crimes.

US-Kuwait Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Kuwait’s Emir and Crown Prince, stressing Washington is “completely aligned” with Gulf allies and will not undermine their security as the US-Iran interim deal moves forward; US Embassy Reopens: the US Embassy in Kuwait resumed operations Wednesday, restoring emergency services for Americans after it was suspended in March following Iranian attacks; Iran Talks Timeline: Rubio said US-Iran technical talks will resume in Switzerland around June 29–30, with Gulf partners kept in the loop; Strait of Hormuz Pressure: as Hormuz reopening accelerates, oil prices slid and shipping risk remains, while Rubio reiterated the US position that no country should charge tolls or transit fees; Aviation Safety Warning: the EU aviation regulator urged airlines to avoid Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace for now and stay highly cautious across Kuwait and the wider region; Regional Security Friction: Israel signaled it will keep troops in southern Lebanon, complicating US-mediated efforts tied to the Iran framework; Kuwait Governance & Resilience: Kuwait’s Aman emergency-crisis group coordinated with CITRA on telecom continuity plans, while Kuwait also reaffirmed GCC legal cooperation and digital judicial integration; Local Economy & Society: Kuwait’s domestic worker market remains relatively affordable in GCC terms, and Burgan Bank ran a World Cup community event with Caribou Coffee.