AGP Executive Report

Gulf Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, calling them a breach of Saudi sovereignty and international law, and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh while discussing the issue with Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan. Regional Unity: A GCC-focused message stressed that Gulf stability is interconnected and depends on collective security. Human Rights Reform: Kuwait issued legislative amendments to strengthen its national human rights framework, upgrading the National Human Rights Bureau into a more independent National Human Rights Institution aligned with the Paris Principles. Public Administration & Justice: The Court of Appeals acquitted a Kuwaiti citizen accused of threatening to kill his wife, citing lack of conclusive evidence. Economy & Investment: Kuwait’s $6bn sovereign bond drew over $18bn in orders, signaling strong investor confidence; Blackstone also announced plans to open a Kuwait office via KDIPA. Energy & Major Deals: Kuwait Petroleum Company signed a record $16bn pipeline lease-and-leaseback with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR, with KOC retaining operational control for 20.5 years. Health & Social Policy: MoH launched digital vaccination reminders via Sahel and Salem apps and recognized midwifery as a profession; it also rolled out a new MoH dress code. Education & Youth: Kuwait and UNESCO signed an education cooperation agreement; universities’ council advanced academic programs; a student-led initiative highlighted youth burnout and sleep deprivation. Local Governance: Municipal Council approved numbering for residential and investment areas and sites for public facilities. International Cooperation: Kuwait’s FM is set for a two-day official visit to Pakistan (July 28–29). Transport Disruptions: Some UAE airlines extended flight cancellations to Kuwait and Bahrain amid regional tensions.

Kuwait–Pakistan Defense Ties: Kuwait has formally ratified a five-year defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, published in the official gazette, setting a framework for training, education, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense tech and a joint military committee to oversee exercises and visits. Oil & Investment Push: KPC says KOC has signed a $16bn lease-and-leaseback deal (Project Peregrine) with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR covering all 13 crude pipelines for 20.5 years, with Kuwait keeping operational control and no limits on production volumes. KDIPA Welcomes Global Capital: Blackstone also announced plans to open a Kuwait office via KDIPA in Q3 2026, citing Kuwait’s role as a regional commercial hub. Workplace Safety Guidance: The Public Authority for Manpower issued a “Know Your Rights” reminder that safety is shared—workers must follow procedures and use protective gear, while employers must provide equipment and insure against occupational injuries. Social Inclusion: The Social Affairs minister said “Purple Day” shows effective government–private partnership to empower persons with disabilities and expand accessible services. Regional Security Context: Iran says it continues exchanging messages with the US but says talks conditions are absent, while the US-Iran standoff remains tied to Hormuz and wider Gulf tensions.

Kuwait–UK Diplomacy: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah spoke by phone with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, congratulating him on forming the new government and reaffirming UK support for Kuwait’s sovereignty, security and stability. Defense Cooperation: Kuwait ratified a broad defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan (Decree-Law No. 73/2026), setting a framework for training, education, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense tech and a joint military committee to oversee implementation. Infrastructure & Environment: Kuwait signed with China the contract for the Northern Kabd Wastewater Treatment Plant (construction, operation and maintenance), while Kuwait also marks International Mangrove Day with renewed push for coastal ecosystem restoration and climate resilience. Domestic Governance: PACI removed 425 residential addresses and warned affected residents to update via Sahel within 30 days or face fines up to KD 100. Public Services & Oversight: The Ministry of Social Affairs stressed tighter supervision of cooperative societies to protect shareholders’ funds, and discussed workforce needs with PAAET. Regional Security: Kuwait reopened the main Kuwait–Iraq land crossing at Abdali after a drone attack caused material damage, and Kuwait again denied any participation in military operations against Iran after a Wall Street Journal report. Economy & Markets: Kuwait’s gold prices held steady amid global moves, while GCC states highlighted strong competitiveness rankings; Mnakh Sustainability Index also named top performers on Boursa Kuwait. Energy Investment: Analysts pointed to the $16bn Shaheen pipeline project as a catalyst for foreign investment, feeding Kuwait’s ports and export network.

Kuwait-Iran Security: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry denied social media claims that a terrorist cell was arrested, stressing only official channels are reliable and warning against spreading unverified reports. Border Stability: Kuwait reopened the Abdali crossing with Iraq after drone strikes forced a closure, with officials saying normal operations would resume within 48 hours. Diplomatic Pushback: Kuwait’s ambassador to the US rejected a Wall Street Journal claim that Kuwait sent fighter jets to strike Iran, saying the allegations are “completely and categorically baseless” and that Kuwait did not allow its territory, airspace or waters for offensive operations. Regional Shipping Pressure: Kuwait condemned repeated Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, calling them a breach of international law and a threat to navigation and trade. US-Iran De-escalation Signals: Reports say Trump paused major US strikes on Iran after advisers warned expanded operations could deplete Patriot interceptor stocks, while the US reported no new strikes overnight after nearly two weeks. Energy Deal Amid Tensions: KPC signed a record $16bn pipeline lease-and-leaseback deal with Blackstone, KKR and Brookfield, a major foreign investment as Gulf security concerns persist.

Kuwait-Iran Tensions: Kuwait rejected a Wall Street Journal claim that it took part in military operations against Iran, with the US ambassador saying the report is “entirely false” and that Kuwait did not allow its territory, airspace or waters for offensive launches. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister reiterated preventive diplomacy as a core pillar of foreign policy during ASEAN-related talks in Manila. Border Reopening: Abdaly crossing with Iraq is set to reopen to passenger and commercial traffic within 48 hours after damage assessment from recent Iranian aggression. Energy & Investment: KPC/KOC signed a record $16bn lease-and-leaseback deal for the Shaheen crude export pipeline network with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR, creating a Kuwait-based joint venture while keeping full Kuwaiti ownership and operational control. Defense Cooperation: Kuwait’s Chief of the General Staff met Italy’s top defense officials in Rome to expand joint military cooperation. UNESCO Role: Kuwait’s NCCAL highlighted continued support for UNESCO World Heritage work as the country participates in the World Heritage Committee in Busan. Social Policy: Government launched a Family Protection Program with 86 initiatives across 13 entities, stressing coordinated implementation and measurable outcomes. Public Measures: Kuwait kept a 5-carton limit on bottled water purchases to curb panic buying, saying supplies remain available. Science & Industry: KFAS said the Soof Wool Mill won a 2026 MENA Innovative Energy Project award for turning local wool into a sustainable, energy-efficient industry.

KPC Deal Boosts Energy Finance: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation says its Kuwait Oil Company signed a $16bn lease-and-leaseback for its full domestic and export pipeline network, with a JV led by Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR; KOC keeps ownership and operational control while the JV leases usage rights for 20.5 years under a volume-based tariff. Regional Security Shockwaves: Iran’s military and IRGC claimed strikes on US bases and assets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan as the US continued missile and drone attacks tied to the Strait of Hormuz standoff; Trump reiterated “major military punishment” and said talks remain open but the US is “locked and loaded.” Shipping and Air-Routes Disrupted: The US disabled another merchant vessel trying to breach its blockade near Iran, while multiple airlines reported cancellations and advisories affecting Kuwait and nearby hubs amid the widening Middle East conflict. Diplomacy and Messaging: Iran’s foreign ministry accused the EU of hypocrisy over human-rights claims while supporting what it called military support for attacks; US embassies across the region issued caution warnings to Americans, including in Kuwait. Gulf Education Cooperation: A GCC education meeting in Kuwait brought together Gulf education bodies and centers, focusing on preparing systems for future transformations driven by technology and AI.

Iran-US Escalation in the Gulf: Iran says it launched drone strikes targeting US military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, while the US says it completed a 13th straight night of strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz; Kuwait Defense Update: Kuwait’s army reports intercepting hostile Iranian drones and missiles, with explosions attributed to air-defense action; Travel Disruptions: The US warned Americans across the Middle East to expect flight cancellations and airspace closures as tensions spike; Regional Retaliation Claims: A Wall Street Journal report says Bahrain and Kuwait secretly sent fighter jets into Iran earlier this month to hit drone and missile facilities; Kuwait Domestic Politics: Kuwait is stripping citizenship from prominent cultural figures, with authorities citing a “correction” under the 1959 Nationality Act; Culture & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters reaffirmed support for UNESCO heritage protection at the World Heritage Committee in Busan.

Kuwait-Iraq Border Security: Jordan condemned a second drone attack on Kuwait’s Abdali crossing, calling it a sovereignty breach, while Kuwait’s army said the latest strike caused material damage but no casualties. US-Iran War Claims in Kuwait: Iran’s army and IRGC claimed drone attacks on US sites in Kuwait, including Camp Udairi and the Doha/Arifjan camps, as the US continued its 13th straight night of strikes on Iran. Gulf Diplomacy: GCC states and Jordan reiterated their right to self-defense against “explicit acts of aggression” tied to Iran’s attacks, as Iran’s foreign ministry demanded GCC clarification over US allegations of regional “side by side” support. Energy Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz near-stalled and Red Sea risks rising after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers, oil pushed back above $100 a barrel, intensifying pressure on Kuwait’s energy and shipping lifelines. US Tariffs Ripple: The US imposed 10–12.5% forced-labour tariffs on 60 economies including Kuwait, adding another external economic headwind. Governance/Local Watch: Kuwait also reported interception of hostile missiles and drones amid heightened defense alerts.

Iran Drone Attacks: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned renewed Iranian drone strikes on the Abdaly border crossing, saying they violate sovereignty and UN rules; the army reported air defenses intercepting hostile drones and said damage occurred without casualties, with bomb-disposal teams clearing debris. Regional Security: GCC states and Jordan issued a joint condemnation of Iranian aggression, warning attacks are escalating against civilian infrastructure across Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Critical Infrastructure Pressure: With power and desalination repeatedly hit, Kuwait urged residents to cut electricity use—especially AC—to protect water supply and grid stability. Family Policy Push: The Justice Minister launched Kuwait’s first Family Protection Program, built around 86 projects across 13 agencies to tackle root causes affecting families and children. Justice & Regulation: The Ministry of Justice issued new rules for real estate appraisers, tightening standards, independence safeguards, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Trade & Economy: Kuwait welcomed EU moves to ban imports from Israeli settlements, citing UN and ICJ guidance. Public Finance: Kuwait issued $6bn in sovereign bonds across three maturities, its first return to global debt markets since 2017. Education: The Education Ministry expanded summer clubs and launched evening educational clubs to strengthen Arabic, English and math skills.

Kuwait–Iran Tensions: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador over the Kaifan tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, while Kuwait’s power and desalination facilities faced a fourth straight day of Iranian strikes; officials said fires were contained and repairs are being assessed. US–Iran Escalation: The US carried out its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with President Trump warning he will destroy one bridge or power plant each time Iran attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s foreign ministry warned such actions could amount to war crimes. Kuwait as a Claimed Target: Iran’s IRGC and army claimed strikes on US-linked sites in Kuwait, including Ali Al Salem and Camp Udairi, as Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones. Red Sea New Front: Iran-backed Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising chokepoint fears as oil prices jumped. Diplomacy & Travel: Britain advised against non-essential travel to Bahrain and Kuwait amid the widening conflict; Kuwait also announced new Indian consular application centres starting July 23. Trade Links: Kuwait’s commerce minister met the Czech ambassador to boost cooperation, while Kuwait’s oil leadership stressed continued coordination with Oman in energy ties.

Iran Crisis & Kuwait Security: Kuwait’s Amir spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who condemned Iran’s continued attacks and reaffirmed Riyadh’s solidarity; Kuwait’s General Staff said air defences intercepted hostile drones and urged the public to follow safety instructions. Diplomatic Pushback: Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador over the Kaifan tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a breach of sovereignty and international law, while Kuwait’s UN envoy in Geneva backed GCC coordination against attacks on civilian infrastructure. Regional Coordination: Bahrain and GCC partners held calls on Hormuz-related impacts on energy and food supplies, as the UAE and Qatar also condemned renewed Iranian strikes. Local Governance: The Municipal Council’s Jahra committee approved land for family housing for imams and muezzins, while Farwaniya approved plot numbering changes and rejected a citizen proposal for a tunnel. Social Policy: The Women’s Affairs Committee held its first meeting to unify efforts on women’s empowerment, legislation review, and a national register of women leaders. Public Order & Economy: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry denied a social-media claim that unpaid-violation vehicles are barred from leaving; Commerce inspectors recorded 227 violations and shut eight businesses in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Energy Sector: Electricity and water minister met Canada’s ambassador to discuss cooperation on efficiency and renewable technologies. Youth & Sports: Kuwait begins the Asian Junior Handball Championship main round in China, facing Saudi Arabia in a key quarterfinal.

Iran-US Escalation and Kuwait Impact: The US carried out its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting military logistics and shipping-related capabilities, while Iran retaliated with attacks across the Gulf, including claims of drone strikes on US-linked sites in Kuwait; Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted hostile missiles and drones and reported damage to power and desalination infrastructure, with residents facing rationing. Diplomacy vs. Threats: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s openness to talks, but said Tehran is “not serious,” as mediators push a possible 10-day ceasefire while Trump warns the US is “not finished.” Energy and Shipping Pressure: Oil prices jumped to near six-week highs as Hormuz and Red Sea risks intensified; tankers reportedly reversed course in the Red Sea after Houthi blockade threats, raising fears of wider supply disruption. Kuwait Foreign Policy: Kuwait urged UN action on transitional justice and missing persons in Syria, and Kuwait’s defense leadership praised strategic defense ties with China. Humanitarian/Private Sector Response: Zain Group pledged USD 10m to Kuwait’s Emergency Response Fund, joining other private contributions. Fact Check: Kuwait’s reported infrastructure attack was followed by viral footage falsely linked to the July 2026 strikes.

Iran-U.S. Escalation Hits Kuwait: Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks as a violation of sovereignty, after the Prime Minister visited Al-Adan Hospital to check on injured people. Diplomatic Protest: Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador over the attack on the Kuwaiti tanker Kaifan in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Foreign Ministry warning Iran is fully responsible and Kuwait reserves the right to respond. Infrastructure Under Pressure: Kuwait said air defenses intercepted hostile missiles and drones, while Iran-linked strikes continued to target power and desalination facilities, raising fears for water security. Regional Condemnations: Qatar and the UAE joined Kuwait in condemning the attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, urging immediate cessation and a return to dialogue. Civil Protection & Aid: Kuwait Emergency Response Fund support grew as Zain pledged $10m and other firms added $6m to help repair infrastructure damage. Digital Government: The Communications Ministry launched an official app for secure telecom services, from bill payments to line requests and feature management. Security & Crime: Interior reported multiple drug arrests, including a case involving A4-saturated papers, and separate liquor manufacturing arrests in Kuwait City.

Gulf Security Flashpoint: The US and Iran kept up a 10th straight night of strikes, with Washington saying it hit Iranian command centres, missile/drone launch sites and air defences to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran and its IRGC claimed retaliatory attacks on US-linked assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including radar and missile-defence systems and claims of drone strikes on three Kuwait bases. Kuwait on Alert: Kuwait reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones and said its air defences responded during the latest wave, as Iranian claims also targeted Kuwait’s military infrastructure and energy-related sites. Shipping Risk Widens: Iran said Hormuz remains closed and claimed tanker attacks, while the Houthis announced a Red Sea maritime blockade threat against Saudi Arabia via Bab al-Mandeb, raising new pressure on regional energy routes. Diplomacy Under Strain: Mediators pushed proposals for a short truce and shipping reopening, with Iran’s interior minister visiting Pakistan, but both sides traded accusations that the other violated prior understandings. Local Governance: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce seized expired consumer goods and tobacco in the Capital Governorate, citing violations of commercial fraud rules. Foreign Ties: Kuwait and Syria moved to deepen relations, including plans for ambassador exchanges and a business council.

Iran-US Escalation and Kuwait Security: Kuwait’s General Staff said air defenses are intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks tied to Iran’s aggression, urging residents to follow official safety instructions, while the Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a sovereignty violation and a breach of UN resolutions; Bahrain also reported drone targeting of air navigation systems. Regional Diplomacy and Solidarity: Kuwait reiterated full solidarity with Bahrain as Qatar and the Arab Parliament condemned attacks on Kuwait’s civilian infrastructure, calling for an immediate halt and respect for sovereignty. Strikes Continue, Oil Risks Rise: The US carried out its 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran to degrade capabilities used against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran retaliates across the Gulf and shipping disruptions keep pressure on energy markets. Kuwait Domestic Governance: Kuwait issued new rules for e-commerce intermediary platforms to license service providers and require clear pricing, fees, returns, and data protection; PACI launched digital civil registration certificates via Sahel; Kuwait Municipality renewed its campaign against illegal land encroachments. Public Safety and Enforcement: Customs foiled a Thailand-to-Kuwait shipment smuggling about 10kg of marijuana hidden in light bulbs; Interior’s drug control unit arrested two suspects in the parcel case. Social Services: The Social Affairs minister inspected the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, pushing faster transaction processing and better service quality for people with disabilities.

US-Iran Escalation: The US carried out a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran, saying it was “degrading” Tehran’s ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as oil tankers and maritime traffic face fresh disruption fears. Kuwait Under Attack: Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones after what it called brutal Iranian aggression, while Iran’s IRGC claimed strikes hit US-linked sites including Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Al-Adiri. Civilian Infrastructure Fallout: Kuwait condemned repeated Iranian targeting of power and water facilities, saying a plant was hit and fires broke out, with the government warning of an escalating threat to civilians. Casualties and Wider Alarm: The US also confirmed another service member died in Iraq during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone, bringing the US death toll to 17, as Bahrain and Jordan reported sirens and attacks. Markets and Shipping Risk: Brent pushed above $90 amid Hormuz tensions, and a ship fire was reported near Oman, underscoring how quickly the conflict is spilling into global energy and trade routes.