AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s envoy to China says “friendly” countries could get special treatment via an Oman-coordinated mechanism, alongside fees for transits, while Iran also warns the strait is not a “theater” for extra-regional military displays as UK-France plan a multinational mission with Oman cooperation. Oman-UK-France Diplomacy: Oman’s Sultan Haitham met UK PM Keir Starmer in London, with both sides discussing de-escalation and safe navigation in the Gulf. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Egypt urged the US and Iran to keep momentum on their MoU as nuclear talks are paused; Turkey’s Erdogan accused Israel of trying to derail the US-Iran agreement. Oman Business & Services: Muscat Stock Exchange rebounded after a four-week slide; PDO will sign RO 3m CSR deals; Nama Water Services awarded a RO 900m, 15-year performance-based water contract. Connectivity & Local Life: Oman Air launched direct flights to Tashkent and Singapore; Dhofar’s Sahl Hamran housing project enters a completion phase; Khareef tourism is picking up in Salalah. International Visits: India’s Jaishankar begins a Gulf-US-Belgium tour from July 5, including Oman.

Aviation & Security: Thales, with Omani partner Ankaa, won a contract with Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority to design, supply, install and commission new surveillance radars, boosting air traffic safety and resilience under Vision 2040. Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned Britain and France not to treat Hormuz as a “military parade ground,” while Britain and France say Oman has agreed to cooperate on navigation security and are ready to deploy a wider mission if needed. French Posture Shift: France said the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to Toulon, but mine-countermeasure assets will stay deployed to help secure Hormuz passage. Oman Air Expands: Oman Air launched inaugural direct flights to Tashkent and Singapore, adding two weekly services to strengthen Muscat’s role as a regional hub. Road Safety: Two Saudi nationals died and five others were injured in a vehicle crash near Qarn Al Alam; Royal Oman Police airlifted the critically hurt to Nizwa Hospital. Water Sector Upgrade: Nama Water Services awarded a major 15-year, RO 900m performance-based contract with Suez and partners to run water and wastewater services for 2.3 million people and cut unaccounted-for losses. Weather Watch: Oman Meteorology issued alerts for winds and possible thunderstorms affecting parts of the Hajar Mountains, Dhofar coast and Al Wusta.

Strait of Hormuz Security: Oman has agreed with the UK and France to help restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as France deploys demining assets and both leaders signal a wider multinational push to keep the waterway open. Shipping Tensions: Iran continues to warn oil tankers to use routes approved by Tehran, threatening “forceful response,” while the wider US-Iran ceasefire remains fragile. Oman-UK-France Cooperation: France says mine-countermeasures are ready to intervene alongside partners after talks with Sultan Haitham. Oman Connectivity Push: Muscat Metro plans are back in focus, with a 55km rail line linking Sultan Haitham City and Ruwi and serving Muscat International Airport. Trade Boost (India-Oman): India’s Piyush Goyal says 40 tonnes of Varanasi biscuits have shipped to Oman under CEPA, with an MoU for about 700 tonnes more in 2026-27. Oman Air Expansion: Oman Air launches five new July routes, adding Singapore, Sochi and more, as it grows its global network. OQ Credit Rating: S&P assigns OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP) an inaugural BBB- global issuer rating with a stable outlook.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s joint military command warned oil tankers to use its approved routes or face a “forceful response,” as US-Iran indirect talks in Doha wrap without a major breakthrough and the dispute over navigation and possible fees keeps shipping on edge. Regional Security Talks: US CENTCOM held a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain, including Oman, pledging to protect the “free flow of commerce” through Hormuz—prompting sharp criticism from Iran. Oman Jobs Push: Oman’s Ministry of Labour says it hit 56.82% of its 2026 employment and training target in H1, with 34,092 placements and 62,931 Omanis employed overall. Aviation & Trade Links: SalamAir launched the first direct Muscat–Medan flights, while Air India Express restored West Asia connectivity and cut fuel surcharges on some routes as oil prices ease. Energy & Markets: Oil prices wavered near pre-war levels as Hormuz flows recover, while container freight rates rose on tight capacity and stronger demand.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The US and 12 Middle East countries, including Oman, pledged uninterrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz after US-led talks in Bahrain, while Iran hit back with warnings that tankers must use Tehran-approved routes or face “forceful response.” Diplomatic Pressure: Iran’s foreign minister dismissed CENTCOM’s “protection” as chaos-making, as UN officials warned of a “risk of miscalculation” amid US-Iran tensions and continued mediation in Doha. Oman Business Moves: OCCI proposed an emergency fund to help factories during crises, and MoCIIP launched a summer discounts campaign (“Live the Vibe”) to boost retail activity. Water Infrastructure: Nama Water awarded a RO878mn (about $2bn) 15-year contract to a SUEZ-led consortium to run and maintain water and wastewater services for 2.3 million people. Transport & Tourism: SalamAir announced direct Muscat–Medan flights from Friday, and ROP boosted security checkpoints for Dhofar’s Khareef season.

Oman-France Space Push: Etlaq signed an LOI with France’s Latitude to run the first experimental Latitude rocket launch from Oman, targeting late 2027 and building Etlaq’s bid to become a regional space hub. Aviation & Tourism: SalamAir will start the first direct Muscat–Medan flights on Friday (twice weekly), and also announced a new Muscat–Sylhet route from September 2026 (three weekly flights). Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran warned tankers to use approved Hormuz routes or face “forceful response,” while the US urged Iran to drop proposed transit fees; meanwhile, US CENTCOM led a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain focused on keeping commerce flowing. Local Governance & Economy: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority in Dhofar launched the “Sharaka” initiative to boost knowledge-sharing via workshops, and Oman’s fisheries rules tightened retail fish price oversight by linking pricing to wholesale invoices. Investment Watch: Tanmia and FIM Partners plan an Oman Real Estate Development Fund with at least $250m to back viable property projects.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: US-Iran indirect technical talks kicked off in Doha as both sides try to implement a 60-day framework, with Hormuz management and frozen funds still the sticking points. Oman’s Role in Shipping: Oman’s proposal for a Hormuz payment structure—described as similar to the Strait of Malacca model—keeps Oman at the center of the debate over whether ships face “service” charges or true transit fees. Maritime Flashpoints: A foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait after reportedly using an Iran-unapproved route, underscoring how route disputes remain volatile even as traffic partially returns. Regional Security: CENTCOM hosted a Bahrain dialogue with senior defence leaders from 12 countries, including Oman, reaffirming the push to keep commerce moving through Hormuz. Oman-France Boost: Oman and France sign/advance cooperation during Sultan Haitham’s visit, including a Letter of Intent for Etlaq and Latitude’s first experimental space launch targeted for late 2027. Water Deal in Oman: SUEZ wins a major 15-year water and wastewater services contract in Oman worth about RO 900 million for Cluster 1. Local Life: Oman’s Medad charity used book fair opens in Muscat, running until July 5.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says it will not meet US envoys in Doha, insisting the ceasefire terms must be settled first, while Qatar confirms US mediators will talk with Iranian representatives indirectly and technical sessions continue. Maritime Tensions: Iranian state TV reports a foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait after not following Iran’s approved route, underscoring the dispute over control and navigation. Frozen Funds: Qatar reiterates that $6bn in frozen Iranian assets has not been transferred and any release depends on progress in US-Iran talks. Oman’s Role: Oman and Qatar are coordinating on safe navigation and mine-clearance efforts as shipping partially resumes. Oman Energy & Industry: Meranti Green Steel appoints India’s L&T for FEED on a green iron project in Duqm, while Siemens Energy is set to supply turbines for Oman power projects. Local Sport: Oman beat Bahrain 6-0 in the Asian Deaf Futsal Cup.

US-Iran Doha Talks: Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Qatar, but Qatar and Iran both say there will be no direct US–Iran high-level meeting; discussions are set to run through mediators and technical teams as the ceasefire framework is still being worked out. Strait of Hormuz Fees Fight: Oman and Iran are pushing a “service fee” approach for shipping through Hormuz, while Washington publicly backs keeping passage toll-free; Oman says it opposes transit fees but is open to voluntary maritime, environmental and navigation services. Oman’s Position: Oman’s foreign minister reiterated Iran should ensure safe passage under the MoU, and Muscat rejected charging ships for transit while supporting regional cooperation. Hezbollah Sanctions: The GCC-US Terrorist Financing Targeting Center announced new designations targeting Hezbollah’s financial institutions and senior officials. Oman Energy Deal: Nama PWP signed a PPA for a 500MW Al Kamil I solar IPP with EDF Power Solutions, ONEIC and OQ Alternative Energy. Markets & Gold: Gulf stocks ended mixed amid Doha uncertainty; gold in Oman slid about 27% from its January peak.

Strait of Hormuz: Oman’s FM Badr Albusaidi says Iran bears primary responsibility for mine safety in the strait, while Muscat opposes transit fees but is open to charging for maritime services like navigation safety and emergency response. US-Iran Doha talks: Trump says Iran requested a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, with envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff heading there, but Tehran insists no US negotiations are scheduled, sending only a technical delegation instead—leaving the 60-day interim ceasefire fragile. Shipping risk: After weekend attacks, ships have avoided Oman’s southern corridor; only a handful of vessels used the route as Iran warns against unapproved passages. Oman-France ties: Sultan Haitham’s Paris visit included a deal on the Muscat Metro and new cooperation, while EDF-led plans include a 2,000MW pumped hydro project in Oman. Business & logistics: CMA CGM and Asyad ink a framework for a $400m Sohar logistics terminal, boosting Oman’s maritime connectivity. Oman updates: Oman drops the HIV certificate requirement for Filipinos under visa-free entry.

Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman and Iran held the first Joint Committee meeting in Muscat to coordinate future management of the Strait of Hormuz, including navigation and maritime services, while both sides reaffirmed commitment to international law. US-Iran Talks in Qatar: The US says high-level talks will resume in Doha on Tuesday, with Witkoff and Kushner leading, but Iran denies any US meetings are planned at any level, sending only a technical delegation. Mine-Clearance Clash: Iran rejected France’s proposal for joint demining, insisting mine clearance is Iran’s responsibility under the MoU, while Macron and Oman say they want demining cooperation to secure free passage. Transit Fees Debate: Oman opposes transit tolls for ships, but says maritime service fees tied to safety and environmental measures could be discussed. Energy & Trade: Oman LNG marked the first shipment aboard “Muscat LNG,” and Asyad Group and CMA CGM signed a framework for a $400m multipurpose logistics terminal in Sohar.

Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran and Oman held the first joint committee meeting in Muscat to discuss future management of the Strait of Hormuz, tying talks to Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum as shipping security and navigation rules remain a flashpoint. US-Iran Stand-Down: After days of tit-for-tat strikes, reports say Washington and Tehran agreed to stop attacking each other “for now” and resume talks in Qatar, though fresh airstrikes and threats keep the ceasefire fragile. Oman Logistics & Energy: Oman LNG marked its first LNG shipment aboard the new “Muscat LNG” vessel, while electric trucks are expanding in Oman’s transport and port operations, including a first fleet of electric container trucks at Sohar Port. Local Policy Updates: Oman’s Ministry of Labour is stepping up enforcement of mandatory midday summer work breaks, and Oman clarified that foreign property ownership rules remain limited to designated areas. Travel & Society: Filipino visitors to Oman under the 14-day visa-free stay no longer need a negative HIV medical certificate. Statistics: Oman recorded a 9.9% rise in registered divorce documents over two years, and issued 81,630 new national identity cards in 2025.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after new US strikes, threatening a “complete halt” to negotiations and insisting it controls the strait for the next 30 days, while the US says it hit Iranian missile, drone and radar sites after attacks on shipping; Gulf states including Oman condemned the attacks and warned of wider escalation. Shipping Disruption Near Oman: Despite UN evacuation plans being paused after a vessel was hit near Oman, commercial traffic continues and major carriers report limited but ongoing transits; shipping firms warn that mines and narrow corridors are making “normalization” harder, with traffic patterns shifting around Oman. Oman’s Hormuz Policy: Oman told European partners it may not return to pre-war arrangements and is studying possible fees for services like navigation support and pollution control, even as it has previously signalled no transit tolls. Anti-Bribery Crackdown: Oman tightened private-sector bribery rules with harsher prison terms and fines for both offering and receiving bribes, including intermediaries and attempted bribery.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes as a fragile ceasefire frayed, with Iran warning it has sole control of Hormuz for the next 30 days and threatening a “complete halt” to talks if attacks continue. Regional Fallout: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards hit Bahrain and Kuwait after US airstrikes, while Bahrain reported drone damage to a residential building and Kuwait said its air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones. Oman’s Role in Navigation: The dispute is tied to competing plans for shipping routes near Oman, with a US-backed maritime corridor expansion clashing with Iran’s insistence on its own oversight. Oman Business & Society: Oman Air signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration to combat wildlife trafficking, and Oman introduced tighter anti-bribery rules covering private-sector bribery. Economy & Shipping Watch: Oil prices slid as tanker traffic and security fears around Hormuz continued to swing.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: A Singapore-flagged tanker was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with the UK maritime agency saying bridge damage occurred but the crew was safe, as the U.S. and Iran traded strikes in the sharpest escalation since an interim peace deal. Ceasefire Strain: The U.S. said it hit Iranian missile/drone storage and radar sites after an earlier drone attack on a vessel near Oman, while Iran said it retaliated and warned of broader response if aggression repeats. Bahrain Targeted: Iran launched drones targeting Bahrain, where the U.S. 5th Fleet is based, prompting strong condemnation from Bahrain and GCC states. Shipping Disruption: A multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said it is expanding a route near Oman to allow inbound and outbound traffic, while threat levels for ships were raised and commercial traffic remained below normal. Oman Trade Watch: Oman’s non-oil exports reached OMR 1.611bn in Q1 2026, with chemicals and base metals among the fastest-growing export sectors. Muscat Markets: Local investment institutions increased purchases on the Muscat Stock Exchange, even as share prices fell, amid IPO-related liquidity moves.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US carried out strikes on Iran on Friday after a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington calling it a “foolish violation” of the fragile ceasefire and targeting missile/drone storage plus coastal radar sites. Regional Spillover: Iran said it retaliated by striking US-linked targets, while Bahrain accused Iran of a drone attack on its territory, underscoring how quickly the Hormuz crisis is widening. Shipping Disruption: The UN’s IMO paused its evacuation and escort efforts after the vessel attack, with officials saying evacuations could restart only after safety guarantees are confirmed. Oman Angle: As Muscat pushes for safe, toll-free navigation arrangements, the US Navy also said a route near Oman is expanding to handle more inbound and outbound traffic—another signal to Iran amid disputes over who controls passage. Local Update: Oman begins the fifth phase of its plastic shopping bag ban from 1 July, expanding restrictions to more retail sectors.