AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Security: US and 12 Middle East countries, including Oman, pledged uninterrupted trade through Hormuz after CENTCOM-led talks in Bahrain, while Iran escalated rhetoric by warning all tankers must use Tehran-approved routes or face “forceful response.” Diplomacy Under Pressure: US-Iran technical talks in Doha ended without a breakthrough; Washington reportedly rejected any change to Hormuz status and tied any frozen-asset progress to compliance, with a next round flagged for July 18. UN Warning: The UN cautioned that each new strike and interception between the US and Iran raises the risk of miscalculation, urging protection of civilians and maritime routes. Oman Business & Industry: OCCI proposed an emergency fund to safeguard factories during crises; MoCIIP launched a summer discounts campaign to boost retail activity. Water & Infrastructure: Nama Water awarded a RO878mn (about $2bn) 15-year SUEZ-led contract to run water and wastewater services for 2.3mn people. Energy Grid Planning: Oman is evaluating a 141-km subsea cable to link Musandam to the national grid by 2030. Public Services: ROP enhanced Dhofar Khareef road security with checkpoints and support forces; Oman also tightened teacher admission rules and ran an organ donation awareness drive.

Oman-France Space Push: Etlaq signed an LOI with France’s Latitude for an experimental rocket launch from Oman, targeting late 2027 and reinforcing Muscat’s bid to build a regional space hub. Aviation & Tourism Links: SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Medan flights (twice weekly), boosting Indonesia connectivity and Umrah travel options via Oman. Strait of Hormuz Politics: Iran’s deputy foreign minister rejected the US-led Bahrain security summit, saying Hormuz is under Iran’s command, not CENTCOM, while Iran also warned tankers to use approved routes or face forceful response. Maritime Risk Warning: A shipping expert warned global sea risk is now a connected chain of crises, not isolated hotspots. Oman Governance & Oversight: Oman issued new rules for living aquatic resources, tightening how retail fish prices are set using documented wholesale invoices. Trade & Logistics Deals: Asyad and CMA CGM signed a framework for a $400m multipurpose logistics terminal in Sohar, aiming to deepen Oman’s port role. Local Economy Measures: Labour approved temporary worker transfer rules for Dhofar’s al Najd farmers during seasonal peaks. Energy Procurement Modernisation: Oman’s energy ministry launched a digital supply-chain initiative to improve procurement, contract management, and governance across the sector.

Oman–Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman’s proposal for a Strait of Hormuz payment structure—modelled on the Strait of Malacca—sits at the center of US-Iran indirect technical talks in Doha, as negotiators also wrestle with route control and whether fees can follow a 60-day no-fee window. Regional Security: CENTCOM hosted a Bahrain-led regional security dialogue with senior officials from 12 countries, including Oman, reaffirming commitments to keep commerce flowing through Hormuz. Maritime Flashpoints: Iran’s state media claims a foreign container ship ran aground after using an Iran-unapproved lane, while shipping traffic continues to surge with US naval support. US-Iran Tensions, On the Ground: A US Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea; three crew were recovered and one remains missing, with hostile action not indicated. Oman–France Ties: Sultan Haitham’s France visit continues to drive deals and cooperation, including a major water services contract for Oman’s Muscat and Sharqiyah clusters worth about RO 900m. Domestic Governance & Society: Oman ran media training for youth on responsible digital content and held an organ donation awareness event.

US-Iran Talks in Doha: Iran says it will not meet top US envoys Kushner and Witkoff, insisting any next steps must wait until ceasefire terms are settled first. Qatar confirms the Americans will work with mediators, not direct Iranian counterparts, as technical sessions continue. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran’s negotiators frame Hormuz as their “greatest instrument of power,” while Iranian state TV reports a foreign container ship ran aground after allegedly not following Iran-approved routing—another reminder of how shipping rules remain contested. Oman’s Role in Maritime De-escalation: Qatar says it is coordinating with Oman on safe passage, as the wider dispute over routes and possible fees keeps the 60-day framework politically fragile. Regional Sanctions: Gulf states, including Oman, join US-led coordinated sanctions targeting Hezbollah’s financial network. Oman Energy Deal: Siemens Energy wins a contract to supply technology and 20-year services for Oman’s Misfah and Duqm power projects, boosting capacity by about 2.6 GW.

US–Iran Talks in Doha: Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Qatar, but Qatar and Iran say there will be no direct high-level meeting with the US side; only technical talks with mediators are planned as the ceasefire and the next steps on frozen assets and regional issues remain unsettled. Strait of Hormuz Fees Fight (Oman–Iran): Oman’s line is clear: no transit fees for ships, but it is open to voluntary charges for maritime, environmental, and navigation services; Iran, meanwhile, insists on its sovereign control and says demining and future administration should be handled under its framework with Oman. Hormuz Security & Shipping: Diplomats report a surge in transits as routes adjust, while Iran rejects foreign mine-clearance involvement and both sides trade blame for ceasefire strain. GCC Counterterror Move: The GCC’s Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, with the US, sanctioned Hezbollah’s financial entities and senior officials. Oman Digital Security: OMPAY (Omantel) earned ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its consumer wallet and business payment services. Oman Economy/Trade: Oman–France ties continue to deepen through new agreements, while gold prices in Oman reportedly fell about 27% from January peaks.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman’s FM Badr Albusaidi said Muscat opposes transit fees for ships in the Strait of Hormuz but is open to charging for maritime services like safety, environmental protection, and emergency response, as Iran and Oman push a new navigation framework. US-Iran Doha Talks: Trump said 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 implementation fragile. Hormuz Control & Demining: Iran reiterated that demining and mine-related hazards are primarily its responsibility under the US-Iran MoU, while Iran’s lawmakers and officials warn the strait is sovereignly managed by Tehran, rejecting outside interference. Oman-France Partnership: Sultan Haitham’s Paris visit included a logistics and infrastructure push, including a framework deal for a new Sohar terminal with CMA CGM and Asyad, plus major energy cooperation such as EDF-led pumped hydro storage. Domestic Policy & Economy: Oman dropped an HIV certificate requirement for Filipinos under visa-free entry, and Al Mouj Muscat said an independent study estimates about $2.3bn contribution to Oman’s GDP over 20 years.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman and Iran held the first Joint Committee meeting in Muscat to coordinate future management of the strait and maritime services, reaffirming commitment to international law and safe passage. Mine-Clearing Dispute: Iran rejected France’s plan for joint mine clearance, insisting demining is Iran’s responsibility under the existing framework, while Macron said France and Oman will cooperate with partners to clear mines to secure free navigation. Transit Fees Debate: Oman’s foreign minister said Muscat opposes transit fees on passage but is open to discussing voluntary maritime service fees tied to safety and environmental needs, as Iran pushes for charges. US-Iran Talks in Doha: After weekend strikes, the US says high-level envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet in Doha Tuesday alongside technical talks, but Iran denies technical meetings are scheduled and sends its own experts instead. Energy & Trade Signals: Oman LNG marked the first cargo aboard “Muscat LNG,” while shipping through Hormuz shows partial recovery despite ongoing volatility. Oman-France Partnership: Sultan Haitham’s Paris visit included 12 agreements and renewed focus on investment and strategic cooperation.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran and Oman held the first joint committee meeting in Muscat to discuss future governance and navigation arrangements for the strategic waterway, with talks framed around Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum and coastal-state rights. US-Iran Stand-Down: After days of tit-for-tat strikes, Washington and Tehran reportedly agreed to halt “kinetic activity” for now and keep talks moving, with vessels said to be able to move freely while negotiations continue. Shipping Pressure: Commercial traffic through Hormuz continued at reduced pace after attacks on vessels near Oman, keeping insurers and shipowners cautious as operational confidence wobbles. Oman Identity & Family Law Data: Oman issued 81,630 new national identity cards and 290,918 new/renewed passports in 2025; notary records show marriage contracts rising and divorce documents up 9.9% over two years. Labour Enforcement: Oman’s Ministry of Labour is stepping up inspections to enforce mandatory midday summer work breaks on open sites. Energy & Trade: Oman LNG launched its first shipment aboard the new “Muscat LNG” vessel, while PWP opened a tender for 1.5 GW of solar projects. Foreigners’ Property Rules: Oman’s Housing Ministry clarified that residency regulation changes do not expand foreign property ownership beyond designated areas. Travel Rule Update: Oman waived the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for Filipino visitors using the 14-day visa-free entry privilege.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after new US strikes, warning of a “complete halt” to peace talks if Washington continues; Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi also reiterated Tehran’s control of the strait for 30 days and warned against “interference,” while the US and allies push for reopening traffic without Iran’s oversight. Oman’s Policy Response: Oman introduced tougher anti-bribery rules for the private sector, and separately is weighing how Hormuz shipping could be managed after the conflict—reportedly including possible service fees for navigational and operational support, while insisting on freedom of navigation and rejecting transit tolls in earlier arrangements. Regional Condemnations: Kuwait said it intercepted ballistic missiles with no casualties, Bahrain reported damage from a drone strike, and GCC states—including Oman—condemned the attacks and urged restraint and dialogue. Shipping Impact: Major carriers warn the Hormuz “new normal” means limited, narrow corridors and operational chaos, with traffic still below pre-crisis levels as routing disputes and security risks persist.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says it has sole control of Hormuz for the next 30 days as the US-Iran ceasefire frays, with tit-for-tat strikes after a tanker attack (Kiku) and new US raids on Iranian military sites; Iran also launches drones and missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait, warning negotiations could face a “complete halt,” while Bahrain reports drone damage to a residential building and Kuwait says it intercepted incoming missiles. Oman’s Diplomatic Role: Oman condemns military attacks on Kuwait and reaffirms support for regional security, as talks and navigation arrangements around Hormuz remain a flashpoint. Oman Legal & Governance: Oman tightens anti-bribery rules by extending criminal liability to the private sector, with new penalties for bribery involving private employers, boards, and employees. Wildlife & Enforcement: Oman Air signs the Buckingham Palace Declaration to fight wildlife trafficking, while Oman’s Environment Authority stops an endangered spiny-tailed lizard smuggling attempt at Muscat Airport and the Consumer Protection Authority raids an illegal distribution site in Shinas, seizing tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol. Transport & Shipping Oversight: Oman’s Directorate General of Shipping withdraws a restriction on Indian ships and seafarers’ movement in the Gulf, urging heightened caution as the situation evolves. Economy & Business: Al Mouj Muscat marks 20 years with an OMR 878m GDP contribution estimate, and Oman’s EV sector sees a locally unified charging ecosystem move to reduce app fragmentation for drivers.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: A Singapore-flagged tanker and another vessel near Oman were hit by projectiles as Iran and the U.S. traded strikes, with the UK maritime agency reporting bridge damage but no crew injuries and the Joint Maritime Information Center raising the threat level to “substantial.” Ceasefire Strain: Washington said it struck Iranian missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites after a drone attack on commercial shipping, while Tehran said it retaliated and warned of broader response, as both sides accused each other of breaching the interim MoU. Bahrain Under Fire: Iran launched drones targeting Bahrain, where the U.S. 5th Fleet is based; Bahrain and multiple Gulf states condemned the attack as a sovereignty violation. Oman Angle: The U.S. and coalition maritime bodies expanded a route near Oman to keep traffic moving, while Oman and Iran continue talks on managing navigation and services—amid renewed uncertainty over whether the strait stays open on agreed terms. Regional Diplomacy: GCC leaders reiterated solidarity with Bahrain and urged de-escalation as Israel signaled it will send a delegation to Washington over concerns tied to U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions.

Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The US carried out strikes on Iran on Friday after a drone attack on a cargo ship near Oman, with CENTCOM saying it hit missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites; Trump called it a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire while Iran and Bahrain traded accusations, and Iran later said it struck targets linked to US forces. Maritime Safety & UN Evacuation: The UN’s IMO said it paused the evacuation/escort effort after the Ever Lovely incident, pending safety guarantees from parties including Oman, the US and Iran. US Push to Keep Traffic Moving: A US Navy-linked maritime body said a route near Oman is expanding for inbound and outbound traffic, underscoring pressure on Iran’s insistence on control and possible transit fees. Oman Domestic Policy: Oman begins the fifth phase of its plastic shopping bag ban on 1 July, expanding restrictions to more retail sectors. Diplomatic Ties: India’s new ambassador presented credentials to Oman’s foreign minister, reaffirming stronger bilateral cooperation.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The U.S. carried out strikes on Iranian targets on Friday, saying they were a “powerful response” to Iran’s one-way drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely as it exited the Strait along the Omani coast. Ceasefire Fallout: Washington says the attack violated the U.S.-Iran ceasefire/MoU, while Iran denies claims of a direct U.S. communication channel and insists safe passage requires coordination with Tehran. Oman’s Role in Navigation: The incident comes as Oman and regional partners push for toll-free, safer transit arrangements and temporary maritime corridors to keep shipping moving. Diplomacy Under Strain: The renewed strikes raise doubts over the fragile interim peace deal, even as Gulf and UN-linked efforts to manage evacuations and escorts face pauses after the attack. Regional Reactions: GCC officials publicly welcomed Oman’s IMO-coordinated evacuation corridor plan, even as Iran warns against routes not approved by it.

Strait of Hormuz Security: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation/escort plan for ships and seafarers after a cargo vessel off Oman was hit by a projectile, with UKMTO reporting damage but no injuries and US officials alleging an Iranian drone attack; Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority reiterated that only its approved routes are covered by safe-passage guarantees. Oman-Iran Coordination: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran and Oman will keep dialogue on “management and maritime services” for Hormuz, while Omani officials continue to stress arrangements should remain toll-free. Route Dispute, Energy Stakes: A renewed fight over corridor control is keeping India’s Hormuz-linked crude exposure high, even as a US-Iran ceasefire framework moves forward. GCC-US Diplomacy: Iran condemned a joint US-GCC statement in Bahrain as provocative, while GCC ministers backed reopening Hormuz with free, unconditional navigation and rejected any tolls or attempts to assert control. Oman Domestic (Energy): Nafath was named implementing contractor for a 1.5MW community solar project under Oman’s Imtidad programme, expanding solar access via bill credits. Diplomatic Update: Oman’s Foreign Minister received credentials from India’s new ambassador, underscoring Muscat–New Delhi ties.

Strait of Hormuz Security: A projectile attack near Oman’s coast (UKMTO) damaged the bridge of the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, no casualties reported, prompting the UN’s International Maritime Organization to temporarily pause its evacuation/escort plan for about 11,000 stranded seafarers. Diplomacy & Navigation Control: Iran’s IRGC warned crossings without authorization would be “dealt with,” while Oman and Iran’s foreign ministers discussed maritime traffic administration and coordination for future arrangements. Tolls vs Free Passage: In Bahrain, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and GCC ministers backed reopening Hormuz with “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation,” rejecting any tolls/fees or attempts to assert control; Oman reiterated no transit fees. Regional Politics: Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan met Oman and Qatar counterparts on US-Iran MoU implications, as Gulf states press for security guarantees amid the fragile ceasefire. Oman Response: ROP Coast Guard rescued four crew members after a wooden vessel began sinking off Muscat.

GCC–US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, telling GCC leaders any Iran deal must protect Gulf security and insisting “no country” can charge for using international waterways. Regional Security Talks: A GCC–US ministerial meeting in Manama stressed indivisible Gulf security, Iran’s nuclear and missile restraint, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned ships against crossing without authorization, rejecting Oman’s temporary corridor and warning of enforcement; at the same time, the UN’s IMO evacuation plan is already moving vessels out under coordinated tracks. Oman Policy Move: Oman updated property-linked visa and residency rules for foreign investors, easing entry for buyers and eligible family members. Energy Transition: Nama PWP launched an RFQ for 1.5 GW of new solar projects (Adam and Sinaw) with battery storage to support Oman’s grid stability. Health & Infrastructure: Oman awarded a contract for the Oman Genome Centre and Bio Bank project in Al Seeb, Muscat.