AGP Executive Report

Malaysia Tech Security: Johor’s Forest City says it will fully cooperate with authorities after allegations that Israeli nationals were involved in the Network School programme, with PM Anwar Ibrahim warning any Israelis found there will be deported immediately. US-Iran Tech-Driven Warfare: CENTCOM says U.S. forces used one-way “Corsair” sea drones to hit Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base, underscoring how autonomous maritime drones are moving from concept to combat. Gulf Shipping Risk: Iran warns it could expand disruption beyond the Strait of Hormuz, threatening “all other export corridors” if the U.S. blockade continues. Regional Air Defense: Jordan reports intercepting and shooting down three ballistic missiles from Iran, while Israel-Gaza strikes continue amid stalled ceasefire talks. Defense Industrial Base: Trump tells the U.S. defense sector to ramp up weapons production as the Iran war strains missile and interceptor stockpiles. Middle East Tech & Business: Nemetschek Arabia launches AI-powered Bluebeam Max across the region; Turkish Cargo expands SMARTIST 2.0 at Istanbul Airport with automation upgrades; Kaspi.kz completes its Rabobank A.Ş. acquisition in Türkiye.

Customs & Trade Facilitation: Israel’s Customs Directorate and the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs signed an Authorized Economic Operator mutual recognition deal to speed clearance for trusted traders and cut unnecessary inspections. Middle East Energy Shock: Oil jumped to a one-month high as the US reinstated a naval blockade tied to the Strait of Hormuz fight, while Trump briefly floated a 20% shipping levy before backing down and shifting to Gulf trade/investment talks. Maritime Tech in the Spotlight: The conflict keeps spotlighting unmanned sea systems and “dark vessel” tactics, as analysts warn Iran may try to evade blockade enforcement. AI for Healthcare: Israeli researchers unveiled an AI model that can flag heart-failure risk up to five years early using routine heart-monitor tests. Military Tech & Regional Ties: Türkiye and Pakistan pushed deeper defense and tech cooperation during a high-level visit to Ankara, signaling more defense-industrial collaboration. Sports Tech & Training: FIFA will run a young refereeing course in Ghana led by instructors from Egypt and Tunisia, part of its push to modernize officiating.

Gulf Security & Energy Shock: The US launched a third straight night of strikes on Iran as Trump moves to reinstate a maritime blockade and tolls for Strait of Hormuz shipping, while Iran retaliated across the region—pushing Brent to a one-month high and rattling markets from Europe to India. Regional Air Defense: Jordan said it intercepted four Iranian missiles entering its airspace, as Gulf states kept layered defenses on alert amid renewed drone and missile exchanges. Lebanon-Israel Tech-Enabled De-escalation: Israel and Lebanon are set to hold another US-mediated round in Rome focused on implementing the June framework, starting with pilot-zone withdrawals and Lebanese Army deployment. AI Infrastructure Investment: Pure DC announced a major AI data-centre build in Finland (110MW Phase 1, fully leased; scaling to 550MW) aimed at boosting regional digital capacity. Biotech IP Moves: Can-Fite BioPharma secured an Australian patent allowance for Namodenoson, supporting its oncology Phase 3 and pancreatic cancer development. Cultural Tech & Heritage: Türkiye repatriated a long-missing panel of the Gypsy Girl Mosaic after scientific assessments linked it to the original artwork.

Geopolitics Meets Markets: The US and Iran escalated again over the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington reinstating a blockade and saying it will charge a 20% fee on cargo transiting the waterway, while Iran declared the strait closed “until further notice” after warning shots hit a vessel; the result was a sharp oil jump and tech-led stock weakness. AI Policy Pressure: Nearly 200 economists and tech leaders warned that AI risks are moving faster than policymakers expect, urging urgent action as job disruption fears grow. Semiconductor Shock: US and global markets also took a hit from chip selloffs tied to memory concerns, with SK Hynix in focus after its US listing. Defense Tech Watch: Elbit floated a concept to convert a merchant ship into a mobile drone base using Hermes 650 Spark aircraft for persistent naval ISR. Regional Innovation: Sharjah unveiled a Dh600,000 security research award aimed at future foresight, cybercrime, and community protection. Crypto Culture: $HOPPY is drawing attention by leaning into an earlier Matt Furie frog origin story as meme-coin interest heats up. Mobility & Travel Tech: Turkey expanded its eVisa process, publishing the document list for eligible countries. Sports Tech Debate: VAR controversy at the 2026 World Cup reignited calls for clearer, more consistent use of officiating tech.

Geopolitics Meets Tech & Markets: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes as Iran again said it closed the Strait of Hormuz, while CENTCOM reported a third wave of attacks after a container ship was hit; oil jumped and global stocks slid, with tech and chips taking a hit. Cybersecurity: An Israeli cyber official said Iranian cyberattacks roughly tripled during the war, with defenders seeing thousands of serious incidents while most activity stays hidden from the public. Regional Tech & Business: Israel’s Palantir rival is selling $1M spy “vans” to US police, and Dubai’s residential market held up with only a 4–7% dip despite Iran-related shocks. Health & Biotech: Ocugen inked a binding term sheet to license its OCU400 modifier gene therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa across MENA, with milestones up to $255M. Policy & Society: A new Iraq Jaafari code framework is reshaping custody and citizenship outcomes, while an Israel poll shows growing support for tougher pressure on haredi conscription. Archaeology: Egypt announced new Mediterranean tombs with “golden tongues.”

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: The US says it launched a third round of strikes on Iran after an attack on a container ship, while Iran says the strait is closed again “until further notice,” escalating uncertainty for shipping and energy markets. Lebanon-Israel Talks: Lebanon’s army is set to deploy to US-defined pilot zones in southern Lebanon, but Rome talks are tied to Israel completing agreed withdrawals and an oversight mechanism. Jordan AI Funding: Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund is partnering with Saudi VC platform STV to back generative and applied AI, aiming to build an “AI corridor” between the two countries. Syria Governance Watch: Syria’s new People’s Assembly convened its inaugural session, with analysts warning the real test is whether the institution can function effectively during transition. Saudi-UAE Financial Rift: Reports claim Saudi banks have blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, signaling a deeper Gulf economic strain. Iraq Water Recovery: Iraq says strategic water reserves rebounded to 34bn cubic meters after historic lows, stressing the need for sustainable management. Tech & Skills in Kurdistan: A new Erbil TVET program will train students in auto maintenance, computer science, digital marketing, and solar tech. Aviation Performance: Saudia topped global airlines for on-time performance in June, with flyadeal leading in the Middle East and Africa.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says it closed the Strait of Hormuz again after a warning shot hit a vessel on an “unauthorized route,” while the US Central Command reported a third round of strikes on Iran, hitting about 140 targets and pushing total this week past 300; the fighting also drew fresh missile activity and raised fears the ceasefire talks could collapse. Regional Diplomacy: Iran and Oman agreed to keep consulting on safe navigation and future management of the strait, with Qatar named as a mediator, even as escalation overtook the diplomatic track. Defense Tech & Industry: Israel’s Rafael is reportedly discussing producing Tamir Iron Dome interceptors in India, signaling deeper defense manufacturing ties. AI in the Spotlight: Meta pulled its Muse Image AI tool after backlash, adding to a run of high-profile AI missteps; meanwhile, an AI-themed art profile highlights how researchers and artists in the region are experimenting with AI as a creative partner. Health & Safety Research: A systematic review from Sapienza University found pesticide residues in infant formula across 22 of 26 studies, raising concerns about multi-contaminant exposure. Markets & Crypto: Gold and silver are expected to stay volatile as investors track US-Iran tensions, oil, and inflation; Bitcoin held near $64K amid the renewed escalation.

Hormuz Talks Under Strain: Iran and Oman kept technical and political talks moving in Muscat on safe navigation, as the US pressed for a public pledge on open, secure passage and the ceasefire framework showed cracks. Nuclear Watch: New satellite imagery and reporting point to possible renewed activity at Iran’s suspected nuclear sites, including Parchin, raising fresh compliance questions. US-Iran Escalation: The week’s cycle of strikes and threats continued, with reports that no US officials joined Oman consultations and with Trump reiterating harsh retaliation language. Critical Supplies: China temporarily banned helium exports, citing Middle East conflict risk to chipmaking supply chains. Tech & Policy: Egypt used WSIS Forum 2026 to push digital inclusion, responsible AI, and practical implementation. Energy Signals: Eni warned prolonged Iran conflict could push oil toward $100 by early 2027. Health Research: A systematic review flagged multiple pesticide residues in infant formula, adding to food-safety concerns. Regional Tech/Science Wins: Iran’s Royan Institute scientists entered Clarivate’s top 1% most-cited list, and Iran won the International Mathematics Competition of Shanghai.

Nuclear Watch: CNN satellite imagery suggests Iran may be rebuilding parts of its nuclear infrastructure, including work at the Taleghan 2 site inside Parchin, reigniting questions about compliance with the US-Iran MoU. Strait of Hormuz: The US and Iran traded renewed strikes after clashes involving commercial shipping, while the IEA warned that escalation could upend its oil surplus forecast. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif met Iran and Qatar leaders to revive stalled US-Iran talks, urging restraint and adherence to the Islamabad MoU. Health & Food Safety: A Sapienza University systematic review found pesticide residues in infant formula across 22 of 26 studies, raising concerns about multi-contaminant exposure. Medical Breakthrough: Tel Aviv University researchers reported a mechanism that could enable regeneration of inner-ear hair cells, offering hope for irreversible hearing loss. Cybersecurity: Visa launched a threat intelligence platform to help banks detect cyber incidents earlier and prevent fraud. Regional Tech & Industry: Iran’s knowledge-based firms unveiled rapid gas detection kits, while Iraq topped the Middle East in number of banks but still struggles with service quality and trust.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: The U.S. struck dozens of targets in Iran after Iranian forces fired on commercial ships, damaging three tankers and renewing fears for global oil flows; daily tanker traffic also slowed as both sides argue over passage rules. Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi is set to consult Oman on Hormuz arrangements, while ABC and other reports say U.S.-Iran technical talks continue even as Trump declares the ceasefire “over.” Nuclear Compliance Worry: CNN satellite analysis claims Iran is repairing a nuclear weapons-linked facility despite the MoU’s status-quo terms. Gulf Fallout for Food Security: Lebanon says Israeli attacks caused $1B+ losses to its agriculture, with about 22.5% of farmland damaged, and announced greenhouse and solar-water-well rehab. Regional Tech & Security: Israel’s Elbit says its Tzayad program generated large-scale “real-time” targeting plans in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing scrutiny. Gulf Politics & Trade: Cyprus condemned Turkey’s MoU for an undersea gas pipeline to occupied north Cyprus as illegal. Market Pulse: Stocks held up as traders weighed Iran risk and tech strength, while oil and gas prices stayed volatile.

US-Iran Energy & Diplomacy: Oil markets stayed jumpy as the US and Iran traded strikes but kept “technical talks” alive, with Hormuz shipping down sharply and investors watching Gulf supply plans. Sanctions & Oil Trade: India’s refiners are reportedly weighing a return to Iranian crude purchases if Washington extends its sanctions waiver beyond Aug. 21. Regional Energy Logistics: Iraq and Türkiye agreed a new legal framework to keep Iraqi crude exports flowing through the Ceyhan port, including a one-year Kurdistan pipeline protocol. Israel Tech in War: Elbit says its Tzayad system generated massive “real-time intel targets” and battle plans across Gaza and Lebanon—sparking renewed scrutiny over automated targeting. Renewables Spotlight: Israel’s Ashalim “Eye of Sauron” solar thermal tower is drawing attention for its computer-controlled mirror field and high-profile engineering. Egypt Tech & AI Governance: Egypt topped Africa in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index, citing policy capacity and resilience gains. Sports Tech Controversy: FIFA expanded VAR support after Egypt-Argentina disputes reignited fears over tech consistency. Archaeology for Tourism: Egypt announced a Byzantine residential city and tombs in the Dakhla Oasis and Marina el-Alamein, aiming to boost tourism.

US-Iran Escalation: Iran warned that no final deal will start if Washington keeps issuing threats, as fresh explosions were reported near Bushehr and the US denied new strikes; the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint while markets try to look past the risk. Lebanon-Israel Implementation: A US delegation is set to help launch southern Lebanon “pilot zones” within days, with Rome talks planned for technical handover even as Lebanon resists a new negotiation round. NATO & Türkiye Defense Push: NATO leaders in Ankara pledged $50B+ for new defense procurements and highlighted AI and uncrewed systems, while Türkiye’s defense industry showcased next-gen capabilities. AI & Semiconductors Lift Markets: Wall Street rallied on chip optimism despite Middle East jitters, with investors focused on AI demand and SK hynix’s US listing. Space Startups: India’s BAAS Technologies raised Rs 5 crore pre-seed to build liquid/solid propulsion and a 100 kN static test facility for reusable launch vehicles. Sports Science in Israel: Tel Aviv University opened the $35m Sylvan Adams Sport Science Institute to support Olympic athletes with labs and performance tech. Neuroscience Breakthrough: Researchers identified C1 neurons as a master switch for fear and persistent anxiety, with prolonged activation locking stress circuits “on.” Egypt Archaeology: Byzantine-era residential city and tombs were discovered at Dakhla Oasis and Marina el-Alamein, boosting tourism prospects.

US–Iran Escalation: The ceasefire is fraying fast as the US strikes around 90 Iranian military targets and Iran hits back across Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, pushing oil higher and rattling markets. Regional Security Tech: Elbit says its Tzayad system generated 20,000 battle plans and flagged 850,000 “real-time intel targets” in Gaza and Lebanon—then disputed the wording—sparking renewed debate over automated targeting at scale. Nuclear Progress (Egypt): Rosatom began installing the reactor vessel for Unit 2 at Egypt’s El Dabaa plant, a key step in the country’s first nuclear power project. Egypt Capital Markets: Egypt’s EGX closed Wednesday down 1.84%, while the Cabinet approved a $15m “Karnak Garments” free-zone project and regulators (FRA, EGX, ETA) set up a joint committee to boost market cooperation. Smart Manufacturing (Egypt): China’s Jiangsu Changhong plans a $20m smart auto manufacturing hub in Egypt. Sports Tech & Governance (Egypt): Egypt filed a FIFA complaint over VAR and referee decisions after its World Cup exit to Argentina; FIFA’s refereeing chief defended VAR integrity. Business & Society: FUJIFILM Middle East launched Women4Women in Dubai; HONOR became the Middle East’s second-largest smartphone vendor in Q1 2026.

AI in Defense: Elbit Systems says its Tzayad program generated “real-time intel targets” and battle plans across Gaza and Lebanon, triggering renewed debate over automated targeting at scale. Archaeology & Tech Tourism: Egypt opened the Grand Egyptian Museum library, moving 17,000 books and boosting research access for Egyptology and museum studies. AI for Heritage: Russian researchers built AI tools to digitize, read, and translate Arabic manuscripts, aiming to cut routine work time and speed preservation. NATO Tech & Industry: Türkiye used the Ankara summit to spotlight its defense supply chain and push NATO interoperability, while UK–Türkiye signed a security and defence partnership covering tech, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats. F-35 Politics: US senators backed Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program, but S-400 concerns remain a key hurdle. Middle East Shockwaves: US–Iran strikes and talk of the ceasefire “over” sent oil higher, stocks lower, and Bitcoin slipping as markets priced renewed risk. IMF Macro-Tech Lens: The IMF linked the Iran shock to higher inflation and slower growth, while arguing AI investment is partially cushioning the blow.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump said the interim ceasefire with Iran is “over” at the NATO summit in Türkiye, as the US struck Iran after attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran retaliated by targeting US sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, reviving fears of a wider regional war. Energy Markets: Brent jumped about 6% and oil kept rallying on supply-route anxiety, while stocks slid and the dollar firmed as investors priced in inflation risk. Regional Tech & Finance: Israeli insurers and clean-tech shares fell sharply on the escalation; fintech Nayax dropped after disclosing a cyber breach. Egypt Football Tech & Governance: Egypt filed a FIFA complaint over referee François Letexier after a VAR-fueled Argentina comeback, alleging bias and demanding the officiating team be removed. NATO Tech Cooperation: Czech President Petr Pavel called Türkiye “essential” for NATO security and pointed to deeper defense, counter-drone, and science cooperation. UAE Investment Pulse: UNCTAD reported UAE FDI rose ~6% in 2025 to $48.24B, ranking it among the world’s top recipients. Automotive Launch: Nissan’s Jordan dealer Bustami and Saheb Group says the all-new Nissan Tekton will premiere July 9 via a livestream from India.

Strait of Hormuz Security: Iran fired missiles at commercial vessels off Oman, damaging tankers and raising “severe” transit risk as the US launched new strikes and revoked an Iran oil waiver, threatening a fragile ceasefire. Markets & Tech Mood: Oil jumped and Wall Street slid, with a chip-led tech selloff dragging the Nasdaq while investors questioned the durability of AI-driven chip gains. NATO in Türkiye: As Ankara hosts the NATO summit, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler showcased the Ay Yıldız command complex, while Trump signaled he may lift Turkey sanctions and revisit the F-35 ban—prompting pushback from US lawmakers. Egypt Football Fallout: Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and officials accused refereeing and VAR bias after a 2-0 lead slipped to a 3-2 loss to Argentina, sparking diplomatic-level complaints. Research & Culture: A new digital archive, Yādgār, launched to document Iranian cultural heritage loss, looting, and suppression. Saudi Travel Ease: Saudi Arabia rolled out a Package Visa pilot to simplify tourist travel under Vision 2030.