AGP Executive Report

Lebanon-Israel Talks: Lebanon and Israel agreed on a shortlist of countries that could send troops to verify Hezbollah disarmament under a US-brokered deal, with Washington set to choose (and possibly pick more than one) after Rome talks; Reuters reports France was vetoed by both Israel and the US. Regional Energy & Trade: A US official says Washington expects a deal soon between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to restore commercial shipping and lift a blockade on Iranian ports—key for global oil flows. Gulf Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” treating an attack on any one as an attack on all, as the region faces heightened Iran-linked tensions and shipping disruption. Lebanon Energy Infrastructure: Lebanon’s Zahrani oil facilities are being discussed again as a potential strategic energy hub amid efforts to find routes that bypass Hormuz, though modernization and stability remain hurdles. Business & Tech: OneShield appointed Rick Becker as Senior VP for New Products, signaling continued push to bring practical AI into P&C insurance operations.

Lebanon Energy Logistics: A Monday meeting chaired by PM Nawaf Salam will map the next steps to transport Iraqi fuel to Lebanon by tanker trucks, including reopening northern border crossings with Syria and fixing gaps in customs, General Security, and road/tank readiness in Tripoli. Lebanon Financial Justice: Lebanon’s Court of Cassation says former central bank chief Riad Salameh is under continuous medical care under judicial supervision, as debate grows over whether health issues could keep delaying the biggest corruption trial. Regional Security & Trade: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a joint “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,” treating an attack on one as an attack on all—aimed at deterrence amid Gulf shipping and energy risks. Middle East Shipping Risk: Iran says it’s in the final stage of drafting a Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman, with passage fees and potential restrictions on “hostile” ships—raising uncertainty for regional trade flows. Aviation Procurement: An Italian court ordered removal of an Israeli-made radar from Rome’s Fiumicino airport security project, classifying it as military equipment and triggering a replacement process. Business & Investment: Battery Ventures promoted Brandon Gleklen to partner, doubling down on early-stage AI and healthcare tech investing.

Lebanon-Israel diplomacy: U.S.-brokered talks in Rome ended without progress on expanding pilot zones, as Israel and Lebanon remained split on adding a new area to the framework for phased Israeli withdrawals and Lebanese army control. Regional shipping & energy: Iran says its Strait of Hormuz agreement with Oman is in the “final stage,” with reports suggesting Tehran wants control over inbound traffic, while the U.S. says any reopening must avoid tolls/charges and hinge on port access. Lebanon security: Israel confirmed the death of two soldiers in southern Lebanon amid renewed strikes after alleged Hezbollah ceasefire violations, while Lebanese officials and rights groups again raised concerns over attacks on civilians. Local business & infrastructure: Mt. Juliet (Tennessee) received federal funding to widen Lebanon Road to five lanes, with more construction grants expected after right-of-way work. Community & skills: Starbucks EmpowerME trained more than 50 orphans in innovation and career readiness across the MENA region.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran says an Iran-Oman framework for managing Strait of Hormuz shipping is in the “final stage,” but Tehran stresses it’s not a full reopening and hinges on the U.S. lifting its port blockade—while Trump says a deal could be announced soon. Lebanon Border Volatility: Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon’s Majdal Zoun, with Israel blaming Hezbollah for ceasefire violations and launching strikes as Rome talks were disrupted. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups say an Israeli strike that killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and seriously wounded Zeinab Faraj in April 2026 was a war crime, calling for investigations and an arms embargo. Lebanon Business/Logistics: CMA CGM says it has completed its acquisition of Lebanon-linked Fattal Group via CEVA Logistics, aiming to expand integrated supply-chain services across the region. Regional Security & Economy: Analysts warn the “proxy attrition” narrative may miss how Iran’s networked crises are designed to delay pressure, keeping the nuclear issue in the background.

Lebanon-Israel Security Talks: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem of “serving Israel” ahead of renewed US-backed talks, as Israel and Lebanon continue direct negotiations in Rome over border and security arrangements. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israel issued an evacuation warning for residents in parts of southern Lebanon after what it called a Hezbollah ceasefire violation, with reports of casualties in Tebnine. Strait of Hormuz Deal Watch: Iran and Oman are moving closer to a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying an announcement could come as early as Wednesday—an outcome that could ease global fuel pressure. Sanctions & Trade: The US lifted sanctions on Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad after the carrier demonstrated “major changes,” a move that could affect regional air connectivity and business risk assessments. Infrastructure & Local Economy: A temporary crossing is restoring access after destruction of the Qaaqaiyet al-Jisr bridge, aiming to restart commerce and tourism while reconstruction plans continue. Energy Governance (Lebanon-adjacent lesson): New Hampshire’s debate over leaving the regional grid highlights how energy costs often hinge on regulation and shared infrastructure—relevant for Lebanon’s own power and network challenges.

Lebanon-Israel Talks in Rome: Lebanon and Israel are in a second day of US-brokered direct talks in Rome on a phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but a senior Lebanese official says the sides remain split over disarming Hezbollah and the verification mechanism for security arrangements. Strait of Hormuz Deal Hopes: Oil prices slid as diplomacy gained momentum, with Trump saying US-Iran talks are “moving along very nicely” and a possible interim Hormuz reopening deal could be known within 48 hours, while Iran continues to deny direct talks with Washington and points to Oman. FIFA Governance Shake-up: FIFA President Gianni Infantino called a crisis meeting in Morocco after his World Cup commercial-rights plan collapsed, with UEFA and other European bodies withdrawing confidence and FIFA insiders criticizing the process. Rosmah Mansor Case: Malaysia’s High Court set Aug 12 to rule on Rosmah Mansor’s bid to stay a RM67.4m payment order to a Beirut jeweller, as her lawyers argued the firm’s finances can’t be verified. Crypto M&A: Boerse Stuttgart Digital and Tradias completed their merger, creating a ~300-employee institutional crypto unit offering trading, custody, staking and tokenization.

Strait of Hormuz Deal Watch: Senior US officials say progress in Iran-Oman talks could lead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow,” with oil prices sliding more than 5% on the optimism—while Iran and the US still trade competing claims on the scope of talks. Shipping Disruption: A cargo ship near Oman reported being hit by an unknown projectile, underscoring how fast trade risk can flare even as diplomacy heats up. Lebanon-Israel Talks: Fresh US-backed direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are set to continue in Rome, but Israel’s reported plans to maintain a southern presence for at least another year keep the business-and-security outlook tense. Lebanon Sovereignty Row: PM Nawaf Salam pushed back hard on Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem’s claims, arguing that external agendas have dragged Lebanon into “futile support wars,” a dispute that can spill into policy and investment confidence. Energy/Environment Shock: An oil spill from a UK-sanctioned tanker grounded off Oman is expanding sharply, raising new costs and reputational risks for regional shipping. FIFA Governance Fallout: Pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino intensified after FIFA’s World Cup commercial plan was abandoned, with senior officials calling the episode “reproachable.”

Lebanon-Israel Talks in Rome: Lebanon and Israel will start a new US-mediated direct round in Rome on Tuesday, with Beirut pushing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from the south and the deployment of the Lebanese army, while Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warns the talks will bring “shame” and accuses President Joseph Aoun of bias. Beirut Port Justice Push: Ahead of the sixth anniversary of the 2020 Beirut port blast, renewed calls for accountability are back in the spotlight, with coverage stressing that no one has been held to account and indictments remain stalled. US-Iran Hormuz Deal Signals: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could happen “today or tomorrow,” while Iran denies direct talks with Washington and says discussions are limited to Oman—keeping energy and shipping uncertainty front and center. FIFA Governance Shake-up: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino faces intensifying backlash after internal criticism over a failed plan to monetize World Cup profits, as more federations consider withdrawing support. Lebanon Legal Detention: Lebanon detained former Palestinian envoy Ashraf Dabbour on corruption-related claims tied to the Palestinian Authority, with his defense expected to present documents. Banking Update: HSBC reported first-half profits up 23% and announced a $1bn share buyback resumption, supported by stronger wealth and transaction banking performance.

Beirut Port Justice Push: Lebanon marked the sixth anniversary of the 2020 Beirut port blast with renewed hopes that an indictment will finally move forward, as President Joseph Aoun said the country won’t regain trust in its institutions until the full path of justice is completed. Lebanon Security & Anti-Corruption: Lebanon also arrested former Palestinian ambassador Ashraf Dabbour in preparation for extradition to face corruption charges, underscoring ongoing legal pressure tied to regional financial misconduct. Regional Trade & Energy Risk: Iran is reportedly betting it can outlast Washington by turning Middle East trade routes and energy infrastructure into pressure points, a strategy that could raise costs for global shipping and regional economies. Lebanon’s Electricity Reality Check: Separate reporting highlights Lebanon’s electricity crisis as it weighs Egyptian gas hopes against Turkish power plans, keeping energy supply central to business stability. Local Business & Consumer Fraud: In the US, BBB Scam Tracker data shows Lebanon, Missouri recorded four scam reports in June 2026, reflecting how fraud continues to hit household spending and local commerce.

Lebanon’s Financial Accountability: President Joseph Aoun marked the Beirut port blast anniversary by calling for the long-delayed indictment in the probe, saying justice and accountability are the only way to restore trust in institutions. Central Banking Fallout: Former central bank governor Riad Salameh was detained again after failing to appear for questioning, keeping Lebanon’s banking collapse and elite corruption allegations in the spotlight. Regional Energy Pressure: Iran is reportedly trying to pressure Washington by targeting trade routes, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure, while oil prices dip as markets bet on limits to escalation after Trump paused new Iran strikes. US-Iran Deal Signals: Trump says a potential framework would mean the “immediate, complete, and total” opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, with strikes on hold pending a rapid deal. Maritime Borders & Gas: Cyprus intelligence chief Tasos Tzionis visited Lebanon, reportedly pushing for no backtracking on the Cyprus-Lebanon EEZ agreement amid wider regional maritime disputes. Data Center Tax Lessons: A US analysis warns that Lebanon-relevant investors should watch how data-center tax breaks can balloon far beyond forecasts, with states now rolling back exemptions after costs surged.

Lebanon’s Power Crunch: A new report maps how Lebanon is trying to restore electricity amid war damage, with talks since 2022 focused on Egyptian gas and Jordanian power—yet progress hinges on pipeline rehabilitation through Syria and the still-uncertain question of where the gas will come from. US-Iran Energy Shock: Trump says planned US strikes on Iran are paused after “parameters” for a deal, including the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz—while Iran dismisses it as “psychological warfare,” keeping regional energy and shipping risk front and center. UN Humanitarian Alarm: The UN chief renews calls for an immediate end to hostilities across Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, warning civilians are still paying the highest price as displacement and infrastructure damage worsen. Israel-Lebanon Security Tension: Israel is weighing heightened readiness as US decisions on Iran remain unpredictable, while reporting also points to continued pressure around Ali Al Taher tunnels and broader escalation fears. Lebanon Legal/Finance Spillover: In Mozambique’s “hidden debts” bribery case tied to Privinvest, Safa’s widow seeks an appeal arguing claims should be handled by Lebanese courts rather than English ones. Regional Business/Trade Angle: A proposal discussed for Europe’s energy dependence suggests Gulf-to-Mediterranean pipeline financing and operations could reduce shipment vulnerability—an idea with direct relevance to Lebanon’s energy security debate.

Lebanon’s Financial Accountability: Former central bank governor Riad Salameh was transferred to prison after being held under police guard in a hospital, as Lebanon’s judiciary pursues embezzlement, illicit enrichment and money-laundering allegations tied to Banque du Liban funds. Regional Business Risk: With US-Iran tensions flaring, the US State Department and multiple embassies urged Americans in Lebanon and across the Middle East to consider departing or prepare for emergency travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures—an immediate hit to regional mobility and commerce. Energy & Trade Watch: Trump said the US will pause planned strikes on Iran, linking any halt to rapid progress toward a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz—key for global shipping and oil flows. Public Health (Lebanon): Lebanon’s Health Ministry and AstraZeneca launched a lung cancer awareness campaign on World Lung Cancer Day, pushing smoking cessation and early detection as part of the National Cancer Control Plan. Governance & Stability: UN agencies warned that civilian casualties and destruction are rising across Lebanon and the wider region, adding pressure on humanitarian operations and local economic recovery.

Middle East Security: The US State Department and embassies across Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon and other regional capitals urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready to depart, citing “unforeseen escalation” as Trump vows to hit Iran “very hard,” with fresh drone attacks reported in Kuwait and renewed strikes across Gaza and Lebanon. Maritime Risk for Trade: A Bermuda-flagged LNG tanker (GasLog Shanghai LNG) was struck near Oman, while other incidents in the Strait of Hormuz underline how shipping and insurance costs are getting hit as tensions rise. Lebanon Sovereignty & Border Control: Lebanon’s army commander Rudolph Haykal reiterated the army will not accept any occupation, stressing border protection and efforts to enable the return of displaced residents. Sanctions & Finance: The US imposed new restrictions on the Muslim Brotherhood by cutting funding channels tied to Hamas-linked networks, signaling tighter financial pressure in the region. UN Humanitarian Alarm: The UN warned of rising civilian deaths and injuries across Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, with aid access still constrained.

Lebanon’s Central Bank Shake-up: Former central bank governor Riad Salameh was arrested after failing to appear for questioning, with accusations tied to Banque du Liban transactions and securities involving companies linked to Bank Audi. Regional Security & State Authority: President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese army is the “only guarantor” of unity and sovereignty as the UN praised the army’s trust-building role while Lebanon faces the heavy task of disarming Hezbollah and extending state control. Gaza Ceasefire Oversight: A new “Board of Peace” is set to oversee Gaza’s disarmament and transition plan after Hamas agreed to disarm, with reconstruction costs estimated at $70bn and major implementation hurdles ahead. US-Iran Escalation Watch: Trump signaled more strikes on Iran and pushed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned of retaliation targeting US and Israeli energy infrastructure. Local Business & Jobs: A Lebanon-area childcare model is expanding to help parents keep working, while Lebanon’s President Aoun also reiterated the army’s role in stability—key for business confidence.

Middle East Security: The White House signaled Trump is weighing new strikes on Iran as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it hit tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kuwait reported intercepted drones; Trump also said the U.S. wants to “win” and will keep hitting Iran “very hard,” while the UN warns the Iran war is driving wider global instability. Gaza Deal Watch: Hamas says it will begin disarming under a proposed framework tied to Israeli withdrawal, but key details and sequencing remain disputed as strikes continue. Lebanon Impact: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, including damage near UNESCO-listed heritage sites, warning they threaten a tripartite framework and upcoming Rome talks. Financial/Legal Pressure in Lebanon: Lebanese security forces executed a search warrant against former central bank governor Riad Salameh at Bhannes Hospital, moving the case into a tougher phase. Aid to Lebanon: Canada’s Health Partners International says the first shipment of 134,000 treatments worth $1.4m has arrived in Beirut to support a strained health system.

Lebanon–Israel Security Shock: Israeli forces detonated an estimated 700 tons of explosives beneath the UNESCO-listed Shaqif Fortress (Beaufort Castle) in southern Lebanon, claiming it targeted alleged Hezbollah tunnel networks; Lebanese antiquities officials previously rejected similar claims as fabricated. Gaza Ceasefire/Disarmament Talks: Hamas says it has agreed to a phased disarmament framework tied to Israel’s withdrawal, with mediators including Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the US; Israel has not publicly confirmed the latest proposal. Cross-Border Payments: Egypt’s National Bank of Egypt and Mastercard launched a USD Corporate Debit Card to help businesses make secure USD payments to international suppliers and platforms, boosting regional trade connectivity. Lebanon–Turkey Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met Türkiye’s leadership and pushed for closer cooperation, linking Lebanon’s recovery and sovereignty to regional energy and security arrangements. Markets & FX Watch: US–Iran tensions and oil price swings kept investors focused, while Japan’s yen volatility drew attention after US Treasury flagged possible FX intervention. Local Business/Community: Lebanon’s Sam’s Club held a grand opening, while Lebanon’s Annahar unveiled an AI reporter for its digital newsroom.