AGP Executive Report

Kuwait-China Infrastructure: China’s ambassador Yang Xin says Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Bubiyan has entered the implementation phase, after earlier damage during the Iran-US war; he added that new contracts for other strategic projects are expected soon. US-Iran Diplomacy: Iran has rejected direct talks with top US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Doha, saying no meetings are scheduled and that ceasefire terms must be settled first; Qatar says the envoys will meet mediators and start technical discussions, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz only partially resuming. Regional Security & Shipping: Talks focus on de-escalation and Hormuz reopening, but Iran insists it will manage traffic and may impose tolls after the 60-day period. Kuwait Oil Tech: SLB won a seven-year KOC contract to test and deploy advanced technologies and set up a facility in Ahmadi Innovation Valley, with work spanning AI, production optimization and energy transition. Travel Advisory: The US State Department issued Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warnings for Kuwait ahead of July 4, citing armed conflict, landmines and crime. Business & Economy: Primark’s Q3 update shows new store openings helped growth, but like-for-like sales fell amid a tough consumer environment; Kuwait’s Zain also appears in regional telecom developments.

Gulf Security & Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain and warned against threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming solidarity with both countries. US-Iran Talks in Qatar: Two US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Doha for technical talks with Qatari mediators on implementing an interim Iran deal, while Iran says no direct US meetings are planned. Kuwait–Regional Ties: Zain won a 25-year license to operate a mobile network in Syria (75% Zain, 25% Syrian government), with commercial launch targeted for Q1 2027. Local Transport & Compliance: Kuwait’s traffic department warned against unauthorized vehicle stickers and writings; the Interior Ministry also launched a Sahel App service letting drivers download digital vehicle registration licenses. Economy & Energy: Kuwait’s fuel prices for July 1–Sept 30 were set, with Ultra 98 rising to 275 fils; Kuwait crude climbed $2.51 to $79.85 pb. Sports: Kuwait Club clinched the Zain Premier League title for a fifth straight season, while Kuwait FA honored Somali referee Omar Artan. Public Safety: Police arrested two suspects with 358 Lyrica tablets and bladed weapons. Health: The Health Ministry ordered closure of seven private facilities over serious violations.

US-Iran Doha Talks in Doubt: President Trump says Iran requested a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, with envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff heading to Qatar, but Iran’s negotiators insist no talks are scheduled “at any level,” keeping the June 17 ceasefire fragile after weekend strikes. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: The latest flare-up followed attacks on commercial shipping and renewed claims over who controls reopening and safe passage, with Iran warning against foreign interference while the US says it will respond if violence resumes. Kuwait in the Crosshairs: Reports say Iranian strikes hit Bahrain and Kuwait after US actions, and Kuwait intercepted Iranian missiles, underscoring direct regional risk for residents and shipping. Oil Market Shift: With Gulf output ramping up as Hormuz traffic improves, crude fears are easing and prices are sliding from earlier spikes, though uncertainty remains tied to the talks. Local Business: Kuwait Oil Company bids show MECC as lowest bidder for KD132.28m ($427m) electrical infrastructure projects supporting oil field operations. GCC Finance: BCG says GCC asset management hit $2.7tn in 2025, up 10%, with Kuwait among key growth markets.

US-Iran Talks & Hormuz Tensions: Trump says a new US-Iran meeting will be held in Doha on Tuesday after a weekend of strikes that hit shipping and raised fears for the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s officials deny technical talks are scheduled, while both sides say they’ve agreed to “stand down” and keep vessels moving, leaving the interim MoU’s next steps uncertain. Kuwait Security: Kuwait condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and reported intercepting two “hostile” ballistic missiles over its airspace. Kuwait Economy Impact: A new analysis warns the conflict is still weighing on Kuwait’s growth and fiscal outlook, with shipping disruption linked to weaker activity and a wider deficit in FY26/27. Kuwait Infrastructure: Kuwait’s Public Works Minister inspected roads to the new airport, urging quality, safety, and faster delivery. Energy & Industry: KOC received bids for KD132.28m worth of power infrastructure projects to support oilfield operations. Local Governance & Services: Kuwait launched the Ministry of Education’s “T” digital platform to manage training, scholarships and development electronically. Health Oversight: Health authorities ordered closure of seven private facilities and referred one medical center for major violations. Sports: Kuwait was drawn with Qatar and Syria in Group A for the West Asia Volleyball Championship, while the U-18 basketball team heads to Cairo for a training camp. Community & Courts: Kuwait continues legal follow-ups on disputes and workplace conduct, including a case involving alleged doctor insult and another involving a hospital-related incident.

US-Iran Truce Watch: The US and Iran agreed to halt mutual strikes “for now,” with technical talks set to continue and ships allowed to move freely as negotiations shift toward Doha, after a weekend of exchanges that had Kuwait and Bahrain in the firing line. Kuwait Security: Kuwait reported intercepting two ballistic missiles and said it faced Iranian drone and missile attacks following US strikes, with no injuries reported. Hormuz Stakes: The Strait of Hormuz remains the flashpoint over who controls safe passage, and the latest pause is aimed at keeping shipping and oil flows from slipping again. Oil and Markets: Oil prices eased after the reported stand-down, while Asian shares were mixed as investors weighed the truce’s fragility. Local Governance: Kuwait’s PACI cancelled registered residential addresses of 464 expatriates, requiring updates within 30 days to avoid penalties. Defense & Deals: Kuwait’s Parliament approved a military cooperation agreement with Ukraine, and Kuwait’s MEWRE signed a KD 74.703m ($244m) contract to expand the Shuwaikh water distribution complex.

Gulf Security: Iran launched renewed drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after fresh US strikes, with Tehran warning it could halt negotiations and insisting it alone will manage the Strait of Hormuz; Kuwait reported intercepting hostile ballistic missiles and said its air defenses were engaging drones and missiles, while Bahrain reported sirens and damage to a residential building. Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran pulled out of technical talks with the US, citing conditions over unfrozen funds, as Pakistan urged all sides to fully observe the ceasefire and keep dialogue going. Local Safety & Crime: Kuwait Police arrested three juveniles over a Salmiya restroom assault video, with suspects accused of assaulting, filming, and uploading the clip. Justice & Courts: Kuwait’s Court of Appeals acquitted a citizen in an embezzlement case over KD40,000, saying it was a civil/commercial dispute. Humanitarian & Community: Kuwait marked World Refugee Day with UNHCR and Zain, highlighting a decade of support amid a major funding shortfall. Sports: Kuwait Club are set to be crowned Zain Premier League champions as the final round concludes, with Kuwait Club facing Qadsia.

Gulf Security Crisis: Kuwait says it intercepted “hostile” Iranian missiles and drones as Bahrain sounded sirens again, with both countries condemning the attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law. Kuwait’s Response: Kuwait’s General Staff said air defenses were engaging incoming threats and that interceptions caused explosion sounds; Kuwait later reported intercepting two ballistic missiles with no casualties or damage. Bahrain’s Damage Report: Bahrain confirmed it destroyed several Iranian missile and drone attacks, saying a residential building in Muharraq was damaged with no deaths. Iran-US Escalation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed a joint missile-and-drone operation targeting U.S. sites, including Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem base and Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, while the U.S. said it struck Iranian surveillance, communications, air-defense and drone-related facilities after attacks on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic Fallout: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry warned the renewed attacks undermine de-escalation efforts, as the interim U.S.-Iran ceasefire and talks face fresh strain. Markets Watch: Boursa Kuwait moved ahead with plans to launch an Emerging Companies Market (ECM), opening the door for SME listings after technical tests.

Ashoura Commemorations: Mosques and Hussainiyas across Kuwait held Ashoura ceremonies on Friday, with speakers stressing Karbala’s message of patience, steadfastness and responsibility. Regional Security: Kuwait strongly condemned Iran’s drone attacks on Bahrain as a violation of sovereignty and international law, while the GCC also denounced the strikes and warned they undermine de-escalation efforts. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained thin as fresh attacks and retaliatory strikes clouded a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and raised new concerns for maritime safety. Public Works Tendering: Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders opened bids for sand removal from highways in northern and southern areas to keep roads safe and traffic flowing. Health & Families: Experts warned that excessive screen time is harming children’s eyesight, sleep and behavior, urging the 20-20-20 rule and more outdoor activity. Sports & Community: Para table tennis kicked off its 2026-27 season in Kuwait, while Kuwait also marked a milestone in falconry by producing its first homebred peregrine falcon. Diplomacy & Culture: Kuwait reaffirmed support for Judge Mahmoud Al-Hamoud’s ICJ role and highlighted its participation in the Dubrovnik Forum.

Gulf Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, telling allies the US-Iran interim truce will not come at the expense of Gulf security, while GCC ministers rejected any Strait of Hormuz “tolls” or attempts to control the waterway. Strait of Hormuz & Oil Markets: As shipping transits picked up and Saudi Arabia resumed Ras Tanura loadings, crude prices slid sharply, with Brent and WTI falling toward multi-month lows amid fears of oversupply. Ceasefire Strains: Iran and the US traded blame after reports of drone attacks on ships in the Strait, with Trump calling it a “foolish violation” and Iran warning vessels to follow its route guidance. Kuwait Security: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said it arrested a Bangladeshi expatriate after customs and drug control units seized chemical narcotic-soaked papers in a courier shipment, with more coordination underway internationally. Local Legal Note: A Kuwait State Security court piece highlights confusion around acquittals versus cases where courts do not impose prison despite no final punishment being pronounced.

Iran-Hormuz Flashpoint: Trump accused Iran of “foolish” ceasefire violations after drones hit a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warned ships to avoid “unauthorized routes” and insisted safe passage must factor in Tehran’s coastal role. GCC-US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain to reassure allies that any Iran framework won’t undermine Gulf security, while the GCC-US statement rejected “tolls, fees, or control” over Hormuz. US Military Realignment: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is considering moving some Middle East assets farther west, including possible shifts involving Israel, after damage to the Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. Kuwait Drug Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says it arrested a Bangladeshi expatriate after customs and drug-control teams seized 80 chemical-narcotic soaked papers, plus 7 more at his home, with investigations pointing to handlers abroad. Local Safety: Kuwait Traffic announced the Othman Bin Affan Street roundabout is fully closed to vehicles from June 26 to June 30 for temporary diversions. Oil Watch: KPC said Kuwait crude fell $4.15 to $79.44 per barrel.

US-Gulf Security Review: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is considering relocating parts of its military footprint from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with Israel among options, after Iranian strikes exposed vulnerabilities at the Bahrain Fifth Fleet base. Hormuz Stand-Off: GCC and US ministers meeting in Bahrain backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with free, unconditional navigation, rejecting any tolls, fees or control attempts; UN evacuation plans were paused after a ship was hit near Oman. Rubio’s Gulf Tour: Marco Rubio wrapped up talks in Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain, stressing any Iran deal must protect Gulf security and that allies will be kept informed at every stage. Oil Market Signals: Saudi Aramco resumed loading at Ras Tanura after a near four-month halt, while oil prices edged toward a weekly decline as Hormuz traffic improved but ship-attack risks linger. Kuwait Embassy Update: The US Embassy in Kuwait City resumed limited operations for emergency services and some citizen paperwork, while visa interviews remain suspended. Local Crime: Kuwait’s Khaitan stabbing case ended with an arrest after bystanders stopped the suspect; drugs were found in his possession.

Gulf Diplomacy & Hormuz: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, telling allies Washington will not make decisions that undermine Gulf security, while the US-GCC joint statement backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” and rejected any tolls or fees; Oman also said future arrangements won’t involve transit charges. Kuwait Security: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said authorities intercepted about 95% of drug shipments, and reported major anti-narcotics operations in the first half of 2026 with 1,564 arrests, 323kg of narcotics, and seizures including weapons and ammunition. Courts & Justice: Kuwait’s Criminal Court overturned a two-year jail sentence in a drug case after rejecting urine-test evidence over alleged procedural flaws. Customs Crackdown: Kuwait Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle synthetic narcotic-soaked A4 papers from London, arresting the recipient. Local Development & Education: Kuwait University said it jumped nearly 400 places in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, moving into the 401–600 band for SDG impact. Sports: Kuwait ended the Arab Athletics Championships with 12 medals, and Kuwait handball teams stepped up preparations for upcoming competitions. Business & Finance: Gulf Bank set June 30 as the final date to deposit for the first KD 200,000 draw in its enhanced AlDanah Millionaire Account structure. Digital Safety: NBK renewed warnings to avoid public Wi-Fi for banking, urging customers to protect accounts from hacking and fake networks.

US-Iran Diplomacy in Focus: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped talks in Kuwait and headed to Bahrain to reassure Gulf leaders that Washington won’t undermine their security as negotiations with Iran continue, with disputes still swirling over nuclear inspections and the Strait of Hormuz. Hormuz Tolls Row: Rubio warned that any Iranian plan to charge ships would “spread like contagion,” while Iran’s IRGC rejected Oman’s proposed alternate route and insisted only Tehran-designated corridors are safe. Kuwait Finance Watch: Kuwait’s Central Bank issued KWD 550 million in treasury bonds and public debt tawarruq across maturities, citing budget pressures linked to the US-Iran conflict and Hormuz disruption. Road Safety Push: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported 17,467 traffic citations in a week, with 359 vehicles impounded, as campaigns and rescue missions continue nationwide. Regional Crime Cooperation: The League of Arab States and UNODC met in Cairo to advance a 2023–2028 regional framework tackling drugs, transnational crime, terrorism, corruption and financial crimes, with Kuwait among participating states.

US-Kuwait Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Kuwait’s Emir and Crown Prince, stressing Washington is “completely aligned” with Gulf allies and that the US will not undermine Gulf security; Rubio also attended the flag-raising as the US Embassy in Kuwait resumed emergency services after a March suspension tied to Iranian attacks. Regional Security Talks: Rubio said US-Iran technical talks will resume in Switzerland around June 29-30, while Gulf leaders push for clarity on the interim Iran MoU, including Strait of Hormuz transit rules. Road Safety Push: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported 17,467 traffic citations and impounded 359 vehicles during June 15-21, alongside 1,166 accidents and 1,402 security missions. Power Disruption: A technical fault at the Jahra (P) main substation caused outages in parts of Jahra amid extreme heat and heavy demand. Sports: Kuwait’s under-16 and under-23 athletes won five medals at the Arab Athletics Championships in Egypt, bringing the team total to 11. Banking & Community: Burgan Bank teamed up with Caribou Coffee for a World Cup viewing event at Assima Mall, with giveaways and a financial awareness push.

Aviation Safety: EASA extended its conflict-zone warning, urging airlines to keep avoiding Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace until July 1, citing possible ceasefire violations near the Strait of Hormuz and the fragile Israel-Hezbollah situation affecting Lebanon. US-Iran Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a Gulf tour from Abu Dhabi, aiming to reassure Kuwait and other allies over concerns about Trump’s Iran framework, including a proposed $300bn reconstruction fund and disputes over Strait of Hormuz transit fees. Local Power Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity reported a limited outage in Shuwaikh (Block 6) after three 33kV transformers at the Shuwaikh (A) main substation failed due to high temperatures and increased loads, with repair teams on site. Traffic & Security: Kuwait’s Traffic Department logged 746 violations, arrested 15 wanted people, handled 771 humanitarian cases, and detained six for residency law breaches during June 14–20. Property Enforcement: The State Properties Encroachment Removal Committee inspected equestrian clubs, recording 13 violations at Ahmadi and 11 at Jahra over misuse of state facilities. Court: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation sentenced an Indian man to death for the deliberate murder of his wife.

Kuwait Sports: Zain Kuwait marked standout performers in the Dawri Zain Premier League with “Best Player of the Round” awards, including Kazma’s Nasser Faleh and Qadsia’s Abdullah Al-Awadhi, as the season’s momentum builds. Youth Development: Minister Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma backed the Public Authority for Sport’s partnership with English club Salisbury, welcoming players selected for professional trials to boost Kuwait’s football professionalism. League Update: Kazma edged Al-Qadsia 2-1 in the 21st round, with Nasser Faleh scoring from a penalty and Shabeeb Al-Khaldi adding a late second before Al-Qadsia’s stoppage-time reply. Education & Inclusion: The Education Ministry honored 104 teachers as “Google AI for Education” certified trainers, while the Kuwaiti Association for the Blind launched training on the Braille Note Touch to support blind students’ university studies. Food Security: The Aman task force met the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition to review emergency plans and procedures for food security and safety. Regional Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a Gulf tour to reassure Kuwait and allies on the US-Iran framework, as Iran and Washington trade conflicting claims over UN nuclear inspections and Strait of Hormuz transit rules. Local Safety: Fire Department inspections in Wafra led to the administrative closure of eight facilities for fire-safety violations. Business & Finance: Action Energy signed a market maker deal with KIC to improve liquidity for its ALFTAQA shares, and NBK launched an online offer for new Al-Jawhara customers with KD 50 plus prize draws. Community Aid: talabat and LOYAC launched food aid baskets for 300 families across Kuwait.