AGP Executive Report

Gulf Tensions, Hormuz at the Centre: The White House escalated pressure on Oman, warning it may face sanctions and force unless Muscat cuts ties with Iran over claims Oman helped impose fees on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy route. Maritime Shock Off Oman: U.S. forces disabled a third tanker in the Gulf of Oman, firing Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer; 20 Indian crew were evacuated. Indian Losses Mount: India confirmed three Indian sailors were killed after a U.S. strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, and New Delhi lodged a strong protest, demanding attacks on ships carrying Indians stop. Diplomacy vs. Threats: Trump said planned strikes on Iran were cancelled after talks reached Iran’s top leadership, while the U.S. blockade remains in place until a deal is final. Oman’s Policy Signal: Oman told the UN Security Council that lasting stability depends on addressing root causes of conflicts through political solutions and dialogue. Regional Diplomacy: GCC and Canada discussed a strategic partnership in Manama, including concerns about Iranian attacks and regional security.

Oman-Iran Pressure on Hormuz: The White House is escalating pressure on Oman to cut ties with Iran, alleging Muscat may have helped Tehran impose fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz—an energy chokepoint handling about 20 million barrels of oil a day. Maritime Safety in Oman Waters: UKMTO warned of a suspicious tanker fire near Sohar (21 nautical miles NE), with no environmental impact reported so far, while India’s embassy in Muscat said it is monitoring a separate incident off Shinas port. Deadly Strike on Indian Crew: India confirmed three Indian seafarers died after a US precision strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello off Oman; 21 were rescued and New Delhi summoned a US diplomat to lodge a strong protest. New Oman Shipping Incident: Another vessel, MT Jalveer, reportedly caught fire near Shinas, with around 20 crew believed onboard; authorities are investigating. Oman Finance Push: Oman launched the International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) to attract global investors with a dedicated legal and regulatory framework. EV Insurance Rule: Oman’s FSA ordered insurers to set aside at least 0.2% of motor insurance underwriting for EVs by end-2026.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for the downing of a US Apache helicopter near Oman, with Iran firing back at US-hosting Gulf states and warning of “constant risk” for forces in the region. Shipping Shock Off Oman: India summoned the US chargé d’affaires after a US strike hit the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello off Oman, leaving three Indian sailors missing; 21 were rescued and Oman authorities are involved in search and rescue. US Escalation Signals: Trump said the US will “hit them hard again” and revealed a secret US mission escorting tankers through the Strait, while CENTCOM said it disabled another non-compliant tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Oman Development Watch: Madayn unveiled a five-year plan for 90 infrastructure projects and a major solar hub in Suhar. Energy/Trade Alternatives: Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed transport and railway MoUs, with plans to revive the Hejaz Railway as a route bypassing Hormuz. Business/Resources: Botswana is looking to UAE and Oman to help fund its push to acquire more of the De Beers stake.

Oman & Hormuz Security: The U.S. has launched “self-defence” strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump blamed Tehran for the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Drone Rescue Breakthrough: The two aviators were recovered after a first-of-its-kind drone boat rescue, with the crash cause still under investigation. Iran Fires Back: Iran says it will “leave no attack unanswered” and reports attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan and Bahrain, while Jordan says it intercepted five missiles. Maritime Warning: The IMO chief warned there is no safe passage through Hormuz without credible security guarantees, as some ships reportedly disable AIS tracking. Local Business Watch: Oman’s Asyad Shipping sold its Sohar LNG carrier for $23m as part of fleet renewal. Regional Deals: Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed railway and transport cooperation MoUs, boosting connectivity plans across the Gulf. Oman Economy & Jobs: Future Oman Fund signed RO583m+ deals targeting 2,302 jobs.

Oman & Hormuz Security: President Donald Trump blamed Iran for downing a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and said the U.S. “must” respond, as Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned foreign forces to leave the area, stressing the strait is shared between Iran and Oman. Drone Boat Rescue Off Oman: The two pilots were rescued within about two hours by a U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel (Saronic Corsair) off Oman’s coast, marking the first known drone-boat personnel recovery at sea. Ceasefire Strain: The incident came amid a shaky U.S.-Iran ceasefire after Iran and Israel exchanged fire, raising fresh doubts about efforts to reopen Hormuz and stabilize regional shipping. Port Incident in Oman: Separately, Oman reported a drone attack on Salalah port that wounded a foreign worker and caused limited damage to a crane. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait and Oman reaffirmed Gulf ties during their joint committee session, highlighting continued cooperation amid regional crises.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure on Oman: The White House is escalating pressure on Oman to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, citing claims Oman may have helped Tehran impose fees on ships transiting the Strait—an issue that could raise global shipping costs and food and energy prices. Maritime Rescue Off Oman: In the Gulf of Oman, a Palau-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, was hit in a suspected missile attack; all 24 Indian crew were evacuated safely with help from Omani authorities and the Indian Coast Guard. US Blockade Escalation: CENTCOM said it disabled the same tanker for violating the US naval blockade, using an F/A-18 Super Hornet; the incident adds to mounting risks for commercial shipping in the region. Oman Infrastructure Push: Track installation has begun on the Hafeet Rail project linking Oman to the UAE, moving from excavation into railway infrastructure across a 238-km route. Duqm Investment Surge: Duqm Special Economic Zone signed RO 2.9bn ($7.5bn) in new deals, including major green hydrogen and ammonia phases, plus industrial, battery materials, chemicals, tourism and housing. Heat and Weather Watch: Oman is bracing for intense summer conditions, with temperatures nearing 50°C in several governorates and warnings to avoid direct sun and stay hydrated. Investment Confidence: Oman’s investment court is being highlighted as a key step to boost investor confidence through a clearer, faster dispute-resolution framework.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The U.S. disabled the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly violated the Iran blockade, firing a precision munition that left the ship unable to continue; all 24 Indian crew were evacuated and rescued with help from Omani authorities, while India said it is still verifying whether the vessel was hit by a projectile. Heatwave Watch: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority warns of a hotter, drier summer, with temperatures staying above seasonal averages and rainfall below normal across much of the country from June to August. Oman–Kuwait Diplomacy: The 11th Oman-Kuwait Joint Committee met in Al Dakhiliyah, reviewing cooperation across economic, commercial, cultural and scientific areas. Energy Markets: OPEC+ agreed to raise July output by 188,000 bpd, though analysts say the real impact may be limited by Hormuz disruption. Business & Tech: Changan launched its DEEPAL new-energy vehicle brand in Oman, adding S05, S07 and G318 to its local lineup. Regional Talks: Israel and Iran appeared to pause strikes after trading fire, with both warning they will retaliate if provoked.

Oman & Trade/Industry: Oman marked World Accreditation Day with a focus on how accreditation strengthens quality, boosts trust, and supports SMEs. Energy & Shipping: As Iran-Israel tensions flare, oil prices jumped over 4% and markets braced for supply shocks; the Strait of Hormuz remains the key pressure point, with Iran’s envoy saying it will reopen under new conditions set by Iran and Oman, including transit fees. Oman Business Watch: Barka Water and Power invited expressions of interest to sell, dismantle and remove two seawater desalination plants after their water purchase agreements expired and operations ceased. Oman Economy & Data: Oman’s natural gas output rose 4.6% to 18.77 billion cubic metres by end-April, with higher industrial and power-generation consumption. Regional Security: Iran warned of “crushing blows” if attacks on Lebanon expand, while Israel struck targets in Iran, keeping ceasefire hopes fragile. Sports: Oman’s Al Zubair and Fuminelli finished sixth and seventh in International GT Open races in Misano. Tech/Policy: Oman CX Forum & Awards 2026 is set to bring customer experience leaders to Muscat on 10 June.

Oman–Gulf Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi condemned an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on Bahrain, reaffirming Muscat’s solidarity and support for Bahrain’s security measures. Energy & Trade: OPEC+ agreed to raise July oil output quotas by 188,000 barrels per day, including Oman’s share, but analysts say the move may be mostly symbolic while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Environment & Climate: Muscat Municipal Council reviewed Oman’s net-zero progress and the Oman Net Zero Centre’s work, while the Environment Authority launched the Oman Environment Atlas to guide planning and sustainable development. Renewables & Industry: Nama Power and Water Procurement Company invited bids for project management and supervision for the 300MW Marsa Solar IPP, and the Kafaah Competence Programme for Manufacturing began its first phase to boost smart manufacturing readiness. Food Safety: Oman marked World Food Safety Day, highlighting traceability systems and faster action to withdraw non-compliant products. Sports: Nepal beat Oman by 8 wickets in the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier final in Singapore.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Oman has issued a new Law on Combating Cybercrimes, with harsh jail terms and fines for online gambling and porn, and even tougher penalties when children or people lacking legal capacity are involved. Digital Medicine Rules: Oman is also moving against the online promotion and sale of unlicensed medicines and herbal products, with offenders facing up to three years in prison and steep fines, and doubled penalties for adulterated or expired items. Gulf Security & Trade: The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as US and Iran trade drone and missile claims, keeping shipping and energy markets jittery. Oman in Energy Deals: OQEP signed an MoU with Libya’s investment authority to boost oil and gas cooperation. Sports (Oman): Oman’s Asian Games cricket qualifier run ended as Nepal beat them by 8 wickets in the semi-final. Travel: Sri Lanka will grant free tourist visas to Omani citizens from May 25, 2026.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Oil prices slipped as traders sensed de-escalation risk, but the standoff stayed tense after the US said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at the region, while Iran-linked reporting kept the focus on warning shots and the wider threat to shipping. Iran-Lebanon Link: Iran’s foreign minister tied any wider US-Iran resolution to Israel withdrawing from southern Lebanon, as Israel-Hezbollah fighting continues to complicate ceasefire talks. Oman Weather: NCM forecast generally clear skies with rising humidity at night and possible fog/mist near coasts, plus light seas in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. Oman Economy & Markets: Muscat Stock Exchange trading value stayed above OMR 1bn for a fourth straight month in May, with activity concentrated in major Omani blue chips. Labour & Rights: Oman strengthened ties with the ILO in Geneva, highlighting progress on its social protection system and retaining its 2026 Global Rights Index Tier 3 position. EV Push: Oman is expanding electric mobility with more charging stations planned at hotels and growing EV adoption support. Energy & Industry: Track installation has started on the Hafeet Rail project linking Sohar Port to the UAE, while Gasunie backed an Oman-to-Europe hydrogen corridor. Sports & Culture: Oman Cricket won ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year for Asia; Oman also set up an Oman Open Archery Championship (June 21–27) and prepares for a key Asian Games cricket semifinal vs Nepal.

US-Iran Hormuz Escalation: The US says it shot down four Iranian one-way drones aimed at the Strait of Hormuz and struck coastal radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, calling the drones an “immediate threat” to maritime traffic, as Iran and Washington trade claims and the ceasefire remains fragile. Frozen Assets Standoff: Iran’s Supreme Leader adviser Mohsen Rezaei tells CNN that any US-Iran peace deal hinges on releasing $24bn in frozen Iranian assets, warning the US would face a “dark corridor” if fighting resumes. Missile Numbers: Trump says Iran still has about 21–22% of its missiles left, while Iran denies US claims and continues to signal leverage through regional pressure. Oman Energy Update: Oman’s Mina al Fahal export terminal briefly suspended crude loading after an explosion report, but later said operations were normal. Oman Environment Day: Oman marked World Environment Day with renewed climate action, including tree-planting and awareness programmes across governorates. Cricket Recognition: Oman Cricket won ICC Asia’s Digital Fan Engagement of the Year, earning a spot among global nominees. Sports: Oman booked an Asian Games semi-final clash with Nepal after a loss to Hong Kong in men’s T20I qualifiers.

Oman Energy Watch: Petroleum Development Oman says operations at Mina al Fahal, Oman’s main export terminal, are proceeding normally after reports of an explosion/drone scare that briefly raised fears of halted loading. Hormuz Tensions: Iran and the US traded fresh claims over the Gulf of Oman, with Iran saying it fired warning missiles and drones at US destroyers, while CENTCOM denied any attack and said US ships continued operating freely. US-Iran Deal Stalls: Iran’s military adviser told CNN talks are at a deadlock, tying progress to the release of $24bn in frozen assets, as Hezbollah’s rejection of a Lebanon truce adds pressure to any wider settlement. Oil Markets: Crude slipped on demand-destruction worries and uncertainty over Hormuz reopening, even as traders monitored Oman’s terminal status and shifting Middle East risk. Travel Advisory: The US embassy in Jerusalem issued a Level 3 alert for Oman and several regional countries, urging Americans to reconsider travel amid “high tensions.” Sports (Oman): Oman qualified for the 2026 Asian Games men’s cricket event.

Strait of Hormuz diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran and Oman will jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz under international law, with decisions ultimately coordinated by the two bordering states. Energy security in Oman: Oman’s Mina al Fahal crude terminal suspended oil loading after an explosion near single-buoy mooring berths, reportedly linked to a drone attack; later reports said operations resumed and loading restarted. Oil markets: Brent and WTI edged up as traders weighed Middle East flare-ups, Hezbollah’s Lebanon ceasefire rejection, and the Mina al Fahal disruption. Oman regulation: The Financial Services Authority set a 30-day deadline (from 2 June) for applicants to update accounting and auditing licence procedures after regulatory responsibilities moved to the FSA. Media licensing push: Oman’s Ministry of Information renewed its call for digital media operators to secure mandatory licences, warning of legal action for unlicensed activity. Water infrastructure: Nama Water Services said the Wadi Al Sahtan water transmission and distribution project reached 46% completion, with RO 17.2m invested. Transport & logistics: Oman’s transport ministry outlined major road and logistics access upgrades, including hundreds of kilometres of strategic and rehabilitation works. Sports (Oman in focus): Oman qualified for the 2026 Asian Games men’s cricket tournament in Singapore, topping Group B.

Oman–Kuwait Ties: Oman’s ambassador to Kuwait met Kuwait’s finance minister to discuss boosting financial and economic cooperation and resilience amid shifting regional conditions. Hormuz Pressure on Oman: Iran says it plans to charge ships for services during transit through the Strait of Hormuz—navigation, rescue, security and environmental cleanup—while the wider market watches how the crisis affects shipping costs and energy flows. Transport & Logistics Push: Oman is rolling out major upgrades across roads, ports and logistics, with hundreds of kilometres of road works and logistics access projects aimed at strengthening trade links. Oman–Belarus Business Links: An Omani delegation in Minsk met Belarus officials to expand trade and investment cooperation, including private-sector partnerships. Capital Markets Move: State Street and Jadwa plan to expand services in Oman as Muscat builds its financial centre and attracts foreign firms. Sports Spotlight: Oman hockey begins a second Asian Games training camp in Japan; Oman skating prepares for a first overseas showcase in Belarus; young sprinter Ahmed al Jabri wraps up U20 action; handball appoints Tunisian coach Kamal Hdidar to lead youth development centres. Public Safety: Oman warned residents about extreme heat and issued reminders on compliance and licensing.

Oman Trade & Industry: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued new rules for lubricating oils, requiring compliance with Gulf Technical Regulation GSO 1785-1:2024 (mandatory from Sept 1, 2026) and conformity checks before products hit the market. Customs & Logistics: Oman Customs will require mandatory pallet use for incoming shipments to improve trade flow, starting July 15, 2026 for land ports (then air/sea later), with exemptions for items that can’t be palletized. Consumer Safety: Oman recalled GODIVA Kunafah & Pistachio Milk Chocolate Bars after an undeclared egg allergen was found; consumers with egg allergies are warned not to eat the product. Public Health & Environment: Oman’s authorities warned against plastic water bottles left in sunlight, saying heat can trigger chemical release into water, and urged switching to safer, reusable options. Gulf Security & Shipping: As US-Iran talks continue with mixed signals, Iran claims it targeted a US command center in the Gulf of Oman while the US denies any strike; analysts also warn that even a Hormuz reopening won’t quickly fix energy and supply-chain strain. Diplomacy & Business Links: Oman and Belarus discussed expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation, including private-sector partnerships. Regional Trade Deal: India-Oman CEPA came into force on June 1, aiming to boost duty-free access and strengthen textiles and MSME exports.