AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and launched fresh air strikes, including a daytime wave targeting coastal defences and missile sites on Greater Tunb, as the ceasefire collapses and shipping risk spikes. Oman Maritime Impact: Multiple reports say attacks near Oman-linked waters are disrupting routes, with shipping firms weighing alternatives and seafarers affected by incidents in the region. Casualties Linked to Attacks: An Indian marine engineer from Pune, Herambh Karmarkar, was reported killed after the MV GFS Galaxy attack off Oman; earlier, a Cyprus-flagged vessel incident also left an Indian sailor dead and others injured/rescued. Regional Response: The Arab Parliament condemned missile strikes on Emirati tankers in Omani territorial waters, calling them violations of international law and freedom of navigation. Oman Economy & Investment: Future Fund Oman unveiled 105 strategic projects worth $1.744bn, including major solar and industrial investments, as diversification efforts continue. Local Business & Travel: Thai firms urged companies to monitor Hormuz risks and reroute cargo via UAE ports and Oman’s Salalah and Sohar.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified airstrikes after Tehran attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran warning it could disrupt “all other export corridors” and the UN’s maritime body saying the strait remains too dangerous for commercial transit. Oman Maritime Impact: Oman-linked shipping security remains in focus as multiple vessel incidents off Oman’s coast and in the wider Gulf continue, including the recovery of an Indian marine engineer’s body after the GFS Galaxy attack. Aviation & Travel: Oman airports saw passenger traffic fall 9.3% to 5.25 million by end of May 2026, while international flight movements dropped 10.7%. Real Estate & Industry: Real estate trading value rose 5.5% to over OMR1.17bn, and Al Mudhaibi Industrial City attracted 14 projects worth OMR15mn. Digital Transformation & Roads: ROP launched a “Strategic Leadership for Digital Transformation” programme, and warned motorists of a temporary Salalah-bound road closure after a truck accident. Agriculture & Local Growth: Papaya cultivation in Shinas is boosting crop diversification, while Al Buraimi is positioning itself as a strategic commercial gateway for investment.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The death toll from attacks on two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has risen to 2, with 14 others injured, according to the IMO, as Oman’s Maritime Security Centre also reported three tankers struck off its coast with 3 crew missing and 6 injured. US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and launched fresh strikes, while Trump backtracked on a proposed 20% Hormuz cargo fee, saying Gulf states will instead make “trade and investment deals” with the U.S. Oman’s Position: Oman reiterated its neutral, transparent cooperation to restore freedom of navigation in line with international law, after reports of tanker attacks in the southern route. India Response: India summoned Iran’s diplomats and ordered real-time tracking and family liaison support for Indian seafarers affected by the attacks. Regional Ripple Effects: The renewed fighting is pushing oil prices higher and keeping shipping traffic through Hormuz at depressed levels.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran–US hostilities have surged again after the US said the 14-point MoU is effectively over, with Trump reinstating a blockade and proposing a 20% fee for cargo transiting the strait—while Iran insists it controls management and has introduced a new Hormuz security bill. Shipping in Oman Waters: Multiple missile incidents are reported near Oman and the Hormuz route, including a tanker hit off Limah (UKMTO) and UAE tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah struck in Omani territorial waters, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others; India has summoned Iran’s deputy envoy in protest. Energy Impact: Oil prices jumped to four-week highs around $86 a barrel as tankers reportedly stack off Fujairah and Sohar and transit slows amid fears of wider disruption. Oman Business & Services: Oman’s Nama Power and Water Procurement Company invited consultancy bids for four 1,000MW solar IPP projects (total 4GW) targeting 2030 operations, while Oman’s crude price rose to $82.17 and refinery output fell to 89.916 million barrels by end-May. Media Cooperation: Oman News Agency and Azerbaijan’s AZERTAC signed an MoU to expand news and information exchange.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: US President Donald Trump says the US will “take over” and act as “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” reinstating a blockade on Iranian ports from July 14 and demanding a 20% fee on cargo for “safe passage,” as tanker traffic drops and both Washington and Tehran trade fresh strikes. Oman in the Crossfire: Iran-linked attacks reportedly hit radar systems and military sites in Oman, while Oman condemns drone strikes on Musandam and continues talks with Iran on Strait of Hormuz security. Shipping Disruption: The US Central Command says the blockade targets vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, while neutral transit to non-Iranian destinations continues—yet insurers and crews keep rerouting. Regional Fallout: Iran says it will not allow US interference in Hormuz management; UK leaders call for unrestricted transit. UAE Response: Reports say the UAE plans new port and freight capacity on the Gulf of Oman to bypass Hormuz, as UAE tankers were hit in Omani waters, killing an Indian crew member and injuring others. Local Note: Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs met Qatar’s Amir to offer condolences after the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Hormuz Crisis: The US and Iran traded fresh missile and drone strikes, with Tehran saying it destroyed radar systems in Oman and hit US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while Washington said it struck dozens of Iranian targets to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for shipping; Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran says it will not uphold the US MoU unless Washington meets its commitments, but claims talks with mediators Qatar, Pakistan and Oman continue; Shipping Disruption: Tanker traffic through Hormuz fell to a five-week low as some vessels reportedly switched off transponders, and the southern lane near Oman was still described as open though the threat level remains severe; Oman in Focus: Oman reported drone attacks near the Strait and said 23 crew were rescued after a vessel incident off Musandam/Musandam area; Energy Update: Oman LNG exports hit 11.9 million tonnes in 2025, and oil prices jumped as tensions flared; Local Business: Nama Water Services announced 303 new job opportunities under its Omanization push, while Oman LNG and trade links with Hong Kong were highlighted.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The US and Iran traded fresh missile and drone strikes after an attack on a civilian ship in the waterway, with Washington saying it hit about 140 Iranian military targets and Tehran declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed “until further notice.” Oman Protest & Sovereignty: Oman lodged a formal protest with Iran’s ambassador over an attack on its territory, stressing sovereignty, good neighbourliness and non-interference. Maritime Rescue Off Musandam: Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said 23 crew members were rescued from the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy off Musandam, while one sailor remains missing. India Condemns Ship Attack: India said 10 Indian nationals were rescued and one is missing, urging de-escalation and safe navigation. Gulf Fallout: Iran’s retaliation reportedly targeted Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, while Kuwait said border posts and an offshore platform were hit by a hostile drone. UN Calls for Halt: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an immediate stop to escalating attacks.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says the waterway is closed again after a warning shot hit a vessel on an “unauthorized” route, while the US says it launched a third round of strikes on Iran, hitting about 140 targets, as fighting spills across the Gulf. Oman Condemns Attacks: Oman’s government condemned an attack on its territory, and Iran’s Guards claimed they targeted Oman during the barrage. Muscat-Held Talks: Iran and Oman agreed to keep consulting on Strait of Hormuz navigation safety after Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi visited Muscat, with Qatar joining as a mediator. Shipping Incident Off Oman: India condemned the attack on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy off Oman; 10 Indian nationals were rescued and one remains missing, with search-and-rescue ongoing. Regional Condemnations: Kuwait and Qatar also condemned renewed Iranian attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi met Oman’s Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat to discuss safe, free navigation and mechanisms under the Islamabad MoU, with both sides agreeing to keep technical and political talks going. US Pressure on Transit: Washington is pushing for a public Iranian pledge that the Strait is open and ships won’t be attacked, while reports say no US officials are physically attending consultations in Oman, with talks handled remotely. Oman’s Traffic Plan: CNN reports Oman proposed toll-free passage through the Strait, with a southern route for free navigation and a northern route requiring Tehran permits but no fees. International Law Backing: An IMO ruling rejected Iran’s attempt to claim unilateral control over Hormuz traffic, reaffirming freedom of navigation and transit passage. Regional Tensions: The diplomatic push comes as US-Iran threats trade blows and mediators scramble to salvage a fragile ceasefire.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat for talks with Oman as the US demands a public pledge that the Strait of Hormuz is open and ships won’t be attacked, with negotiations continuing despite Trump saying the ceasefire is “over.” US-Iran Escalation: Trump renewed threats after funeral chants calling for his assassination, warning “1,000 missiles are locked and loaded” and vowing to “completely decimate” Iran if Tehran acts. Shipping Disruption: Attacks on commercial vessels have pushed traffic to shift routes, while the US and Iran trade blame for violations of the MoU. Oman Trade Snapshot: Oman reported a trade surplus of OMR2.09bn by end-April 2026, supported by exports and a jump in re-exports. Maritime Business: Mawani added Maersk’s service to Jeddah Islamic Port, linking it with Salalah and major global ports. Environment Alert: Oman’s Environment Authority warned against chasing or filming wildlife in Dhofar without permits.

Strait of Hormuz: The US and Iran trade blame as Washington demands Tehran issue a public guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz is open and that ships won’t be attacked, while Trump insists the June ceasefire is “OVER” even as talks continue. Oman Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Oman for consultations on shipping safety, with Tehran saying it will cooperate with Muscat under the MoU framework. New Escalation: The US says it struck about 80 targets in Iran after attacks on commercial vessels, and Iran warns further escalation will bring broader retaliation. Maritime Impact: Shipping remains disrupted with insurers and operators cautious; some tankers still transit near the Omani coast despite severe threat levels. Energy Watch: Oman’s official crude price for September delivery is reported at $69.29 a barrel. Legal Fallout: Seafarers from a Thai cargo ship that was hit in the Strait file a lawsuit over labor rights and dismissal. Nuclear Oversight: The UN warns the IAEA has lost full monitoring ability over Iran’s nuclear programme after strikes.

US-Iran Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes for a third straight day after Trump said the interim ceasefire framework was “over,” while Iran buried Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amid vows of revenge and reports of explosions in southern Iran. Hormuz Shipping Shock: Fighting pushed Strait of Hormuz traffic toward a near standstill, raising oil and insurance risks and disrupting global flows. Oman’s Role in Navigation: Oman reiterated its commitment to freedom of maritime navigation at the IMO Council, as mediators urged restraint and Oman-Turkey and Oman-Iran contacts continued. EU-GCC Solidarity: The EU plans to show solidarity with Gulf states at a high-level Brussels meeting, with freedom of navigation in Hormuz on the agenda. Maritime Legal Fallout: Three former crew members of a Thai cargo ship attacked near Oman in March filed a lawsuit over alleged labour rights violations. Oman Business & Events: Oman and Jordan launched a $100m joint investment company, while OCEC gears up for Sports Spark 2026. Energy Moves: ADNOC Logistics ordered four new LNG carriers, and Kanadevia partnered with BEC to develop green hydrogen projects in Oman.

US-Iran Escalation: The US carried out another round of strikes on Iran after Trump said the ceasefire is “over,” while Iran retaliated by hitting US-linked targets in Gulf states; Iran also buried Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad as explosions were reported around Bushehr and other southern areas. Strait of Hormuz Impact (Oman angle): Oil tanker traffic through Hormuz fell to near standstill, with shipping risks rising and vessels increasingly avoiding the US-coordinated Omani lane; Oman reiterated at the IMO that transit passage is guaranteed under international law and it does not support transit fees. Regional Diplomacy: Oman’s foreign minister held calls with Iran and Ukraine to push de-escalation and protect freedom of navigation, while Gulf states stepped up coordination after missile and drone attacks. Logistics & Trade: DP World added 700 lorries to expand GCC road freight as routes shift; Maersk said it will restore a second trans-Suez route using US-flagged vessels to improve transit times. Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light reported 5,811 arrests and $293m seized across 97 countries.

Middle East Tensions: The US carried out another round of strikes on Iran late Wednesday and early Thursday after Trump said the ceasefire was “over,” with explosions reported across Iran including Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Bushehr, while Washington warned it may hit “hard again.” Hormuz Shipping Risk: The renewed exchange of fire has pushed Strait of Hormuz traffic toward a near standstill, with US officials linking strikes to keeping navigation safe after attacks on commercial vessels. Regional Fallout: Iran retaliated by targeting US-linked positions in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, raising fresh concerns for the wider Gulf and for any interim deal. Oman Business & Trade: Asyad Shipping ordered six MR product tankers worth about $308m, with deliveries expected from 2029, as the company expands its fleet. Local Development: Dhofar Municipality took over the delayed Sahl Hamran housing project in Salalah, re-tendering and moving ahead with completion of 240 units and supporting infrastructure. Tech & Youth: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority launched the DroneX summer program to train Grades 9–11 students in drone operations, maintenance and FPV design. Retail Expansion: LuLu opened a new Lulu Xpress store in Salalah’s Al Morooj, adding jobs and express shopping facilities.

US-Iran Escalation: The US launched another wave of strikes on Iran late Wednesday, saying the aim is to “degrade” Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over” following attacks on ships. Hormuz Shipping Risk: The renewed fighting has again raised fears for commercial traffic and seafarers, with the UN’s IMO warning nearly 6,000 crew members remain stranded in the Gulf and urging maximum restraint. Oman-Saudi Diplomacy: Oman and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministers met in Muscat to discuss regional developments and maritime security, stressing freedom of navigation and dialogue to ease tensions. Oil and Markets: Oil prices jumped as the truce frayed, while analysts warned fuel and shipping disruptions could quickly ripple through costs. Local Business/Investment: Oman and Jordan moved ahead with a $100m joint investment company to back projects across sectors including telecom, agriculture, energy, mining, tourism and logistics.

Hormuz Flashpoint: The US launched “powerful” strikes on Iran after three merchant ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, revoking a temporary waiver for Iranian oil sales and warning Tehran it will be held “accountable”; Iran retaliated by targeting US sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while Trump said the Iran ceasefire/MoU is “over,” pushing Brent above $78. Aviation Safety: The EU aviation watchdog extended its advice for airlines to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until Aug. 31 as tensions rise. Oman Markets & Industry: Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) jumped nearly 20% on its Muscat debut after a $678m IPO, and Minerals Development Oman (MDO) signed a partnership with Kazakhstan’s Solidcore to develop a copper-gold project in North Al Batinah. Environment & Local Life: Oman distributed 274,000 fruit and wild tree seedlings to boost food security and green areas. Security & Services: Royal Oman Police arrested a suspect in Sinaw for jewellery and money theft; InterContinental Muscat received Green Key Certification.