AGP Executive Report

Iran Funeral Mobilization: Iran is preparing mass mourning for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with state ceremonies across Tehran, Qom, Mashhad and Iraqi holy cities, as officials urge huge turnout and promise “revenge” if threatened. Regional Security & Shipping: Iran’s foreign minister and military commanders dismissed US-led “protection” and warned of “forceful response” to any deviation from its Strait of Hormuz routes, as Washington and partners push alternative corridors. Israel-Hamas Anniversary: Israel marked 1,000 days since Oct. 7 with vigils and highway protests, while Gaza’s future remains uncertain amid stalled ceasefire steps and ongoing strikes. Khamenei Funeral Warnings: Iranian commanders and officials warned the US and Israel against any attack during the funeral period. US-Iran Cyber Case: Montenegro police and the FBI arrested an Iranian-Turkish suspect accused of hacking more than 150 US universities, tied to IRGC-linked activity. Turkey Rights Crackdown: Turkey blocked a US LGBTQ+ cruise from docking, citing “moral standards,” while separate coverage highlights renewed pressure on Turkish institutions and dissent. World Cup Focus: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah faces a hamstring fitness call for the Round of 32 vs Australia, with both sides chasing their first-ever knockout win. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Israel’s recognition drew sharp backlash and debate, including claims it could harm strategic ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Iran Funeral Mobilization: Iran’s top officials are calling for massive turnout for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s state funeral, with IRGC warnings to the US and Israel to avoid “miscalculation” as ceremonies near across Iran and Shiite holy cities in Iraq. Pakistan-Iran-Türkiye Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Iran and Türkiye from July 3–5 to offer condolences and hold talks on trade, investment, and regional security. US-Iran Dialogue in Qatar: Mediators report “positive progress” in indirect US-Iran talks in Doha, focused on reducing risks for Gulf shipping and maritime security, though no deal is announced. Gaza Water Crisis: A UN-linked inquiry says Israel’s operations have helped destroy water systems and worsen conditions for child survival in Gaza and the West Bank, as reporting marks 1,000 days of water deprivation. Israel Domestic Fallout: Israel marks 1,000 days since Oct. 7 with political and public commemorations, while a leaked Oct. 7 recording reignites debate over military decisions and hostage risks. Turkey Security Ahead of NATO: Türkiye is tightening security for the NATO summit, banning gatherings and restricting expression as it prepares to host leaders. Egypt World Cup & Travel: Egypt’s PM backs the national team ahead of the Round of 32 vs Australia, while EgyptAir launches direct Cairo–Chicago flights. Human Rights & Academia: An Irish human rights center urges the University of Galway to cut ties with Israel’s Technion over a Horizon-funded green hydrogen project; separately, Burkina Faso’s junta permanently shuts the UN Human Rights Office.

US-Iran Diplomacy: VP JD Vance told U.S. service members that negotiation is “out of strength,” defending Trump’s push to unwind the Iran war after criticism of strikes. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraqi forces carried out high-profile Green Zone raids, arresting lawmakers and officials in a test of PM Ali Al-Zaidi’s new government against Iran-linked power networks. Gaza Humanitarian Warning: UN aid workers said Israeli-controlled areas have expanded since the 2025 ceasefire, heightening risks to civilians and squeezing humanitarian access. West Bank Religious Rights: Ramallah’s PNC chief Rawhi Fattouh condemned a Knesset move to ban the call to prayer in 1948 territories as racist and a violation of worship rights. Turkey Regional Role: Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan pledged deeper strategic cooperation and diplomacy to end conflicts, as Ankara positions itself as a key NATO security actor ahead of a summit. Palestinian Sports Hit: Gaza goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed in Israeli fire, adding to reports of more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes dead since 2023. UK Settlement Pressure: Britain is weighing coordinated restrictions on goods from West Bank settlements, citing international pressure over settlement policy. Iran Front Worry: Rising Kurdish attacks and clashes involving Iranian forces threaten to open a new front amid fragile U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

Turkey-NATO Security Crackdown: Ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye has arrested 225 people in a sweeping security drive, imposed a two-week ban on public gatherings, and tightened restrictions on expression and assembly. UNRWA Funding Crisis: UN chief António Guterres warned UNRWA is nearing a breaking point, urging countries to close a $100m funding gap as restrictions and smear campaigns undermine operations. Israel-Lebanon Tensions: Netanyahu toured Israel’s southern Lebanon security zone, vowing not to withdraw while Hezbollah remains armed, as the Israel-Lebanon framework faces backlash and fears of renewed escalation. Israel’s Air Defense Upgrade: Israel says it tested the upgraded Iron Dome integrated with the Iron Beam laser system, aiming to better handle high-volume missile and drone salvos. Iran Accountability Push: Iran’s envoy marked the Sardasht chemical bombing by calling for accountability for Western firms that supplied technology to Saddam’s regime. Pakistan-India Border Row: Pakistan rejected India’s claims over “targeted actions” in Afghanistan, accusing New Delhi of aiding terrorist groups and violating UN sanctions. US-Iran Deal Human Rights Debate: UN rights expert Mai Sato criticized the US-Iran MoU for sidelining human rights and leaving Iranians without accountability.

UNRWA Funding Crunch: UN chief António Guterres urged countries to plug a roughly $100m gap for UNRWA, warning the Palestinian refugee agency is nearing a “breaking point” amid restrictions and a liquidity crisis. Gaza After Strike: UN humanitarian teams assessed damage after an Israeli airstrike hit Al Muwasi in Khan Younis, with reports of destroyed tents and a surge in chickenpox cases linked to overcrowding and sanitation gaps. Armenian Genocide Row: Turkey’s Erdoğan rejected Israel’s Armenian genocide recognition, saying it’s a bid to cover up Gaza deaths; Israel’s cabinet approved the recognition, deepening Ankara-Tel Aviv tensions. Hebron Mosque Pressure: Israel sealed Hebron with 106 iron gates and expanded controls around the Ibrahimi Mosque, including reported limits on electricity, water and call to prayer. Afghanistan Civilian Toll: Pakistan airstrikes have killed or injured 230 Afghan children, UN-linked reporting says, drawing renewed calls for investigations and restraint. Turkic Unity Talks: OTS leaders met in Shusha and Baku to push cooperation in religious affairs and mark the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. Iran-West Tensions: Iran prepared for Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral as US envoys headed to Doha for talks tied to ceasefire compliance.

Iran-US Ceasefire Tensions: Iran’s acting defense minister warned Tehran will respond “decisively” to any ceasefire violation, after fresh missile/drone actions tied to US strikes. Strait of Hormuz Leverage: Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping are framed as a bid to preserve control as the US and Gulf allies expand a southern shipping corridor that reduces Tehran’s tolling power. Iran Security Blow: Gunmen in Paveh, Kermanshah killed two IRGC members and wounded two others; a little-known group claimed retaliation for the 2022 crackdown sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. Israel-Lebanon Friction: Israel and Lebanon’s US-brokered security framework faces doubts it can end the war, with analysts warning Hezbollah disarmament is unattainable and could entrench an open-ended Israeli presence. Gaza Pressure: Israeli strikes reportedly killed civilians in Gaza amid continuing ceasefire violations. Afghanistan-Pakistan Fallout: Pakistani strikes overnight killed at least 36 civilians and wounded 160+ in multiple provinces; Afghanistan vowed retaliation. Palestinian Rights at UN: Pakistan rejected Israel’s E1 settlement plan at the UN Security Council, calling it a threat to a future Palestinian state. Turkey-NATO Air Defenses: Türkiye said it’s evaluating SAMP-T and Patriot purchases ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. World Cup Politics: US Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin celebrated Iran’s World Cup exit and Iran’s constrained travel; separate reporting highlights how the USMNT’s knockout history keeps repeating. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Armenia’s PM said it won’t respond to Israel’s genocide recognition, while Turkey and Azerbaijan condemned it as politically motivated.

US-Iran diplomacy under strain: Trump says US-Iran talks will resume Tuesday in Doha after weekend Gulf attacks, while Iran’s deputy foreign minister denies working-group meetings are planned, as both sides trade warnings and shipping disputes in the Strait of Hormuz. Lebanon-Israel framework deepens divides: US CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper visits Beirut to discuss monitoring and verification for Hezbollah disarmament in “pilot” zones, as Lebanon’s political split widens over the US-brokered Israel deal. Gaza and West Bank violence despite ceasefire claims: Fresh Israeli strikes killed eight in Gaza, including a woman and her young daughter, while raids and settler attacks continued across the West Bank; rights groups again accuse Israel of killing Palestinian children at record rates. Armenian genocide recognition sparks regional backlash: Armenia’s PM says Yerevan won’t respond to Israel’s 1915 genocide recognition to avoid “weaponization,” as Turkey and Azerbaijan condemn the move and tie it to wider Palestinian issues. Human rights museum row in Canada: Canada’s heritage minister says the Winnipeg museum erred in how it curated a Palestinian displacement exhibit and should update oversight and wording. Culture and heritage: Egypt unveils locally made archival cotton paper for manuscript conservation, and a Palestinian-Israeli film “Fadia” wins major awards at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

Gaza Ceasefire Violations: Israeli forces killed three Palestinians, including a child, in strikes and shelling in central and northern Gaza, while expanding the “Yellow Line” security strip and demolishing facilities near Khan Younis. Gaza Displacement Rebrand: Israel is reportedly renaming its Gaza removal plan from “voluntary migration” to a “Free Movement Plan” amid international backlash, with officials still seeking to encourage departures. West Bank Raid: Israeli troops raided Birzeit University near Ramallah, assaulting a security guard and damaging campus property; exams were said to continue. Armenian Genocide Recognition Fallout: Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved recognizing the Armenian genocide, drawing sharp criticism from Azerbaijan and renewed tension with Turkey. Regional Tensions in the Gulf: Iran resumed drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes, warning of a “complete halt” to talks if attacks continue. Afghan-Pakistan Border Escalation: Pakistan airstrikes and ground operations killed at least 36 Afghan civilians and injured 160, with Afghanistan promising retaliation. Human Rights Call: Iranian women scholars issued an open letter urging accountability for US-Israeli violations during the recent aggression against Iran. Migration Crackdown: Pakistan ordered the arrest of Afghans without valid visas starting July 10, accelerating deportations despite UN and rights-group criticism. Turkey Energy: Türkiye became Europe’s second-largest hydropower nation, adding capacity to reach about 32,294 MW.

Israel-Lebanon Framework: Israel says it destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon despite the US-brokered framework deal, while Hezbollah rejects the agreement and Lebanon warns it could block justice for war-crimes victims. Iran-US Strait of Hormuz: Iran warns it controls Strait of Hormuz for 30 days and threatens to halt talks as drone/missile exchanges with the US intensify, with shipping firms calling the situation a “new normal” and operations chaos. Sanctions Shake-Up: A US plan to unwind Iran sanctions via a memorandum is creating a confusing patchwork for banks and governments, raising fears the deal could unravel amid continued strikes. Turkey-Israel Row: Türkiye accuses Israel of using a politically motivated decision on the 1915 events to cover up crimes against Palestinians, as tensions also spill into wider debates on antisemitism. Sardasht Anniversary: Iran marks the 39th anniversary of the Sardasht chemical massacre, blaming Western “political backing” for enabling Saddam-era chemical attacks. World Refugee Day: UN marks 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention, urging protection of the right to seek safety as displacement reaches record levels. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Israel’s cabinet unanimously approves recognizing the Armenian genocide, drawing a sharp rebuke from Turkey. World Cup Politics: Iran’s World Cup exit is framed as a protest over US visa restrictions and treatment, while Egypt celebrates reaching the knockout stage.

Israel-Lebanon Peace: Israel and Lebanon signed a historic agreement ending the state of war and recognizing sovereignty, but the deal is already under strain as Israel carried out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah rejects the framework. Middle East War & Hormuz: Iran and the US traded retaliatory strikes again, with Iran asserting sole control over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and warning it will charge transit fees and even accept crypto payments. Lebanon Heritage Under Fire: Reuters reports Israeli operations have damaged or destroyed UNESCO-listed and other heritage sites across southern Lebanon, with officials saying work is impossible under an occupation zone. Iran-US Deal Backlash: Iran’s judiciary chief attacked the US as inherently violent and said legal cases are being prepared in international forums over US actions. Regional Diplomacy & Economy: Pakistan’s business forum urged turning de-escalation between Pakistan and Iran into trade and energy cooperation, arguing bilateral commerce is far below potential. World Cup as a Regional Mirror: Iran’s World Cup run ended after VAR heartbreak and other results; Egypt advanced to the Round of 32 and says it’s ready for any opponent, while Africa set a record with nine teams reaching knockout play.

Israel-Lebanon Deal Fallout: Netanyahu hailed a US-brokered framework agreement as a “historic” blow to Iran and Hezbollah, while Israel ordered troops to prepare for a long stay in a southern “security zone” and far-right critics warned Lebanon won’t disarm Hezbollah; Hezbollah Rejects: Hezbollah called the deal “null and void,” saying it crossed “all red lines,” as protests erupted in Beirut and a drone strike underscored how fragile the ceasefire push remains; Legal Accountability Fight: Lebanon-Israel critics say a key clause could block war-crimes justice and limit victims’ access to courts, including future ICC jurisdiction; US-Iran Tensions: Israel said it will send a delegation to Washington to press its security concerns over any long-term US-Iran nuclear deal, while Iran’s rial reportedly weakened after the US accord; Gaza Strikes: A Palestinian girl was injured in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, with drones and heavy gunfire reported; Afghanistan Rights: Journalists’ group demanded the release of Tamadon Television director and staff held by the Taliban; World Cup Politics & Culture: In Seattle’s Iran-Egypt “Pride Match,” Iran’s late goal was ruled offside by VAR, leaving knockout hopes in limbo and sparking fresh complaints about treatment by the US-hosted tournament.

World Cup Drama (Iran-Egypt): Egypt reached the 2026 knockout stage for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle, with Ramin Rezaeian scoring for Iran and a late Iranian goal ruled out by VAR for offside; Egypt now face Australia in the Round of 32 while Iran’s progress depends on other results. Pride Match Fallout: Seattle’s Pride-themed build-up drew rainbow flags and protests, but Iran and Egypt tried to avoid the LGBTQ spotlight; FIFA allowed Pride displays despite objections, and the match became a flashpoint for diaspora anger and state repression narratives. Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-brokered security framework in Washington, including pilot security zones in southern Lebanon, as Rubio called it “the beginning of the beginning.” West Bank Raids Report: Israel is reportedly shifting forces from Lebanon to expand raids on West Bank refugee camps ahead of Jewish holidays, raising fears of renewed escalation. Gaza Ceasefire Pressure: Gaza groups staged protests accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire, citing deaths and restrictions since last October. Human Rights (U.S. detention): UN rights chief Volker Türk urged independent probes into deaths in ICE detention and stronger oversight. Turkey Politics: Turkey’s main opposition says EU response to Erdogan-era crackdowns is too mild as arrests target CHP leaders and mayors. Afghanistan (rights & migration): UN-backed efforts support drug treatment and prevention in Afghanistan, while reports highlight restrictions on Shia Ashura mourning under Taliban rule.

Israel-Lebanon Peace Track: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a framework agreement for “lasting peace and security,” with Netanyahu saying Israel will keep a security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms—raising hopes for normalization but keeping the Iran-Hezbollah risk front and center. US-Iran Escalation at Hormuz: The Pentagon says US forces struck Iranian missile/drone sites and coastal radar after Iran hit a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump warning Iran would face consequences for violating a ceasefire. Ceasefire Momentum vs. Fragile Reality: Reports say ships are starting to move again through Hormuz after a US-Iran deal, while South Korea says more vessels have safely exited the strait—yet experts warn Iran may still try to sabotage diplomacy. Gaza Civilian Toll: An Israeli drone/missile attack in Maghazi refugee camp killed three Palestinian police officers, according to Palestinian sources. Human Rights Pressure: UN rights chief Volker Turk called for an independent probe into rising deaths in US migrant detention centers, citing at least 19 deaths this year and lack of transparency. West Bank Heritage Drive: Israel’s ultranationalist government is expanding archaeology sites in the occupied West Bank with major funding, which Palestinians and critics say could accelerate displacement. Turkey Crackdown: Rights groups say Turkey’s online censorship is expanding fast, with millions of sites blocked and new legislation reportedly planned. World Cup “Pride Match” Fallout: FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed at Egypt-Iran in Seattle despite objections from both federations, turning a sports fixture into a flashpoint over LGBTQ rights.

World Cup Politics in Seattle: FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed inside Lumen Field for Friday’s Egypt-Iran “Pride Match,” despite objections from both federations, while Iran insists no LGBTQ+ promotional activities be tied to the match program. Iran-U.S. Tensions at Hormuz: Iran reportedly fired a projectile at a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh alarms for the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and for Gulf oil flows that many Middle East economies depend on. Diplomatic Friction in NATO: Iran seized on NATO chief Mark Rutte’s claim that Italy and Romania supported U.S. strikes against Tehran, triggering denials from Rome and adding pressure on fence-sitters like India. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar says he will push a draft resolution for official recognition, with a Knesset vote expected. Ashura and Resistance Messaging: Iran marked Ashura with leaders framing Imam Hussein’s legacy as a call to resist oppression, amid ongoing Iran-Israel-U.S. fallout. Syrian Frontline Notes: A monitoring group says Israeli forces entered Quneitra countryside, briefly detaining and questioning civilians. Cultural Heritage Return: Greece returned six ancient Egyptian figurines after trafficking investigations, including items linked to Abydos. Sports Spotlight: Turkey beat the U.S. 3-2 in a dead rubber as the Americans head to the Round of 32; Australia and Jordan also set up key final-group scenarios.

Hormuz Security: GCC and U.S. ministers in Manama backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz for “free, unconditional” navigation and rejected any tolls or attempts to control the waterway, while noting Oman and the IMO plan to evacuate 11,000 stranded seafarers. World Cup Pride Clash: FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed at the Egypt-Iran match in Seattle, but Iran’s Lion and Sun flag is banned as political; both federations had objected, setting up a culture-and-values showdown. Iran Shipping Fees: Iran is reportedly exploring a plan to charge up to $40bn a year for Strait of Hormuz management, but Rubio said no country can charge for use of international waterways. Lebanon-Iran Axis: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem claimed Iran-backed “resistance” has entered a new phase of “breaking the Israeli project” after months of restraint. Israel-Germany Naval Drill: Germany and Israel held a joint naval exercise off Haifa amid ongoing Gaza war and renewed UN scrutiny over attacks on Palestinian children. NATO Summit Media: Turkish independent outlets were denied accreditation for NATO’s Ankara summit, with journalists’ groups calling it an affront to press freedom. U.S.-Turkey World Cup: With the U.S. already through, Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella urged respect for players ahead of the dead-rubber finale.

UN Rights Probe: A UN commission says Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank, renewing genocide and war-crimes allegations as Israel calls the report a “political blood libel.” West Bank Control: Israel’s proposed “Heritage Authority in Judea and Samaria” bill would shift management of ancient sites and allow property actions, drawing Palestinian and rights-group warnings of annexation. Iran War Politics: US President Trump said it may never be known who was responsible for a deadly strike on an Iranian girls’ school, while the US Senate rejected a measure to limit his Iran war powers after earlier support. Gulf Energy: Oil prices slid below pre-Iran-war levels as Hormuz traffic rebounded and traders bet on oversupply; Iraq meanwhile pushes for higher OPEC quotas after exports collapsed. Regional Diplomacy: Marco Rubio met Bahrain officials to sell the US-Iran framework to skeptical Gulf allies. Sanctions & Crypto: A WSJ-linked investigation says CoinEx routed $3.84B in Iran-linked crypto flows tied to sanctioned entities. Culture & Heritage: Qatar’s Art Basel lounge showcased Doha’s arts push; Nobu and SODIC unveiled Egypt’s first Nobu residences; and a Tampa museum opened its first ancient Egypt exhibition.