AGP Executive Report

Afghanistan Rights Watch: UN experts marked five years since the Taliban takeover, warning women and girls remain shut out of education and public life, with girls still barred beyond grade six and “secret classrooms” keeping thousands learning in defiance. Yemen Escalation: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged Yemen’s government and Houthi rebels to halt attacks on each other, warning civilian infrastructure strikes will worsen an already dire hunger crisis. Iran-US Deadlines & Nuclear Talk: Iran’s foreign ministry said the 60-day negotiation clock has “lost relevance” after US violations, as US-Iran tensions drag on and renewed claims about possible nuclear use on Iran sparked alarm. Gaza Diplomacy: US envoy Jared Kushner told Hamas it must disarm or face an Israeli operation “to finish the job,” after rare Cairo talks tied to Trump’s Gaza roadmap. Humanitarian Returns: Kuwait-backed aid launched the first direct flight returning 150 Sudanese refugees from Uganda to Khartoum, with more scheduled. Regional Economy & Trade: Egypt and China-linked matchmaking in Cairo delivered nearly $170m in deals, while remittance data showed Middle East conflict-linked price pressure slowing Filipino cash transfers. Israel-Palestinian Tensions: Reports highlighted continued West Bank enforcement and Gaza strikes amid ongoing disputes over humanitarian lines.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump’s 60-day Iran talks clock has hit its deadline as he warns Oman—an Iran mediator on Strait of Hormuz shipping—he’ll “bomb the s* out of them” if it “gets in the way,” while Iran and the US trade threats and the ceasefire’s fragility grows. **Gaza & West Bank: Israeli strikes and shelling injured Palestinians in Gaza, while raids in the West Bank saw 22 arrests, including nine from one family, as demolitions and rights abuses continue. Syria-Israel Rhetoric: Footage claims Syrian army personnel at Damascus’s Citadel issued threats against Jews, reflecting how Syria’s new security order draws on Islamist factions. Humanitarian Pressure at Borders: In Spain’s Ceuta, hundreds of migrants protested for asylum after the mass crossing, with many saying they’d rather die than return to Morocco. Iran Domestic Strain: Iranians report “survival mode” as food prices soar and unemployment rises amid the war’s economic squeeze. Turkey Tech & Culture: GITEX Ai Türkiye pitches Turkey as a Eurasia AI hub, alongside cultural events boosting Arabic literature across Africa. Israel Politics: A debate over Israel’s constitution is framed as a response to deep polarization, with critics warning about “rules of the game” amid shifting Basic Laws.

Gaza Ceasefire Friction: Israel carried out strikes in central and southern Gaza, killing at least two, as Hamas met mediators in Cairo over Israel’s compliance with a US-backed roadmap. Diplomacy Pressure: Foreign ministers from the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt condemned Israel’s rejection of the Gaza plan and urged Washington to hold Israel to its commitments. Iran-US Escalation: Trump ordered major reductions in joint drills with South Korea over Seoul’s refusal to join US efforts against Iran, while Iran’s military chief announced a $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing US soldiers. Regional Security Pact: Trump praised the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan as a NATO-style collective defense step. Afghanistan Rights Crisis: UN figures say Afghanistan has received over $11bn in humanitarian aid since the Taliban returned, but needs still outstrip funding; UNAMA’s new head, Rabab Fatima, takes over as women and girls remain barred from education. West Bank Flashpoint: A Qusra siege and settler violence drew rare US and Vatican rebukes, as Israel debates shifting enforcement from the military to police.

Iran-US tensions & Hormuz: Trump renewed threats over the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s army chief warned of retaliation and Tehran’s judiciary carried out more protest-linked executions, as a wider coalition of countries condemned the death penalty. US military posture: CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper wrapped a 10-day Middle East trip and visited USS Abraham Lincoln as reports swirl about deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier. Afghanistan under Taliban rule: UN experts and rights groups marked five years since Kabul’s fall, warning of deepening repression—especially for girls and women—alongside new Taliban legal rules tightening obedience and women’s restrictions. West Bank flashpoint: A week-long siege of Qusra by Israeli settlers highlighted water and power cutoffs and growing fears of annexation-by-law, with Israel moving civilian policing to Israeli forces. Lebanon ceasefire strain: Lebanese leaders condemned Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed at least 11, despite US-brokered truce frameworks. Heritage & culture: Israel’s Antiquities Authority announced a 1,300-year-old industrial complex in Ramat Gan; Iran added four historic water structures to UNESCO’s World Heritage Irrigation Structures list; Turkic archaeologists agreed on a unified digital heritage database. Regional politics & society: Türkiye’s CHP and YP leaders kept trading barbs amid parliamentary office disputes; Erdoğan said he’ll back stability for Syria, Gaza and Lebanon and discussed the Mecca defense pact.

Gaza Violence: One Palestinian was killed and seven injured in new Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire across Gaza, with reports of hits in Nuseirat, Bureij, Khan Younis and Gaza City. West Bank Settler Siege: In Qusra, families say militant settler attacks have kept them trapped for days, while the US presses Netanyahu to publicly condemn the violence. Iran–US Tensions at Hormuz: Trump urged Americans to accept higher gas prices as the Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates; Iran says Hormuz remains under its authority. Lebanon Front: Iran condemned Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed 11, calling out UN inaction after the June truce framework. Afghanistan Anniversary: Taliban marked five years back in power with Kabul residents citing improved security but warning of jobs and schooling gaps, as UN and rights groups flag a worsening women’s rights crisis. Regional Security Posture: CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper wrapped a 10-day Middle East tour, including visits to the USS Abraham Lincoln. India–Israel Spotlight: Jerusalem’s Chords Bridge lit up in India’s tricolour for Independence Day, underscoring deepening ties. Human Stories: Nepali caregivers’ pathway to Israel caregiving jobs continues under a Nepal–Israel MoU.

Afghanistan Anniversary: The Taliban marked five years back in power with parades in Kabul and “victory day” messaging, while UN and aid groups warn the humanitarian and rights crisis is worsening, with women and girls still barred from education and public life. Women’s Rights & Humanitarian Pressure: Afghan journalist Zahra Joya says she was imprisoned at home after the takeover; UNESCO and UNICEF figures cited across coverage point to millions denied schooling. Civil Resistance: Rights group Rawadari says thousands of civilians and former government employees have been killed or injured since 2021, as peaceful protest is met with lethal force. Iran–US Tensions & Hormuz: As the US threatens “unprecedented” economic isolation and an open-ended blockade, attacks and disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran rejecting claims it can be controlled by Washington. Lebanon & Israel Strikes: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed civilians amid intensifying exchanges with Hezbollah. West Bank Settler Siege: US officials pressed Netanyahu to condemn settler violence and home sieges in Qusra, where families report blocked access to water, electricity and aid. Iranian Women’s Politics: Iran’s Women’s Revolution Council was announced, calling for women’s real power and opposing the death penalty. Turkey Crackdown: Turkish police raided a religious group’s dormitory in Istanbul, detaining members after an Ankara investigation. Israel Drug Use Spike: Israel’s addiction data shows a sharp rise in problematic sedative and opioid use since Oct. 7.

Iran-US Escalation: Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will “soon” be declared “US territory,” while Scott Bessent promises “never-seen” economic measures and the US vows an indefinite naval blockade as ship traffic slows and Iran resumes attacks on vessels. Palestinian West Bank Siege: Israeli forces and settlers keep besieging homes in Qusra, with activists blocked from delivering aid and the Palestinian presidency warning of wider escalation; UN rights officials condemn the siege and settlement violence. Lebanon Resistance Message: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem marks the 2006 anniversary, saying resistance prevented Israel’s goals and urging Lebanon to reject negotiations without Israeli withdrawal. Afghanistan Women’s Rights: UN warns donors not to cut funding for women’s programs under Taliban rule, citing school bans, severe restrictions, and worsening mental health. Taliban Education Clampdown: A report highlights how Taliban changes school curricula, removing past leaders and glorifying violence, while girls are barred from higher education. Makkah Accord & Regional Pacts: Pakistan’s president praises the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan peace deal and defense cooperation plans; Egypt says it will study the Mecca defense pact legally before deciding. Israel Detention Claim: Russian-Israeli historian Artyom Kirpichenok disappeared after landing in Tel Aviv; colleagues allege Shin Bet detention as Moscow seeks answers. Culture & Media: Qatar TV marks 56 years; Israel’s National Library plans a Jerusalem docu festival themed “Uncertainty.” Sports Business: Saudi-backed funding helped move the Esports World Cup to Paris after Iran-US security concerns disrupted Riyadh plans.

Iran-US Economic Pressure: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent says Washington will unveil “unprecedented” economic isolation measures against Iran next week, as talks to ease Strait of Hormuz tensions stall. Hormuz Shipping Crisis: Transit through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply after two more attacks on vessels, with the US warning it can keep a naval blockade “indefinitely” while Iran moves to formalise control of the waterway. West Bank Siege & Annexation Steps: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called for police to take over civil enforcement in the occupied West Bank, a move critics say edges toward annexation, as settlers keep besieging Palestinian homes in Qusra for a sixth day. US Pushes Netanyahu: White House officials pressed Netanyahu to condemn the siege, while US Ambassador Mike Huckabee labelled the settlers “Israeli terrorists.” EU-Iran Rights Clash: Iran’s foreign minister told EU states they lack “moral standing” to lecture on human rights, pointing to European double standards on Israel. Afghanistan Rights Alarm: UN experts warned against normalising Taliban rule, citing five years of gender repression and rights abuses. Türkiye Tech Boost: Türkiye unveiled plans and investment momentum around AI and data centres, positioning a fast-growing tech market for global events. Turkey Holiday Injury: A steam room door “exploding” at a Turkish resort injured two boys, prompting compensation claims.

US-Iran Pressure Escalation: The U.S. says it can keep a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely” and will add “measures… never been seen” as ceasefire talks stall, while Iran warns of a possible kinetic response and keeps traffic tight around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime Security & Oil Routes: A report claims Iran has “de facto control” over key chokepoints, pushing Washington and Gulf states to plan alternative export routes, including a refinery and overland pipeline concept toward Mediterranean ports. New Drone Posture: CENTCOM announced a multinational one-way attack drone task force (“Force Falcon Strike”) to expand on earlier Middle East drone operations. Israel-Palestine Fighting: Despite a ceasefire, Israeli strikes killed two Palestinians in Gaza, and separate West Bank raids and settler actions drew renewed U.S. condemnation. Diplomacy & Lobbying: An Israeli think tank is reported to have hired a U.S. lobbying firm to push lawmakers to withdraw from the UN. Afghanistan Rights: UN Women says Taliban restrictions leave half of Afghan women rarely leaving home, as girls’ education bans deepen. Turkey Minority Education: Turkey reportedly bars children of Armenian citizens from minority schools, raising fresh human-rights concerns. Mecca Pact Fallout: Egypt’s FM says joining defense agreements needs legal review after Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.

US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran rejected Trump’s “total control” claim, saying the strait remains blocked until US demands on aggression, reparations and sanctions are met, as shipping traffic reportedly drops and both sides keep up pressure. Gaza Rubble Campaign: Rights groups say Israel is crushing and transporting millions of tonnes of Gaza rubble, warning it could be aimed at demographic engineering and erasing evidence. Iran Human Rights Pressure: France and a growing group of EU allies condemned Iran’s executions of protesters, triggering a sharp Iran–France diplomatic spat over “hypocrisy.” Afghanistan Women and Rights: UN Women says half of Afghan women leave home only once or twice a month under Taliban restrictions, while Human Rights Watch reports Taliban “forcibly disappeared” six staff from a women’s and children’s rights group. Lebanon War Legal Challenge: Lebanese Americans filed a class action in Michigan seeking to end US support for Israel, citing the Leahy Law over alleged human-rights abuses. Turkey Security Crackdown: Turkish police detained 30 in raids targeting the Süleymancılar religious group, accusing it of running a criminal organization.

Afghanistan Education Crisis: UNESCO says 2.4 million Afghan girls have been barred from secondary school since the Taliban returned in 2021, with restrictions widening into a broader “gender apartheid” that could hit nearly four million by 2030. Israel-West Bank Violence: A UN official warns the West Bank is at “breaking point” as Israeli settler attacks and military actions intensify, including sieges of Palestinian families in Qusra. Lebanon Fire Allegations: Lebanese firefighters and environmental groups accuse Israel of intentionally sparking wildfires during strikes, describing drone-delivered incendiaries and phosphorus shells. Iran Human Rights Pressure: More than 25 countries condemn Iran’s executions of protesters, urging Tehran to halt capital punishment and release detainees. Regional Security Pact: Turkey’s Erdogan says the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is meant to grow beyond the three states, with Egypt expected to consider joining. Energy Chokepoints: A report claims Iran has “de facto control” over Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, pushing the US and Gulf states to plan alternative export routes via Saudi Arabia and the Mediterranean. US-Iran Tensions: Separate reporting says the Secret Service used a decoy aircraft to move Trump from Turkey amid an Iran assassination threat. Migration Crackdown (Greece): Greek police arrested five people in Evros for allegedly smuggling 25 migrants by car.

Iran-U.S. Tensions: Reports say the Secret Service used a decoy aircraft and a catering-truck switch to move Trump out of Turkey after Iranian threat warnings. Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia unveiled a 14-state maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping and oil routes amid Houthi threats tied to the Iran conflict. Gulf Shipping & Oil: The IEA warns oil stockpiles are tightening fast as Hormuz reopening remains elusive and Iran-war escalation hits supply. Afghanistan Rights: UNESCO says 2.4 million Afghan girls are barred from secondary education, while UN Women reports half of women leave home only once or twice a month under Taliban restrictions. Lebanon Justice: Lebanon abolished the death penalty in a landmark vote, replacing it with life imprisonment. Israel-Palestinian Media: A Palestinian prisoners’ group says the number of journalists held in Israeli custody has reached 40, with claims of widespread detentions since the war began. Regional Diplomacy: Syria sent a UN protest over Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.

Iran Talks & Hormuz: US VP JD Vance says Washington has made “some” progress with Iran, but insists Tehran must show it can deliver longer-term changes; Iran’s top negotiator also attacks “theater diplomacy” as Trump signals a pending settlement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iran Escalation & Shipping: The US says it disabled most Iranian sea mines, yet Hormuz remains unclear as shipping stays constrained; the US also struck a Panama-flagged vessel after it ignored blockade orders. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet praised the Makkah summit outcomes with Türkiye and Pakistan, calling for a long-term defense partnership and stressing protection of key waterways like Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. Afghanistan Rights: UNESCO says 2.4 million Afghan girls are barred from secondary education five years after the Taliban return, warning of long-term economic and social damage. Lebanon Human Rights: Lebanon abolished the death penalty, becoming the first Arab country to end capital punishment. West Bank Flashpoint: A UN official urged the West Bank situation be treated as an emergency as settler violence and settlement expansion accelerate. Israel-Iran Politics: Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid calls the Iran ceasefire a “political disaster.” Venezuela-Israel Rapprochement: Venezuela and Israel agreed to a consular coordination mechanism after 17 years, alongside continued technical cooperation. Saudi AI Push: Saudi Arabia launched AI incentives for cultural projects, offering grants up to SR500,000.

Iran-US Talks & Strait of Hormuz: US VP JD Vance says Washington has made “some” progress in Iran talks, while Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warns Trump’s “theater diplomacy” is on a loop; Trump also signals he’d rather strike a deal than escalate, as munitions shortages reports add pressure. Regional Security Pacts: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan’s Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is framed as “attack on one, attack on all,” with analysts stressing Gulf leaders’ doubts about US protection. Lebanon Death Penalty: Lebanon’s parliament abolishes the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour, with Hezbollah opposing. Gaza Humanitarian Alarm: UN experts say civilian killings in Gaza and the West Bank surged in July despite a ceasefire, warning protection is collapsing. Israel-Palestine Legal/Policy: Haaretz reports Israel is holding about 1,700 Palestinian bodies as bargaining chips for future exchanges. Yemen Escalation: Houthi attacks on government-held areas raise fears of renewed civil war. Turkey Border & Migration: Turkey and Bulgaria agree to deepen border security cooperation against smuggling and cross-border crime. Markets & Energy: Oil and gold stay volatile as Hormuz reopening hopes fade, while air cargo rates fall 8% in July amid Middle East conflict and EU tariff changes.

Iran-US Talks: US VP JD Vance says Washington has made “some” progress with Iran, but insists Tehran must prove it can deliver the changes the US wants as a settlement deal remains pending. Strait of Hormuz: Trump claims the Strait is “open” and says the US Navy controls it, while Iran’s terms for reopening—linked to compensation—continue to cloud the outlook as oil prices jump. US-Iran Pressure vs Diplomacy: Trump says he prefers a deal over military action, even as reports point to US munitions shortages and a broader “low-keying” approach. Gaza Rift: Netanyahu publicly rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is truly disarmed, deepening friction with Washington. Gaza Humanitarian Claims: UN experts and rights monitors accuse Israel of escalating attacks and manipulating nutrition data to deny famine indicators in Gaza. Turkey-Kurd Peace: Turkey’s parliament passes a limited amnesty framework for some PKK militants, aiming at reintegration and suspending prosecutions for certain offenses. Regional Security: Iran says the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan “Mecca” defense pact signals a shift away from US security reliance. Colombia-Israel: Colombia becomes the second country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the US. Human Rights in Iran: A Kurdish woman’s fate remains unknown 45 days after arrest, and a kolbar is reported killed by Iranian military gunfire near the border.

Mecca Joint Defence Agreement: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” treating an attack on one as an attack on all, while insisting it is defensive and not aimed at any country. Iran-US Strait of Hormuz standoff: Iran says Hormuz will stay closed while the US blockade remains, even as Trump signals he prefers economic pressure and “semi-negotiating” over new strikes; Iran also says talks with Oman on safe shipping are progressing. Iran security reshuffle: Iran appointed hardline IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr, as officials trade demands over reopening Hormuz. Gaza diplomacy blocked: Netanyahu rejected Trump’s US-backed 15-point Gaza framework, saying troops won’t withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely and verifiably” disarmed, deepening US-Israel friction. Gaza rights alarm: UN experts condemned a sharp escalation of attacks on Palestinians in July, warning “nowhere in Gaza is safe” despite a nominal ceasefire. Ceuta migration-jihadist risk: Italian intelligence warned Ceuta could face jihadist recruitment and radicalization risks after mass migrant crossings, with authorities monitoring online calls for another attempt. Markets & inflation pressure: US mortgage rates rose for a fifth week, with the Iran war adding to inflation worries and energy-linked costs. Regional security debate in Greece: Greece plans to review its Patriot deployment in Saudi Arabia monthly after the new trilateral pact.