AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman postponed a Monday foreign-ministers meeting in Salalah on Iran-Gulf shipping arrangements, saying it was delayed “in the interests of consensus” to create conditions for constructive dialogue—while Iran insists any deal would not mean an immediate reopening and depends on US commitments. Maritime Attacks and Oil Pressure: Fresh strikes and incidents around the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure are again rattling markets, with Brent back above $100 and traders warning that shipping risks could keep prices elevated. Yemen Escalation: Fighting between Houthis and Saudi-aligned forces in Yemen has intensified, with UN warnings of rapidly rising displacement and renewed threats to Red Sea shipping routes. Oman in the Middle: Muscat’s role as a mediator is under the spotlight as regional talks stall, even as Oman remains directly affected by the strait’s security and navigation disruptions. Travel and Connectivity: SalamAir announced new ticket sales for flights to Copenhagen via Baghdad, expanding Oman’s links to Europe.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says its Oman-linked maritime understanding does not mean reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the US must return to commitments under the Islamabad memorandum; Iran’s FM also said Oman talks will focus on new entry/exit routes. Shipping Under Threat: An Iranian commercial vessel was hit near Qeshm Island, killing one and injuring others, while UKMTO reported another projectile strike and a fire in the strait—fresh signs of rising risks to oil flows. Oil Supply Jitters: Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West pipeline after a drone attack, and the US has reduced merchant-ship escort frequency to twice daily, as Brent pushed back above $100. Oman Economy & Services: Oman’s inflation hit 3.4% in August; Total refinery output reached 129.08 million barrels by end-July; Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan. Local Development: Al Dakhiliyah is rehabilitating historic quarters to boost tourism and investment, while North Al Sharqiyah advances housing and urban projects.

Strait of Hormuz Talks in Oman: Iran and Oman have agreed technical details for new entry and exit routes, but Tehran says the Strait won’t reopen immediately and depends on the US meeting Iran’s seven conditions; Gulf Diplomacy Push: Bahrain says it will not attend the Oman meeting with Iran until diplomatic ties are restored, citing attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure; Saudi Pipeline Shock: Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline after drone attacks, with Iraq dismissing a commander and saying the strikes originated from its territory, while regional states including Oman condemned the attack; US-Iran Maritime Escalation: The US says it has redirected 100 commercial vessels and destroyed multiple Iranian oil tankers, as oil prices swing and diesel hits record highs; Oman Economy & Finance: Oman’s rial strengthened 4.5% against a currency basket and domestic liquidity rose 15.4% to OMR29.32bn, signaling banking expansion; Local Policy: Oman will let government entities award projects up to RO5,000 to independent Omani freelancers, boosting self-employment.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says foreign ministers from Arab states will meet in Muscat on Monday to sign an Iran-Oman shipping route deal, with the agreement later submitted to the IMO—while Iran links any reopening to an end to the US maritime blockade. Regional Security: Oman condemned attacks on a Saudi pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah, reiterating support for measures protecting vital facilities and urging restraint. Energy Markets: Oil prices eased after reports of renewed efforts to manage Hormuz shipping, but disruptions remain a live risk as tanker and freight costs jump. Oman Economy & Finance: Oman’s domestic liquidity rose 15.4% to OMR29.32bn by end-June 2026, while the Muscat Stock Exchange extended gains for a seventh week, with market cap reaching OMR39.44bn. Trade & Business: Oman will take part in WorldFood Moscow 2026 with 16 companies, and OIA signed an investment agreement with Templewater to back Oman-focused innovation. Tourism & Tech: Dhofar’s Khareef drew 1.116m visitors (+8.6%), and Oman’s AI startups grew 91% to 42 companies.

Strait of Hormuz talks in Oman: Iran says foreign ministers from Iran, Iraq and Gulf states will meet in Oman on Monday to discuss safe commercial shipping routes, as Tehran calls its Hormuz closure a defensive move amid a continuing US blockade. Red Sea squeeze: Iran-backed Houthis have seized Mokha and advanced to Perim (Mayun) in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising fears of a second chokepoint tightening after Hormuz disruptions. Oil market shock: With shipping risks rising, Brent has pushed back above $100 and diesel prices topped $6 a gallon, while tanker spot rates for VLCCs surged to record levels. US-Iran escalation: Trump and CENTCOM say the US has destroyed multiple Iranian crude carriers, while Iran claims retaliatory strikes on ships and a US drone seizure. Oman in focus beyond energy: Oman’s VA Group plans a major Muttrah Waterfront mixed-use lifestyle destination, and Oman International Baja will headline the Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Gulf foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Oman’s Salalah on Sept. 14 to back a temporary shipping arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman pushing for GCC buy-in as tensions keep maritime traffic under pressure. Oman–Saudi Security Call: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi spoke by phone with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, condemning attacks on civilian and economic targets in southern Saudi Arabia and stressing de-escalation and safe navigation. Yemen Shipping Shock: Reuters reports Iran-aligned Houthis have reached Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and seized nearby areas, raising fears of tighter control over a key Red Sea route and renewed energy-market strain. Military Tensions at Sea: Iran’s IRGC claims it seized a modern US undersea drone and also targeted a US unmanned surface vessel near Hormuz, underscoring the growing risk to surveillance and shipping. Oman Connectivity Update: Oman saw a rise in satellite internet connections and mobile base up 1% year-on-year to July, reflecting continued telecom growth.

Gulf Tourism & Sports: Qatar’s tourism chief urged GCC states to move from cooperation to integrated, competitive tourism, pushing joint packages and the unified GCC visa, while Oman is also in the spotlight for the Jabal Akhdar bid for GCC Tourism Capital 2027; on the football front, Oman has been drawn with the UAE, Bahrain and China in Group A for the U-17 Gulf Cup in Qatar. Oman Data & Policy: Oman’s Central Statistical Bureau called for wider use of AI and modern data sources to strengthen national statistics during crises, including an AI “Muscat Team” for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Oman Economy: Oman recorded a RO 461m fiscal deficit in 2025, its first in four years, as lower oil prices cut hydrocarbon receipts, though the deficit still beat the budget target. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Escalating US-Iran tensions kept oil above $100 and raised shipping risk costs, while GCC states condemned Houthi attacks after rebels seized Mokha in Yemen. Oman in Culture: Kuwaiti documentary “Without Doors” won top honours at Oman’s Dhofar Film Festival, alongside multiple Omani award wins.

Hormuz Tensions, Oil Shock: Iran says it attacked 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after the US announced it sunk five Iranian oil tankers, as UKMTO reported “disabling fire” incidents in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf. Brent closed around $101, with crude again above $100 amid fears of longer supply disruption. Regional Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister called Saudi FM to condemn attacks on civilian and economic facilities and stress the need to protect maritime navigation and de-escalate. Oman in GCC Tourism: Al Jabal Al Akhdar was named GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, and Oman urged GCC tourism cooperation to move into integrated, time-bound execution. GCC Travel Move: A unified GCC tourist visa is set to launch soon, covering Oman and five other states. Oman Health Cities: WHO recognised Barka and Yanqul as healthy cities, expanding Oman’s programme to eight internationally accredited cities. Oman–World: Sultan Haitham received credentials from nine ambassadors at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah.

Gulf Shipping Crisis: Iran says it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the US said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, while Iran also fired missiles at a US base in Jordan; the back-and-forth has pushed Brent above $100 a barrel again and raised fresh risks for commercial traffic. Maritime Restrictions: Iran’s IRGC announced an expanded “restricted/prohibited” maritime zone stretching beyond Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Arabian Sea, warning vessels without coordination could face sanctions. Oman Angle: Oman is among the Gulf states repeatedly named in regional fallout as Hormuz disruptions threaten shipping, marine activity, and energy costs. Regional Diplomacy: Oman, UN call for de-escalation as tensions deepen, while Iran rejects Arab League claims about its retaliation. Business & Tech: A strategic cooperation deal links German firm Grandperspective with IST Platform Group, targeting investment and gas-leak monitoring opportunities across Qatar, the UAE and Oman. Sports: Oman’s U17 Gulf Cup campaign is set after the tournament draw placed Oman in Pot 3 for Qatar’s record 10-team event.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s IRGC says it is setting a “prohibited/no-shipping” maritime zone stretching from Chabahar into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, warning vessels will face sanctions without coordination. Maritime Disruptions: UKMTO reported merchant ships in the northern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were hit by “disabling fire,” while a separate report said a tanker near the UAE saw another vessel listing at anchor after a possible projectile strike. Oil Shock for Oman and Region: Brent surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since July as the US destroyed five Iranian tankers and Iran retaliated with strikes near US-linked targets in Jordan; analysts warn the supply-risk premium is growing. Oman Digital Legal Training: Oman’s Ministry of Justice and Omantel signed an agreement to build “Itqan,” a digital platform to train and qualify lawyers and legal advisors nationwide. Oman Vision 2040: The Ministry of Economy held the fourth annual meeting of Oman Vision 2040 implementation follow-up offices, focusing on communication and integration. Heritage Push: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism floated a tender to prepare a UNESCO nomination dossier for the “Salut: Iron Age Settlement” site in Bahla.

US-Iran Escalation: The US says it destroyed five IRGC-linked Iranian crude tankers after Iran twice tried to hit a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles; Iran retaliated by firing missiles toward a US base in Jordan, while also warning tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports could be targeted. Regional Spillover: Iran-backed Houthis struck multiple Saudi cities, wounding at least 73 and hitting energy infrastructure, as explosions were also reported around Iran’s Kharg Island and the Gulf of Oman port of Jask. Oil Markets: Brent pushed back toward $100 amid supply fears, with analysts warning prolonged disruptions could lift prices further. Oman Diplomacy & Culture: Oman welcomed a joint European statement rejecting Israeli settlement expansion and highlighted its cultural presence at the Embassy Festival in The Hague. Oman Business & Policy: Oman named a new ambassador to Kuwait, set EV charging fees from Oct 1, and reported progress on logistics and digital services. Weather: Oman’s NCM forecast Wednesday clear to partly cloudy skies with light to moderate winds.

Oman’s Telecom Growth: Mobile subscriptions in Oman rose 1% to 8,435,420 by end-July 2026, with postpaid up and prepaid down, while IoT/M2M and FTTH/B fixed internet also grew. Logistics Oversight: Oman’s Shura Council Economic and Financial Committee heard updates from C. Steinweg Oman on real-world progress and challenges in implementing the Sultanate’s Logistics Strategy (SOLS 2040), focusing on Sohar Port shipping and re-export activity. E-invoicing Prep: As mandatory e-invoicing for firms above OMR 5m in annual supplies approaches in April 2027, experts say the main risk is late operational and tech readiness, not awareness. Oman-Rwanda Ties: Oman and Rwanda announced plans to open resident embassies, set up a joint committee and business council, and expand cooperation across investment, transport, energy, mining, tourism, logistics and communications. Air Connectivity: SalamAir opened ticket sales for Muscat–Baghdad–Copenhagen flights starting Nov 15, boosting links between Oman, Iraq and Northern Europe. Regional Shockwaves: Oil prices stayed near $100 as Middle East tensions flared, with Yemen’s Houthis claiming strikes on Saudi energy facilities and markets reacting.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it’s finalising a deal with Oman for a temporary “safe route” for tanker traffic, with details expected to be registered with the IMO soon, as Tehran also plans a new exclusion/restricted zone and shipping corridor maps; the US and Iran keep trading strikes, and shipping traffic through the strait has fallen to the lowest levels since May. Oman’s Role in Maritime Safety: Oman Navy says it rescued 16 crew members from the Saudi-flagged Sidr tanker after an Iran attack, with two sailors reported killed. Oil and Markets: Brent stays near $97 as traders price in prolonged disruption; analysts at Goldman and Rystad warn there’s room for crude to rise further if the US-Iran conflict drags on. Oman Economy and Trade: Oman reported a 4.7 billion riyal merchandise trade surplus by end-June, up 51%, driven by higher oil and gas exports. Business and Trade Facilitation: Oman’s DGFT launched an Open API facility to streamline Certificates of Origin applications, cutting duplicate data entry and errors. Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham hosted Rwanda President Paul Kagame in Muscat, with talks spanning mining, renewables, logistics and healthcare.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it will announce a new “restricted/prohibited” maritime zone and new shipping corridor, while the US denies Tehran’s claims of striking an unmanned US vessel and keeps warning of tougher responses—shipping traffic is down sharply and oil risk premiums are rising. Oman-Hormuz Talks: Iran says negotiations with Oman on temporary safe routes are in the final stage, with plans to register the agreement with the International Maritime Organization. Energy & Prices: Oman’s official oil price for November rose to $104.54 a barrel as Middle East supply disruption fears linger; Opec+ kept October output steady amid the escalation. Regional Security Support: Oman’s Maritime Security Center wrapped up assistance after an attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR off Musandam, evacuating 16 crew. Trade & Economy: Oman recorded an OMR4.7bn trade surplus by end-June 2026, up 51% year-on-year, driven by higher oil and gas exports. Environment & Society: Oman marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, linking cleaner air to climate action. Business & Tech: India’s DGFT opened direct digital certificates of origin via exporters’ software; Oman also discussed expanding economic zone and free-zone cooperation with China. Humanitarian & Culture: Oman Charitable Organization and the Red Cross discussed steps toward recognition in the Red Crescent movement, while a Bahla forum promoted conservation of traditional crafts.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait, calling it a “total lie” claim by the US Central Command. Iran’s top negotiator also warned of a new “restricted/prohibited” maritime zone beyond Hormuz and promised “faster, more intense and more painful” retaliation. Shipping Impact: Kpler data show Hormuz traffic at the lowest since May after US and Iranian strikes on tankers, with only a handful of ships passing on some days. Oil Market Watch: OPEC+ kept crude output unchanged for October despite the war-driven uncertainty, with Brent hovering near $100. Oman Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham spoke by phone with France’s Macron on strengthening regional security pillars, and Oman signed its participation contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh. Local & Regional Life: Dhofar’s second International Film Festival opened in Salalah with films from 16 countries; Oman’s seasonal temperatures are easing into autumn; a new olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar; and Oman joined GCC Health Ministers talks in Manama.

Oman–India Tourism Boom: Oman welcomed about 6.94 lakh Indian visitors in 2025, up 11%, and logged 3.81 lakh arrivals in the first half of 2026, as air connectivity and growing interest in family, luxury, adventure and MICE trips drive demand. Oman at Moscow Book Fair: Oman wrapped up its first-ever official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, spotlighting Omani culture, heritage and academic work and drawing strong interest from researchers, students and visitors. OPEC+ Oil Policy: OPEC+ kept its October output plan unchanged, including Oman among the core producers, while the Iran-related Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to limit how much the group can influence real market flows. Foreign Affairs: Oman’s Foreign Minister received credentials for Indonesia’s ambassador-designate, underscoring continued diplomatic ties. Local Agriculture Upgrade: A new modern olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdar to boost local processing, with capacity of 1.2 tonnes per hour and support for about 500 farmers. Regional Security Shock: US and Iran traded strikes in the Gulf and Hormuz area, with CENTCOM saying it disabled or destroyed three IRGC-linked tankers after missile attacks on US warships, while Iran warned of further retaliation. Aviation Recognition: Muscat and Salalah airports won nine Airport Service Quality awards for passenger experience and service quality.