AGP Executive Report

Energy & Security Shock: As the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, analysts say the feared “biggest energy crisis” hasn’t fully materialized—though oil prices and regional supply risks keep spiking. Regional Escalation Watch: The US-Iran conflict is described as reaching a critical point, with renewed missile and drone exchanges and warnings that the fight could widen further across nearby countries. Iraq’s Crossfire: Reports say Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias have underscored Baghdad’s fragile control, while Iraqi PMF-linked tensions keep drawing Gulf pressure. Maritime Tech & Infrastructure Risk: A drone attack on Egypt’s Damietta port reportedly hit an American-linked floating gas facility, raising fears for Mediterranean energy routes. Water Cooperation (Iraq-Relevant): Kazakhstan and Iraq discussed stronger transboundary water coordination, including data and technology sharing under a UN water framework. Digital Infrastructure: Uptime Institute partnerships with Nineveh aim to expand Iraq’s digital infrastructure. AI & Markets: Big-tech earnings momentum (notably Amazon) helped lift US tech sentiment even as Middle East oil risk stayed elevated.

Iraq’s role in the Iran war heats up: Baghdad says it had “no prior knowledge” of US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces inside Iraq, while Riyadh and Washington blame drones and missile attacks launched from Iraqi territory. Regional escalation and tech-linked risk: Analysts warn the conflict is spreading through energy and shipping chokepoints, with renewed strikes and drone activity pushing oil above $90 and raising fears for Strait of Hormuz traffic. Air-defense and misinformation battle: CENTCOM denied Iranian claims that an attack destroyed US F-35 jets in Jordan, saying all incoming threats were intercepted. Military surveillance tech under pressure: The US Army awarded a $447m contract to keep producing tethered surveillance balloons, even as cheap drones increasingly threaten large fixed aerial systems. Iraq digital infrastructure (local tech): Uptime Institute partners with T964 to expand Iraq’s digital infrastructure, including a Nineveh deal to support connectivity and operations. Health tech breakthrough (global, but relevant): A small psilocybin-assisted therapy trial in veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD reported 75% remission and no serious adverse events.

Middle East Tech & Security: The US and Iran traded missile barrages again after a brief lull, with CENTCOM saying it hit dozens of IRGC command and drone sites, while Iran claimed strikes on US-linked assets and said Jordan’s al-Azraq airbase was targeted, raising fears of wider disruption. Maritime Disruption: A drone attack near Egypt’s Damietta port sparked fires on US-owned vessels, adding pressure to already tense shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq in the Crossfire: US-Saudi strikes hit Iranian-backed militias in eastern Iraq, underscoring how Baghdad’s security remains fragile as regional escalation spills into Iraqi territory. Digital Infrastructure in Iraq: Uptime Institute named T964 as a business partner to expand Iraq’s digital infrastructure, and also partnered with Nineveh governorate to push the same agenda. Drone Delivery Growth: Matternet appointed Starbucks EVP Sanjay Shah to its board as it scales FAA-certified drone delivery for healthcare, food, and retail. Mental Health Research: A small US psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for veterans with severe PTSD reported 75% remission at one month, with the protocol described as safe. Markets & Energy: Oil jumped as the conflict intensified, while tech stocks faced pressure amid broader risk-off moves.

Iraq Security & Regional Tech Impact: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Iran-backed militias across Iraq after Iran’s “surprise” missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, killing at least 20 fighters, while Iran resumed missile fire and the risk of wider escalation returned. Energy Markets: Oil jumped about 7% as Middle East attacks threatened supply routes, with Brent settling near $90.74 and traders watching Hormuz/Red Sea pressure. Shipping & Ports: A U.S.-owned gas tanker was hit by a drone at Egypt’s Damietta port, adding to fears for Mediterranean and Gulf logistics. Iraq Deadline Politics: Iraq’s September 30 weapons deadline is tightening the space for armed factions as Baghdad pushes security decisions into state institutions. Digital Infrastructure: Starlink officially launched satellite internet service in Iraq, and Uptime Institute partners with T964 to expand Iraq’s digital infrastructure. STEM Community: The Rock Hill Turner Foundation announced its second annual fundraiser to support STEM education and grants.

Satellite Internet in Iraq: Starlink officially launched its high-speed service after Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission completed licensing, with security and legal compliance built into the deal—another step for Digital Infrastructure growth. Regional Tech & Security Shock: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes in Iraq after Iran-backed attacks, while Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Jordan; the flare-up is also pushing Energy Markets higher and keeping investors cautious. AI Spending Watch: Markets are jittery ahead of major Big Tech earnings (Meta, Microsoft) as AI investment returns get scrutinized, with chip stocks sliding after SK Hynix’s results missed lofty expectations—signaling Semiconductor stress. Iraq–Turkey Cooperation: Iraq and Turkey signed multiple cooperation agreements and discussed defense industry links, reinforcing Cross-Border Partnerships. Logistics Expansion: Lalamove expanded in Saudi with localized Arabic services and app support, a reminder that E-commerce & Delivery Tech is moving fast across the region.

Iraq–Türkiye Cooperation: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi signed three MOUs with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on industrial cooperation, police training, and youth affairs, alongside talks to push trade toward $30B and expand energy, transport, and the Development Road. Regional Security Pressure: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet vowed decisive action against Iran-backed attacks on oil facilities in Yemen and Iraq and urged Baghdad to stop its territory being used to launch strikes. Iran War Fallout for Iraq: U.S. Central Command said it intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American forces and reported joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on “Iran-aligned” targets in eastern Iraq after drone attacks, while analysis warns depleted Patriot/THAAD stocks could raise risk if fighting resumes. Energy Routes Under Strain: With Hormuz tensions ongoing, attention remains on alternatives like the Kirkuk–Baniyas corridor to reduce chokepoint pressure. Iraqi Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission seized about $1.9M from a former senior finance official’s home, citing fraudulent receipts tied to state bank payments.

Iraq–Türkiye Economic Corridor: Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi told Turkey that a $17B “Development Road” could link Grand Al-Faw Port to Türkiye via 1,200 km of rail and highways, boosting trade, jobs, and even water/food security through modern tech and joint management. Iraq Women’s Safety Gap: Despite more visibility in public life, Iraqi women still face domestic abuse with weak protection; a Baghdad conference highlighted the scale of reported cases and the need for stronger laws and enforcement. AI in Telecom (Iraq): Asiacell won five Stevie® Awards for AI innovation, including Gold for its LAILA AI customer assistant, marking a big win for Iraq’s homegrown tech ecosystem. Regional Security Tensions: Saudi Arabia sharply criticized Iraq after drone attacks linked to Iran-backed militias, urging Baghdad to stop its territory being used for launches. Energy Shock Watch: Oil markets reacted to the US-Iran strike pause, with Brent sliding toward a one-week low as shipping and Hormuz risk expectations shifted. Medical Tech in War Zones: The Pentagon plans to reimburse ambulance providers for administering whole blood during trauma care—an experiment that could change how lifesaving blood is delivered.

Digital Infrastructure in Nineveh: Uptime Institute signed an MoA with Iraq’s Nineveh governorate to boost digital infrastructure resilience, transfer data-center know-how, and build local talent, positioning the region as a tech investment hub. AI & Trade Ties: Iraq and Pakistan signaled consensus to expand trade links, with AI collaboration highlighted as a growth lever. Banking Tech Upgrade: Kuwait’s NBK rolled out an Interactive Teller Machine for London and launched digital safety deposit boxes in Kuwait, showing how regional banks are pushing self-service and digital channels. Press Freedom & Digital Shift: Iraq’s plan to restrict official ads and move tenders to a unified electronic platform could shut down 20+ newspapers, raising concerns that digital transformation may cut off revenue for print media and jobs. Mobile Health Tech: A “hospital on wheels” (GOHOSPITAL) program is set to bring hospital-grade diagnostics via connected vans to rural veterans, with deployments planned for late 2026 and early 2027. Markets Watch (Oil + Tech): US stocks swung as US-Iran strike pauses eased oil prices, but tech weakness and semiconductor competition fears kept pressure on major indexes.

Digital Infrastructure in Iraq: Uptime Institute signed a strategic partnership with Nineveh Governorate to speed up Iraq’s digital transformation, aiming to strengthen resilient, globally aligned digital infrastructure. Iraq–Türkiye Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi’s upcoming Ankara visit with Erdoğan is set to cover security, energy, water, and economic cooperation as Baghdad seeks a bigger regional role. Gulf Defense Cooperation: Kuwait ratified a defense pact with Pakistan, expanding training, intelligence sharing, logistics, military tech, and research under a joint committee. Workforce Culture Clash: A Shafaq News report highlights how foreign professionals in Iraq’s hospitals, factories, and engineering firms struggle with language and social norms, while Iraqis find communication uneven. Tech & Skills in Focus: A Vicenza student selected for a Red Cross summit after researching journalism during armed conflict shows how STEM-adjacent civic training is reaching conflict reporting. AI Talent Pressure: Big Tech’s AI race is being funded by cutting skilled staff, raising concerns about whether the spending is actually paying off. Energy Shock Watch: With US-Iran strikes paused then threatened again, oil and shipping risks keep rattling markets and raise costs.

Iraq Tech & Policy: Iraq’s Central Bank (CBI) approved a major restructuring, upgrading oversight of non-bank financial institutions and reshuffling IT, payments, and risk functions, with changes set to take effect by July 30. Digital & Business: JD.com partnered with Iraq’s GINI to expand e-commerce offerings, aiming to boost online trade capacity. Energy Infrastructure: Iraq pushed Turkey to expand crude exports via the Iraq–Turkey pipeline, with talks focused on capacity and route security from Kirkuk to Ceyhan. Research & Agriculture: URI-backed work on region-specific plant growth highlights how local trials matter for better cultivation outcomes, while Iraq-related ag research also appears in fresh studies supporting flower and farming sectors. Regional Tech Impact (Oil/Shipping): Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving longer routes and higher costs, with knock-on effects like shipping delays that can spoil perishable exports. Security & Tech (Defense): The Pentagon’s updated Iran-war casualty reporting and interceptor-stock concerns keep spotlighting how defense readiness and logistics shape real-world outcomes. AI & Society: A new discussion warns AI could be used as a political weapon, raising fresh concerns for governance and public trust.

Iraq’s Infrastructure Push: Iraq has completed 100% preliminary designs for its flagship Development Road Project and railway corridor, moving into detailed engineering for bridges, stations, and supporting facilities. Energy Routes Under Pressure: Baghdad is reviving an Iraq–Syria–Mediterranean pipeline plan to diversify exports and reduce reliance on Gulf and Turkey routes, while also sending a delegation to Türkiye to expand crude export capacity via the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline toward Ceyhan. Local Jobs vs. Big Oil: The Kirkuk Engineers Syndicate accuses BP of sidelining local engineers and subcontractors, demanding an 85% local hiring quota and warning of legal action. Banking Oversight Upgrade: Iraq’s Central Bank approved a restructuring that upgrades non-bank financial supervision into a full general directorate and reshuffles IT, risk, and reporting lines to tighten oversight of fintech and reduce cash dependency. Tech & Research Ecosystem: URI-backed research highlights how local trials matter for plant growth, while Iraq’s broader push for tech capacity shows up in policy and infrastructure planning. Regional Tech-Adjacent Security: New reporting links drone and missile warfare lessons across the region, underscoring why defense tech and logistics planning are accelerating.

Iraq–Turkey Energy Talks: Iraq’s oil officials met in Türkiye to expand crude exports via the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline, aiming to boost capacity and protect revenues as regional security disrupts shipments. Central Bank Overhaul: Iraq’s Central Bank (CBI) approved a major restructuring to strengthen oversight of non-bank finance, reshuffle departments, and tighten branch supervision in Basra, Mosul, and Erbil. Digital Commerce Growth: JD.com partnered with Iraq’s GINI to expand e-commerce access and build a more direct supply chain for Iraqi customers. Regional Tech & Security Pressure: The U.S. urged Americans in Iraq to stay vigilant as Iran–U.S. tensions keep rising, while the wider conflict continues to strain shipping and energy routes. Smart Glasses Trend: New AI-enabled smart glasses from major firms are being marketed more like wearable devices than futuristic gadgets, signaling a new consumer push for face-level AI. Environment & Shipping Risk: Scientists warn that prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruptions could spread invasive marine species via biofouling on stalled vessels. Agriculture Research: Iraq’s URI-linked research focus in the region highlights how local trials are needed to grow plants well, not just rely on data from elsewhere.

Iraq-Ecommerce Push: JD.com partnered with Iraq’s GINI to expand e-commerce access, integrating JD’s catalog into GINI’s marketplace and SuperQi app to boost cross-border buying and supply chains. Shengal Governance Talks: A Shengal conference in Sinune backed constitutional self-administration, calling for stronger institutions after the 2014 ISIS genocide and framing the plan within Iraq’s constitution. Middle East Tech & Security Shock: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they targeted and destroyed an Amazon data center in Bahrain, while US forces fired on a merchant vessel trying to breach Iran-port blockades—raising new risks for digital infrastructure and regional connectivity. Energy Credibility Theme: A Middle East energy-policy piece argues that beyond pipelines and chokepoints, “credibility” is now the key to durable cooperation as electricity, hydrogen, and digital energy links grow. AI/Smart Glasses Trend: Smart glasses are back with camera-and-AI features and no display, signaling a shift toward consumer wearables and audio-based interaction. EU Tech Antitrust Fallout: Trump said the US will investigate EU trade practices after the EU fined Google $1B over digital antitrust rules.

Middle East Tech & Security: The US carried out another wave of missile strikes across Iran, while Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, raising fresh concerns for Iraq and the wider region as drones and missiles keep hitting military-linked sites. Pentagon Transparency: The Pentagon’s public casualty tracker reportedly removed four deaths tied to the Iran war, citing “temporary data disruption,” fueling questions about how war costs are being presented. Shipping & Energy Tech Impact: Attacks around Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil above $100 again, doubling some southern Red Sea insurance costs and forcing tankers to reroute—an immediate tech-and-infrastructure headache for logistics. Iraq Business & Partnerships: PepsiCo is deepening its Iraq manufacturing and agriculture deals, and Iraq’s private banks signed an MoU with a US energy engineers body, signaling more cross-border infrastructure and finance work. Defense Tech Industry: Swarmer promoted Garrett Kasper as CCO, as the drone autonomy firm scales after real-world combat support in Ukraine. AI & Digital Policy: Trump says the US will investigate EU trade practices after EU fines Google over digital antitrust rules.

Iraq Security & Tech Infrastructure: Explosions and drone attacks hit Erbil near a U.S.-hosted base, while Iran’s IRGC also claimed strikes on U.S. facilities in Kuwait and a data centre in Bahrain tied to Amazon—showing how the Iran–U.S. conflict is spilling into regional tech and logistics hubs. Regional Energy Tech & Shipping Risk: With Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping and Iran–U.S. exchanges continuing, marine insurance for Hormuz transits jumped sharply, and Gulf states are accelerating pipeline plans to bypass chokepoints. Iraq–Iran Cooperation: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi’s Tehran visit ended with a broad joint statement to deepen political, security, scientific, and technological cooperation. Local Heritage & Engineering: Baghdad’s Black Gold Hotel will be demolished and rebuilt after safety assessments, with scientific and engineering documentation to preserve its original design. Business & Manufacturing: PepsiCo signed deals with Iraqi partners to expand beverage production and boost agriculture via irrigation and farming upgrades. AI Safety: A report warns AI chatbots can help terrorists plan attacks and build homemade bombs, pushing for urgent safeguards. Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. announced new 10–12.5% tariffs on 60 countries, including Iraq, over forced-labour claims.

Iraq-Syria Energy Push: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU to build an 800-kilometer onshore oil pipeline from Haditha to Baniyas, targeting about 2.5 million barrels per day and aiming for 2–2.5 years to complete, with Chevron and other international firms set to handle execution. Regional Tech & Security Spillover: A drone attack hit Kuwait’s Al-Abdali border crossing with Iraq, damaging infrastructure and temporarily closing the main land route—another reminder that West Asia’s tech-enabled warfare is now disrupting civilian logistics. Geopolitics Hits Markets: Red Sea tanker strikes and wider Hormuz/Bab al-Mandeb tensions pushed Brent above $100, while US tech stocks slid after Alphabet and Tesla earnings, feeding risk-off sentiment. Iraq’s Diplomacy Angle: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi carried a de-escalation initiative to Tehran, while Iraq and Iran also signed four cooperation deals covering transport, rail, city partnerships, and public administration. Defense Tech Watch: US intelligence is investigating whether Russia helped Iran’s drone attacks on CIA-linked facilities, focusing on precision and possible targeting/tech support.