AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Tensions in Kuwait: An Iranian Fateh-110 ballistic missile was intercepted over Ali Al Salem Air Base, but debris still injured about five Americans and seriously damaged two MQ-9 Reaper drones, as Washington and Tehran trade mixed signals over a possible 60-day ceasefire extension that still needs Trump’s final sign-off. Diplomacy vs. Escalation: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US can resume attacks if talks fail, while Iran insists it won’t act until the other side does—keeping the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues at the center of the standoff. Kuwait Sports: Kuwait named a 26-man squad for a Thailand friendly in Bangkok as part of preparations for the Gulf Cup “Gulf 27” and the AFC Asian Cup, while the handball team ramps up Asian Games training with an overseas camp planned for early July. Local Football: Qadsia confirmed the non-renewal of foreign player Neskins Kibanou and ongoing talks to renew Mahdi Hamidan, with contract changes shaping next season’s squad. Health Update: Kuwait Health Centre in Karzakan has reopened after a major expansion, adding dental clinics, a larger lab, and upgraded pharmacy and treatment facilities. Hajj Logistics: Kuwaiti pilgrims are set to return via Terminal 4 over two days, with Kuwait Airways, Saudia, and Flynas handling the repatriation plan.

Iran–Kuwait Security: Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted missiles and drones amid renewed US-Iran tensions, with reports saying debris from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile hit Ali Al Salem Air Base, injuring several Americans and damaging equipment. Ceasefire Watch: The US and Iran say they’re close to a 60-day ceasefire extension and Strait of Hormuz reopening, but Trump’s final sign-off is still pending while both sides trade accusations over violations. EU Condemnation: The EU “energetically” condemned Iran’s attack on Kuwait and demanded full respect for international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Local Enforcement: Kuwait foiled a major drug smuggling attempt, seizing about 12kg of shabu and arresting two suspects. Hajj Logistics: DGCA said Kuwait Airways, Saudi Airlines and Flynas will bring pilgrims back to Terminal 4 starting Saturday, with arrivals continuing through Sunday. Gold & Markets: Gold prices in Kuwait were reported around 45.48 KWD per gram for 24K, as geopolitical risk kept safe-haven demand elevated.

US-Iran Ceasefire in Limbo: President Trump says he’s in the Situation Room for a “final determination” on a draft MoU to extend the truce 60 days, lift the naval blockade, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, clear mines, and require Iran to abandon nuclear weapons—while Iran’s top negotiator insists Tehran trusts actions, not US “words,” and warns no step happens until the other side moves first. Kuwait Under Fire: The US Central Command accuses Iran of a ceasefire violation after missiles and drones were fired toward Kuwait; Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted the threats, and Gulf states and Arab bodies condemned the attacks. Regional Diplomacy: US-hosted Israel-Lebanon talks are set to continue with a security track aimed at shoring up a strained ceasefire, even as renewed violence shakes it. Markets & Shipping: Optimism over a possible US-Iran deal lifted Asian stocks, but oil prices whipsawed as investors weigh the risk to Hormuz transit. Rubio Meets Dar: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar for mediation efforts tied to Trump’s Middle East peace push.

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: Negotiators have reportedly drafted a 60-day ceasefire extension and a path to nuclear talks, but the deal still hinges on President Trump’s final approval as both sides trade accusations of violations. Kuwait Under Strain: Kuwait says its air defences intercepted missiles and drones after Iran-linked attacks, while Arab League and OIC leaders condemned the strikes as violations of international law. Hormuz Shipping Crunch: US officials warn nearly 2,000 vessels are stuck waiting to exit the Gulf, with plans for unrestricted transit and mine removal tied to the framework. Market Jitters: Bitcoin slid back toward $73,000 amid risk-off sentiment from renewed Gulf tensions, while oil and equities swung on shifting hopes for a deal. Local Interest: AFAC and Netflix MENA opened applications for Women in Film, inviting Kuwaiti applicants for mentorship and production training. Regional Sports: Kuwait is drawn into Group G for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifiers.

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: The US and Iran have reached an outline 60-day ceasefire extension and will begin nuclear negotiations, but the deal still needs President Donald Trump’s final approval, according to Axios and Reuters. Kuwait Under Missile Threat: The latest round followed Iran targeting a US air base in Kuwait; CENTCOM says a ballistic missile was intercepted by Kuwaiti forces, while US forces shot down Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “criminal” missile and drone attacks as a dangerous escalation and said it reserves the right to defend its territory. Egypt Backs Kuwait: Egypt also reaffirmed full solidarity with Kuwait, calling the attacks a threat to Gulf security and part of wider regional escalation. Markets React: Reports of the tentative MOU helped stocks rebound in some sessions, while oil prices swung on deal hopes and renewed strike fears. Oman Football: Oman’s U20 team were drawn in Group E for AFC U20 qualifiers with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Hong Kong.

US-Iran Escalation Hits Kuwait: Iran’s IRGC says it targeted a US airbase in Kuwait at 4:50am in retaliation for US strikes near Bandar Abbas, as the US reported shooting down four Iranian one-way drones and hitting a ground control station. Kuwait Air Defenses Activated: Kuwait’s army said it is intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks and urged the public to follow safety instructions, without naming the source. Ceasefire Under Strain: The renewed exchange comes as Trump presses for a “complete agreement” and warns he may “finish the job,” while negotiations remain shaky. Markets React: Fresh strikes pushed oil higher and rattled global risk sentiment, with shipping and Hormuz traffic still a major concern. Airport Update: Kuwait International Airport is open again, with flights operating through Terminals 4 and 5 during phased recovery. Regional Energy Push: GCCIA says it’s expanding into a wider interconnection platform and coordinating the Arab Common Electricity Market to strengthen GCC power reliability.

Kuwait Airport Update: Kuwait International Airport is in phased recovery, with commercial flights continuing via active terminals; Terminal 1 is set to resume Arab and international carrier operations from June 1 as repairs and readiness checks finish. Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait: Kuwait marked Eid Al-Adha with Eid prayers across mosques and prayer grounds, followed by sacrifices at central slaughterhouses and charity drives distributing meat to needy families. Regional Transport Push: Kuwait approved a 500-kilometer high-speed rail route to Riyadh, aiming for under two hours travel and readiness by 2030, as Gulf states look to move trade beyond Strait of Hormuz risks. Air Travel Disruption: Airlines continue suspending or rerouting Middle East flights amid growing US-Iran conflict concerns, while Kuwait’s airport operations remain active in the reopened terminals. Business & Retail: Alshaya and Mabanee signed an agreement to open 20+ stores at Aventura Mall in Jaber Al-Ahmad City, with openings starting in Q3 2026. Health Infrastructure: Kuwait Health Centre in Karzakan is being redeveloped into a modern, greener medical hub with expanded specialist and dental services.

Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait: Thousands of worshippers filled mosques and prayer grounds early Wednesday, then headed to central slaughterhouses to perform the Day of Sacrifice and the days of Tashreeq, as authorities ran organized services with strict health and safety rules and volunteers helped distribute meat to needy families. Amiri Diwan & Eid messages: The Amiri Diwan relayed Eid greetings from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to citizens and residents, with prayers for Kuwait’s security and stability, alongside congratulatory cables exchanged with regional leaders. Hormuz pressure on oil markets: As US-Iran talks remain uncertain, the Strait of Hormuz dispute continues to shape prices and shipping risk, with the IEA warning of major supply losses and falling inventories. Kuwait’s stability watch: Global rating agencies reaffirmed Kuwait’s sovereign rating with a stable outlook, citing financial strength amid regional logistics shocks. Local governance & services: Kuwait also approved a smart meter tender to cut water waste and launched/expanded public services tied to summer working arrangements and infrastructure upgrades.

Credit Watch: Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s reaffirmed Kuwait’s long-term sovereign rating with a stable outlook, citing the country’s financial buffers as a shield against Middle East shocks and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Energy & Industry: Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) is pushing a bigger European footprint, including plans for 500+ fast EV-charging stations in Benelux and more services at its outlets. Water & Power Tech: Kuwait approved tenders to roll out 300,000 smart water meters to cut waste, detect leaks, and curb tampering, plus major underground cable work. Food Security Overhaul: A new reforms push targets food security and waste reduction, including tighter controls on subsidies and support aimed at real beneficiaries. Local Governance: The Civil Service Commission set new late-arrival grace rules for men and women. Sports: Qadsia surged in the league with a 1-0 win as rivals slipped. Hajj Update: Kuwait’s Hajj mission said pilgrim transfers to Arafat went smoothly. Eid Timing: India, Bangladesh and Brunei will mark Eid Al-Adha a day later than many Arab countries.

GCC-UK Trade Breakthrough: Kuwait and the wider Gulf just got a major boost as the GCC and the UK officially concluded free-trade agreement talks in London, with GCC negotiators calling it a “strategic step” expected to lift trade by more than 60% and bring more investment as global uncertainty and protectionism rise. Hormuz Tension Watch: Gulf markets climbed on hopes of US-Iran peace progress, even as the US said it carried out “self-defence” strikes in southern Iran and Iran renewed warnings about fees tied to navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait Economy & Policy: Kuwait’s current account surplus stayed huge in 2025 but narrowed to KD 10.9bn as oil prices softened and imports rose; locally, reforms for food security and subsidy restructuring also moved forward. Defense & Industry: Leonardo signed a major naval combat systems deal for Kuwait’s Al Dorra missile boat program with EDGE/ADSB. Eid & Daily Life: Eid Al-Adha greetings rolled in from regional leaders, while Kuwait also reported enforcement actions on traffic violations ahead of the holiday.

Eid Calls: Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Eid Al-Adha phone greetings from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with both leaders wishing Kuwait more progress and prosperity. Food Security Crackdown: Kuwait’s Development and Sustainability Minister Dr Reem Al-Fulaij announced a major overhaul of livestock subsidies, including suspending new landholding applications, cancelling prior ones, and forming a technical team to verify breeders’ records while targeting waste and violations. Public Property Enforcement: Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Dr Tareq Al-Jalahma said 31 stables and enclosures were removed in Jahra and Farwaniya for violating their approved use. Labor Transfers: Kuwait’s manpower authority reported 11,654 expatriate visa transfer requests under new rules, stressing employer approval is required. Security & Smuggling: Capital Governorate police arrested a suspect over drugs including Lyrica, hashish and marijuana; meanwhile Kuwait Customs at Al-Salmi stopped an attempt to export subsidized ration food supplies. Sports: Kuwait Club drew Al-Nasr 1-1 as league leader, while Kuwait Airways announced 12 new summer routes from June. Regional Update: In Gaza, a Palestinian woman and a young girl were killed in an Israeli airstrike, officials said.

KOC Offshore Push: Kuwait Oil Company is gearing up for its second offshore exploration campaign, targeting three offshore fields (including Jazza and part of the first phase across six fields) with nine exploratory wells offshore and eight in Kuwait Bay, while continuing Jurassic drilling at Raqwa 3 and Julaia 3 and reviewing platform and logistics specs to cut costs and drilling time. Eid Pressure on Prices: Ahead of Eid Al-Adha, Kuwait’s livestock markets are seeing sharp jumps—sheep prices up by KD 10 to KD 50 depending on breed, with some cattle prices reportedly doubling—linked to regional conditions, supply shortages and higher demand. Air Travel Surge: Kuwait Airways says it will run about 728 weekly flights in June across 58 destinations, after cancelations since Feb 28 and ongoing refund processing. Regional Energy Shock: Oil markets remain jittery as Opec+ is expected to lift July output by about 188,000 bpd despite Iran-war disruptions, while analysts warn Hormuz-linked supply strain is still feeding shortages across Asia. Diplomacy & Culture: Bangladesh has handed Kuwait a 240-ton goodwill food consignment, and Kuwait’s Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre has reopened its garden fountain with daily music-and-laser shows.

Eid food safety crackdown: Kuwait shut down food outlets in Jahra after inspectors found spoiled meat and vegetables, with legal action launched and more inspections promised. Market control: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a decree creating a central committee to monitor commodity prices, supply-demand conditions, and inflation pressures—aimed at keeping essential goods stable. Eid logistics: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition says authorized slaughterhouses are ready for Eid Al-Adha, expecting a 15–20% rise in sacrificial animals (about 40,000 heads). Aviation boost: Jazeera Airways launches Kuwait–London Luton from July 8 (4 weekly flights, daily from Aug 1). Air connectivity expansion: Kuwait Airways plans a major June ramp-up to about 728 weekly flights across 58 destinations. Regional diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign minister discussed de-escalation efforts with Qatar, while GCC and Muslim states condemned Somaliland’s planned Jerusalem embassy move.

Labor Protections: Kuwait has tightened labor transfer rules, letting the Public Authority for Manpower review worker complaints and allow early employer changes when residency/work-permit problems stem from employer negligence, suspended files, or malicious “absconding” reports. Hajj Readiness: Kuwait’s Hajj teams have opened headquarters in the holy sites, while the DGCA says all Kuwait-to-Saudi departure flights for pilgrims left smoothly, with return flights scheduled to begin May 30. Health Funding Talks: Kuwait’s health leadership met WHO’s chief in Geneva to discuss sustaining healthcare financing and strengthening health systems and outbreak preparedness. Environment Push: Kuwait marked World Turtle Day with renewed calls to tackle plastic pollution, highlighting rescue work for turtles trapped in “ghost nets” and harmed by debris. Regional Tensions: Iran again demanded Gulf states—including Kuwait—pay “material and moral reparations” over alleged support for US-Israeli actions, as Hormuz-related disputes keep energy markets on edge. Sports & Campus: Kuwait University held aptitude tests for nearly 8,900 students after a prior delay, while Kuwait Club and Kuwait’s football and volleyball bodies keep reshaping schedules amid ongoing disruptions.

Hajj Operations: Kuwait’s DGCA says all outbound flights for the Hajj season departed smoothly, with return flights for pilgrims from Makkah set to run May 30–31, coordinated with Interior, Islamic Affairs, Customs and Hajj campaigns. Civil Service Oversight: Kuwait’s Social Affairs Ministry will introduce quarterly performance evaluations for directors, with continued tenure tied to efficiency and improvement plans under CSC rules. Humanitarian Law Push: Kuwait’s UN human-rights envoy reiterated the “principle of distinction,” warning that drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure demand stronger UN action. Public Safety & Cleanliness: Kuwait Municipality wrapped up a fifth inspection campaign in six governorates, issuing 120 citations in Jahra for road-occupancy violations and towing 60 abandoned vehicles. Sports & Community: Kuwait Club eyes a fifth straight league title push against Al-Nasr tonight, while Kuwait’s dive team marks World Turtle Day with rescue and beach-cleaning efforts. Regional Tensions: Iran again demands reparations from Gulf states, naming Kuwait among those it accuses of facilitating US-Israel military actions.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: New analysis warns the world could face an economic “red zone” and a 2008-style shock if the Strait of Hormuz stays shut into August, with oil demand and prices swinging sharply—while Iran pushes a long-term “toll” idea that the US and NATO allies reject. Diplomacy in Motion: Qatar is rushing mediators to Tehran as talks reportedly inch forward, but the sticking points remain Iran’s nuclear program and control of the strait. Kuwait Credit Check: Kuwait’s AA- rating was reaffirmed by S&P with a stable outlook, citing strong buffers despite regional energy disruptions. Local Watch: Kuwait’s youth and sports ministry launched a campaign to remove encroachments on state sports properties. Projects & Power: PAHW is set to award a 132kV cable EPC contract for South Sabah Al-Ahmad in Q3, targeting completion in Q1 2028. Sports: Bahrain closed the GCC Games in Doha with handball gold, while Qatar took silver in the men’s handball final.