AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Diplomacy: US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil exports for two months as talks continue, while Iran says “major progress” was made in all-night negotiations and mediators Qatar and Pakistan push a high-level committee to oversee implementation. Gulf Coordination: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain (June 23-25) and meet GCC leaders to discuss the MoU and full, free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain Energy & Industry: EWA received two bids for the 100MW BAJ Solar IPP under a 25-year BOO deal, with Yellow Door Energy the lowest at BHD 11.398 and ACWA Power at BHD 15.440. Government Digital Services: iGA launched an official WhatsApp channel to share eServices updates and real-time government information. Legislation & Oversight: Shura Council approved draft laws in principle including health tourism and amendments to the Child Law, while Cabinet backed the National Resilience Documentation Committee to record hostile Iranian attacks. Social & Rights: Authorities imposed restrictions on Muharram/Husseini mourning rituals in parts of Bahrain, drawing criticism from rights advocates. Health & Community: Bahrain’s Special Olympics team won gold in Unified Triathlon in Tunisia; a dedicated sickle cell transition clinic opened at Salmaniya Medical Complex for ages 14-20. Sports & Culture: Bahrain International Trophy was upgraded to Group One status; Bahrain mourns poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, 82.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials in Switzerland as Washington frames the talks as a path to a broader Middle East reset, with US officials linking any deal to regional realignment and expanded cooperation. GCC Industry & Trade: Bahrain hosted the 9th GCC Undersecretaries of Industry meeting, pushing shock-proof supply chains, removing trade hurdles, and tightening the localisation criteria for “GCC national products.” Bahrain Economy & Finance: The CBB reported banking resilience, with the sector’s balance sheet rising to $254bn, alongside higher deposits and credit to resident sectors. Local Regulation: Food truck operators received a six-month grace period (June 21–Dec 21) to regularise licences and meet municipal, health, and safety requirements. Culture & Heritage: Bahrain’s Minister of Culture met the Shaikh Ebrahim Center chair to discuss preserving cultural heritage and reviving historic buildings. Sports & Talent: INJAZ Bahrain crowned winners of its Young Entrepreneurs Competition, while Bahrain’s volleyball team advanced in the AVC Men’s Cup and Seef finished sixth in the Lion City Challenger. International Links: King Hamad awarded the UK Ambassador the Order of Bahrain (First Class).

Health & Youth Patronage: Bahrain will host the second Bahrain Diabetes and Obesity Conference on Oct 1-2, 2026 under HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad’s patronage, with a focus on prevention and healthier lifestyles. GCC Industrial Policy: Manama hosted the 9th Extraordinary GCC meeting of industry undersecretaries, discussing supply-chain resilience and proposals on localisation criteria for GCC national products. Municipal Regulation: Food truck operators get a six-month grace period (June 21-Dec 21, 2026) to regularise licences and meet health, safety and municipal standards. Regional Legal Integration: The GCC General Secretariat launched a unified GCC Legislation Platform, with Bahrain and Oman in the first phase and 26,000+ legal documents searchable. Child Online Safety Debate: Bahrain’s government raised objections to a Shura Council proposal to ban under-15s from social media, citing enforcement and privacy concerns. Labour Market Cooperation: Ethiopia and Bahrain are working on a labour framework to streamline cooperation and protect rights for the 35,000+ Ethiopians in Bahrain. Hospitality & Sports Appointments: BIC appointed Ahmed Sami Altajer as Director of Facilities, while Hilton Bahrain’s GM Tamer Farouk won “GM of the Year Bahrain.” Culture & Community: Bahrain’s Shura Council praised the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union’s role, and International Yoga Day events drew community participation.

Tax & Compliance: Bahrain’s National Bureau for Revenue published the country’s first Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax transfer pricing guide, aligning with OECD Pillar Two and spelling out Local File/Master File expectations for multinational groups. Regional Security & Shipping: Iran says it will close the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, while US and Iranian envoys head to Switzerland for talks—raising fresh uncertainty for Bahrain-linked trade and travel corridors. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Council of Representatives Speaker and Shura Chairman reaffirmed support for Arab parliamentary cooperation and joint Arab action, marking the Arab Parliamentary Union’s 52nd anniversary. Development Finance: Bahrain signed about $510m in IsDB deals for the King Faisal Highway upgrade and the Salman Industrial City expansion, targeting congestion relief and industrial capacity. Governance & Services: Bahrain upgraded 83 government services across 17 entities in five months, cutting steps and processing times via digital automation. Human Rights: AFP reports Bahraini families left in limbo after citizenship revocations tied to the Iran war, with rights groups warning of a widening crackdown. Local Economy & Culture: Isa Town Commercial Complex is set to open in late 2026 with a BHD 2.4m investment, while Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa brings the kingdom’s trading legacy to Art Basel.

Regional Diplomacy & Security: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessel traffic, citing ceasefire violations, as US and Iranian envoys head to Switzerland for talks—amid reports of Israeli strikes in Lebanon that threaten the process. Bahrain–IsDB Infrastructure Push: Bahrain signed about $510m in IsDB financing for the King Faisal Highway upgrade (tunnels, bridge and congestion relief) and the Salman Industrial City expansion (reclaiming coastal land and building serviced industrial plots). Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse marked “Bahrain Capital Market Day 2026” at the London Stock Exchange Group to deepen investor engagement and promote its Elevate strategy. Digital Government Services: Bahrain rolled out 83 upgraded services across 17 entities, cutting processing times and documents, including instant EWA fixed-deduction registration via the Benefit app. Labour Market Update: LMRA data shows fewer new work permits in 2025, driven by renewals and internal labour transfers. Municipal Governance: Southern Municipal Council ended its term with 291 decisions before a six-month extension; Muharraq discussed updating public roads rules and canopy permit fees. Business & Connectivity: Gulf Air launched seasonal flights to El Alamein, reinforcing Bahrain–Egypt links.

Diplomacy & Travel: US-Iran’s Islamabad MoU is easing travel warnings, with Russia lifting its Gulf advisory and the UK downgrading guidance for Bahrain and other Gulf hubs—though officials stress conditions remain unpredictable and airlines are not rushing to restart fully. Security & Regional Politics: Despite the MoU, US-Iran talks in Geneva were postponed amid renewed Lebanon violence, while analysts warn the deal leaves Iran’s core power-projection capabilities largely untouched. Citizenship & Rights: AFP reports Bahraini families stripped of citizenship after the Iran war are stuck in limbo, with Human Rights Watch and BIRD alleging a broader crackdown on Shia citizens. Government & Economy: Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Ministry says it issued 8,000 licences for promotions, sales and commercial draws in 2025 under tighter consumer-protection checks. Transport & Innovation: Bahrain launched a trial of Uber Black via licensed partners under a regulatory framework. International Engagement: Bahrain Space Agency met US Axiom Space and universities to explore research and training links. Business Spotlight: Forbes lists four Bahraini family firms in its 2026 Top 100 Arab Family Businesses ranking.

Strait of Hormuz Shock: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping after U.S. airstrikes, warning of major disruption to the route that carries about a fifth of global oil; the move has already pushed insurers and shipping operators to pause operations. Bahrain in the Crossfire: The same escalation included IRGC retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. positions in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, while Bahrain and other GCC states condemned violations of sovereignty. US-Iran MoU and Bahrain’s fallout: As the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding takes effect and talks are set to resume, Bahrain-based maritime experts warn the “war premium” won’t vanish overnight—crew shortages and higher costs may linger for months. UK travel easing: The UK lifted “non-essential” travel warnings for Bahrain and other Gulf states after the MoU, while keeping advice against travel to Iran. Transport upgrade at home: Bahrain launched a regulated pilot of Uber Black with licensed operators, and EWA upgraded fixed deductions via the Benefit app for instant registration. Local governance and services: Muharraq is set for a Shaikh Hamad Avenue overhaul to add parking and ease traffic, while Bahrain’s Chamber plans an “Old Markets Committee” to support traditional souqs. Consumer protection: Bahrain issued 8,000 licences for promotions, sales and commercial draws in 2025, with tighter checks on discounts and prize campaigns. Tech and regulation: NHRA rolled out digital systems for medical device registration and tracking, and Bahrain Space Agency began linking universities with Axiom Space. Sports diplomacy: Bahrain’s football team received an invitation to Thailand’s King’s Cup as preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority says it has fully closed the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, warning of major disruption after U.S. airstrikes and retaliatory strikes involving U.S. positions in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan—raising fears of a wider energy shock. US-Iran Deal Fallout: The U.S. and Iran signed an MoU to end hostilities, with Bahrain’s foreign minister praising Pakistan’s mediation role; at the same time, Bahrain’s travel advice is eased to Level Two “exercise increased caution” as some risks reduce, while the UK also relaxes Gulf travel warnings. Bahrain Housing & Permits: Bahrain’s Housing Ministry received bids for the Madinat Khalifa project (over 2,500 homes), with Naseej submitting the top offer; the government also pushes faster housing and investment permit processing. Capital Markets & Business Voice: Bahrain Bourse marked “Capital Market Day 2026” at LSEG to boost global investor links, while the Bahrain Chamber extended sectoral panel registration to July 2. Digital Governance & Health Regulation: Bahrain launches digital systems for medical device regulation (“Madar” registration and “Tataub” tracking), and parliament highlights AI’s role in legislative work. Local Municipal Readiness: Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture activates Ashoora cleaning operations in Manama, launching an operations centre and inspection drive. Sports & Community: Bahrain’s senior men’s football team gets an invitation to Thailand’s King’s Cup; Special Olympics Bahrain joins the MENA regional games in Tunisia; Bahrain also spotlights women athletes balancing academics and sport.

US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Deal: The US and Iran signed a 14-point MoU to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with an initial 60-day phase promising “toll-free” passage and demining steps—though a new dispute over how “no charge” transit will work is already raising concerns for shipping. Bahrain Courts & Justice: Bahrain’s First High Criminal Court of Appeal upheld prison terms in a newborn death and illegal burial case, while separate rulings included life sentences for drug traffickers and prison/fines in a Tamkeen fraud case. Child Online Safety Debate: The government objected to a Shura Council proposal to bar under-15s from social media, arguing a blanket ban is hard to enforce and could expose children’s data, pushing for rules instead. Housing & Permits: A new move lets licensed engineering offices carry out final inspections of completed buildings to speed up residential and investment permit processes. GCC Startup & Finance: Bahrain ranked among the top 5 MENA startup ecosystems (value up to $1.6bn) and NBB helped lead Bahrain’s $1bn sovereign bond issuance. Travel Advisory Update: The UK lifted “do not travel”/all-but-essential warnings for Bahrain and other regional destinations, citing the US-Iran MoU while stressing the situation remains unpredictable.

Sports & Talent Pipeline: Bahrain Boxing Federation appoints former WKA light heavyweight champion Amer Abdallah as an official adviser, aiming to boost national talent and international presence. Regional Sports: Bahrain’s senior men’s volleyball team heads to India to defend its AVC Men’s Cup title in Ahmedabad, starting against Chinese Taipei. Community & Culture: Manama Singers releases a digitally stitched anthem video bringing together 60+ voices, inspired by online rehearsals during regional conflict uncertainty. Economy & Finance: Central Bank of Bahrain keeps the overnight deposit rate unchanged at 4.25%; National Bank of Bahrain helps lead a successful $1bn sovereign bond issuance. Labour & Services: LMRA speeds up domestic workers’ permit status changes after an employer’s death, cutting processing to one day. Environment & Diplomacy: Bahrain and UNDP discuss expanded cooperation on climate and sustainable development. International Context: Australia eases travel advice for Bahrain after the US-Iran MoU, while GCC markets react to the deal’s prospects. Security Forum: IISS confirms the 22nd Manama Dialogue will run in Bahrain from Oct 30 to Nov 1.

Ashura Holiday Closure: Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa issued a circular declaring Ashura a public holiday, with government offices closed on Thu-Fri, June 25-26, and a compensatory holiday on Sun, June 28. Worker Protection: The Public Prosecution confirmed enforcement of the midday work ban in outdoor areas exposed to direct sunlight, daily from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. from June 15 to Aug 31, with penalties for violations. Security Diplomacy: Bahrain will host the 22nd Manama Dialogue from Oct 30 to Nov 1, 2026, bringing together ministers and security experts to discuss Middle East political and defense challenges. Regional Markets & Iran Deal: Gulf stocks mostly rose as investors assessed an interim US-Iran peace framework, with expectations that oil sales and Strait of Hormuz passage could resume after signing. Bahrain’s Economy & Finance: NBB acted as joint lead manager and bookrunner for Bahrain’s $1bn 10-year international bond issue, priced at a 7.125% yield. Business & Infrastructure: Bahrain opened bids for a consultancy feasibility study on deepening and standardising the Bahrain Main Approach Channel to support larger-vessel access at Khalifa bin Salman Port. Local Society: Reports say Bahraini security forces raided a mourning ceremony near Manama, escalating tensions around Shia religious gatherings.

US-Iran Tensions Spill Into Bahrain’s Region: The US resumed strikes on Iran for a second day after Trump warned negotiations were stalling, as Iranian fire hit Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan hosting US troops—keeping the ceasefire fragile. Gulf Security & Diplomacy: Bahrain joined a broad UN Human Rights Council statement with GCC states and Jordan condemning Iran’s attacks and their civilian and infrastructure fallout, while Bahrain also backed international condemnation of a drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant. Bahrain Courts on Iran-Linked Cases: Bahrain sentenced 12 people to 10 years (and earlier reports mention 12 to 12 years) over alleged support for Iranian attacks, including social media activity and sensitive location data. Travel & Insurance Ripple Effects: Australia downgraded travel advice for Bahrain and other Gulf hubs from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel,” easing insurance coverage for transiting Australians. Local Governance & Services: University of Bahrain launched an instant digital service to cancel academic transfer requests via SIS, and MPs moved to review rising UoB fees. Health & Economy: UoB opened a clinical simulation centre; NBB launched a Summer Cashback Campaign; and YKA signed a JV with EVS to establish EVS Bahrain for EV/NEV servicing. Crime & Justice: Bahrain courts also handed long sentences in trafficking and drug cases, including 15 years for drug trafficking and seven years for trafficking minors.

US-Iran Tensions and Gulf Security: The US military carried out a second day of strikes against Iran after Trump said more attacks were coming, as Iran’s fire hit Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan—again testing a fragile ceasefire and raising uncertainty over any path to a wider settlement. Strait of Hormuz Watch: Even with talk of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn oil and gas flows won’t normalize quickly, with ships, insurers and captains likely to move cautiously. Bahrain Courts and Public Safety: Bahrain’s courts jailed two people over trafficking minors for forced prostitution, and ordered detention over cable theft from East Riffa homes—showing a hard line on both serious crime and property offences. Housing and Municipal Updates: Northern Municipal Council reviewed new housing delivery plans in Madinat Salman (432 flats and 137 houses) and approved a leisure-only approach for Barbar Park’s next phase. Community, Youth and Sports: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry-backed sports and youth initiatives continued, including the revamped Lamea Junior programme and the opening of the KHK Cricket Academy in Salmabad. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain also featured in wider Gulf reactions to the US-Iran MoU, while local community groups reiterated loyalty to King Hamad.

US-Iran De-escalation: Bahrain is watching a fast-moving US-Iran “peace deal” that would extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts warn full oil and gas recovery could take weeks to months. Maritime Security: US allies are pushing a follow-up Strait of Hormuz demining and escort mission to reassure shipping crews and insurers, while Bahrain’s Coast Guard also updated local safety rules for a 3D marine survey area. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the framework as a confidence-building step, stressing any final settlement must protect freedom of navigation and sovereignty, with Bahrain praising US efforts and Pakistan’s mediation role. Bahrain National Security: A Bahraini court sentenced 12 people to 10 years over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks, including sharing restricted information and spreading online content. Domestic Governance & Economy: Bahrain issued a new ministerial classification for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to better target support; the Chamber of Commerce backed the move. Public Health: Shura Council welcomed obesity-focused recommendations and called for stronger cooperation to tackle childhood obesity. International Condemnation: Bahrain joined a broad coalition condemning an attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant and urged accountability.

US-Iran Escalation & Deal Fallout: The US carried out a second straight day of strikes on Iran as hopes for a ceasefire deal faded, while Iran said it hit the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed—then attention shifted to a reported US-Iran framework MoU that would reopen Hormuz and end hostilities, with shipping and oil flows likely taking weeks to normalise. Bahrain Court Crackdown: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years each over alleged support for Iranian attacks, including claims of sharing restricted security information and spreading false rumours. Regional Legal Cooperation: The Arab League judicial bureau reviewed draft model laws on hate speech and child protection, with Bahrain among participating delegations. Bahrain Governance & Reform: King Hamad ratified major reform laws, including a new legal profession framework, while the Shura Council welcomed the US-Iran MoU’s navigation guarantees for Hormuz. Digital & Public Services: Bahrain sped up Ministry of Health safe disposal certificates to three days, and trained NPRA staff for smarter border security using AI-based passenger data analysis. Local Economy & Projects: Seef Properties awarded main construction works for Seef Mall redevelopment, and Muharraq Municipality signed with Batelco to install 10 digital advertising screens along Muharraq Ring Road.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping after U.S. airstrikes, warning of major global energy disruption as retaliation hit U.S. positions in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Regional Markets: Gulf stocks largely held steady-to-firm on hopes of a U.S.-Iran peace framework, while oil prices swung on shifting deal signals. Bahrain Security & Governance: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported arrests over social-media incitement and anti-morals offences, while the GCC’s AML/CFT technical committee met via video conference chaired by Bahrain’s FIU head. Border Tech Training: NPRA ran a passenger data tracking and risk analysis training programme to prepare for upgraded airport operations. Legal Community: HRH Crown Prince Salman praised Bahraini lawyers’ role in justice and rule of law on Lawyers’ Day. Local Services & Environment: A pilot recycling drive will add colour-coded bins at mosques and ma’atams ahead of Ashoora. Transport Upgrade: Hamad Town traffic congestion relief got approval for a new traffic island/roundabout-style design. Business & Youth: Finance Minister backed Startup Bahrain–UoB competition; Bahrain also hosted expat legal rights outreach and youth-focused cultural/sports events.