EU sanctions talk on Israel’s E1: The European Commission joined the chorus condemning Israel’s E1 settlement tenders, calling the move “unacceptable” and urging an immediate halt as multiple European states and Canada demand action. GCC pressure on settlements: The GCC also condemned E1 and wider settlement expansion, warning it undermines Palestinian rights and the two-state path. Iran vs US “secondary sanctions”: Iran’s foreign ministry hit back hard at new US sanctions, arguing they violate sovereignty and international law, while the Iranian army said it is shifting doctrine from defensive to offensive. Hormuz squeeze meets Iraq workaround: Iran allowed some Iraqi tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz “so far,” tied to Iraqi demands amid US pressure and Iraq’s export revenue crunch. Iraq state banks tighten credit: Iraq’s state-owned banks have curtailed lending without clear 2026 credit plans, squeezing SMEs, housing and investment financing. Markets in the region: Dubai Financial Market closed up modestly, with banking and basic materials among the gainers.
AGP Executive Report
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Iran Economic Pressure: Trump says the US has “total control” around the Strait of Hormuz and warns Iran is not ready for the “right deal,” as Washington prepares “toughest sanctions in history” and Iran vows “devastating” retaliation; Maritime Enforcement: CENTCOM says it redirected 68 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to enforce an Iran blockade, keeping global shipping and oil risk elevated; Oil & Markets: Crude and gasoline prices rose modestly as sanctions loom, while Goldman notes an existing blockade already limits Iranian exports—still leaving volatility risk; Lebanon Macro: The World Bank forecasts Lebanon’s economy will contract 6.4% in 2026, with inflation at 17.5%, citing war damage and disrupted tourism and supply chains; West Bank Settlement Fallout: EU and multiple countries, including the European Commission chief, condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders as “unacceptable,” warning it undermines a two-state solution; Iraq Energy Risk: Iraqi Kurdistan operator DNO plans to keep producing despite heightened US-Iran security risks, using rapid shutdown protocols; Banking/FX Watch: NRB set today’s foreign exchange rates, while Lebanon’s banking reform needs remain central to restoring confidence.
Iran-US Economic Pressure: Iran warned its response to new US threats will be “devastating” after Washington pledged the toughest financial penalties in history, with officials framing the campaign as “economic terrorism” and “cognitive warfare.” Sanctions & Energy Fallout: The renewed pressure is already hitting trade flows, with Iranian oil offers to China falling as the US blockade tightens, while oil prices stay supported by Middle East supply fears. Iraq’s Energy Dependence: US pressure is forcing Iraq to cut reliance on Iranian gas for power generation, where imports have supported a large share of electricity output and payments have been managed via restricted channels. Iraq Unemployment Policy: Iraq’s unemployment can’t be solved by state hiring alone; experts urge paid training linked to jobs, temporary wage support, and low-interest loans to grow small businesses and reduce oil dependence. Egypt Renewables Push: Scatec’s Obelisk solar-plus-storage project in Egypt reached full commercial operation, and the company is reportedly preparing up to $5bn more investment in Egypt across renewables, batteries, desalination and green data centres. Data Centre Investment Boom: JLL expects a major data-centre supercycle, projecting up to $3tn in investment through 2030 as power and construction constraints shape where capacity gets built. Crypto & Prediction Markets: A report flags Polymarket wallets allegedly using non-public info on US military operations, raising concerns about how prediction markets could leak sensitive signals. West Bank Settlement Condemnations: Multiple European governments condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders, warning they could permanently undermine a two-state solution and territorial contiguity. Hezbollah Designation: The US re-designated Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy and sanctioned a funding network tied to Iran’s IRGC-Quds Force. Iraq Oil Route Diversification: Iraq is expanding exports via Türkiye’s Ceyhan port and also pushing routes through Syria’s Baniyas and Jordan’s Aqaba as Hormuz disruptions strain output and shipments.
Sanctions Push on Iran: US Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent says Washington will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” and pair them with a blockade, while China rejects the idea that pressure will solve the crisis. Market Mood: US bond yields rose again after Treasury buyback support, keeping stocks under pressure as oil climbs on Middle East supply fears. Hezbollah Financing Crackdown: The US sanctioned 10 people tied to a cash-transfer network moving funds via Lebanon–Türkiye–UAE–Iran routes, redesignating Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy. West Bank Settlement Fallout: Al-Azhar condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders; meanwhile the UK, France, Germany, Italy (plus Canada and others) called the E1 plan “unacceptable” and warned businesses about legal and reputational risk. Qatar–Egypt Investment Drive: Qatar and Egypt used their joint committee in El Alamein to highlight new cooperation, including trade growth and a Qatari-backed sustainable aviation fuel project in Egypt. Egypt–UAE Energy Link: Egypt’s electricity ministry met UAE-based K&K Middle East on final studies for a 3,000MW Egypt–Italy interconnection via submarine cables. Egypt UAE Worker Rumours: Egypt’s assistant foreign minister denied social media claims of mass layoffs of Egyptians in the UAE, citing only individual visa/residency issues. Iraq Digital/AI Readiness: Iraq’s AI push is moving ahead via chatbots and digital services, but the bigger challenge is fragmented government data and weak digital foundations.
US-Iran Economic Pressure: Trump escalated “economic D-Day” against Iran, warning any country that lets banks, businesses, airports or government entities provide “any type of lifeline” could face “tremendous” consequences, with targets including oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies—while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi called it “failed policies” meant to distract from US debt and interest costs. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: Oil jumped to a three-week high as shipping risk and UAE trade/financial moves tightened supply; RBC Capital Markets said volatility is driving prices as Iran demands deal-linked sanctions relief before allowing more Hormuz passage. UAE Embargo Hits Iran: Reports say the UAE indefinitely halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran after missile-related claims, raising pressure on Iran’s import flows. Iran’s Cash Crunch: Iran’s central bank governor said oil exports have fallen to zero and frozen reserves remain inaccessible, while Iran’s BRICS push urged payment-system links to reduce dependence on outside networks. Payments/Fintech Angle: World Liberty Financial’s crypto firm got preliminary OCC approval to operate a trust bank, spotlighting how crypto firms are moving into regulated banking. Iraq Power Finance: Iraq and the World Bank discussed priorities for a new electricity-sector loan to ease grid bottlenecks and boost efficiency, including Gulf interconnection links. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Qatar renewed calls to return to the US-Iran MoU to restart negotiations, while Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders as a threat to a two-state path.
Iran Sanctions Escalation: US President Donald Trump announced an “economic D-Day” against Iran, warning any country that lets “financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities” provide a lifeline to Tehran will face “tremendous economic consequences,” explicitly targeting oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies. UAE Trade Freeze: The UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran after reported ballistic missile launches, a move analysts say cuts one of Iran’s key economic routes and complicates sanctions workarounds. Markets & Crypto: Bitcoin jumped nearly 6% to above $69,000 after US Treasury bond-purchase signals, while Middle East tensions and oil price risk kept investors cautious. Regional Security Spillover: Greece raised its alert level over reports Iran may target US assets in Europe, including facilities in the region. Policy & Risk Outlook: A World Bank study warns commodity-exporter debt has nearly doubled since 2010, highlighting how volatile resource revenues and Middle East shocks amplify fiscal stress. Local Finance/Banking: Ukraine removed the chairman of state-owned Sense Bank’s supervisory board amid an anti-corruption probe, underscoring ongoing governance pressure on public lenders.
UAE-Iran Trade Shock: Abu Dhabi suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran after renewed missile attacks, escalating a dispute Tehran denies and raising immediate knock-on risks for regional payments, shipping and cross-border settlement. Hormuz Tensions & Markets: Trump reiterated there are “no talks” with Iran and posted a map branding the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW U.S. Territory,” while investors watched oil and bond yields jump, keeping global equities cautious. NATO Readiness: NATO said it is “strong and effective” and prepared to defend all allies amid reports Iran weighed striking U.S. targets in Europe. West Bank Settlement Push: Israel advanced the E1 settlement plan with a tender for 1,200+ housing units, drawing Palestinian condemnation and renewed scrutiny of settlement expansion. Turkey External Debt: Türkiye’s external liabilities due in 12 months fell to $239.5bn in June, though short-term debt based on original maturity rose, a mixed signal for funding conditions. Fintech/Capital Markets: Money20/20 Middle East returns to Riyadh, signaling continued fintech dealmaking momentum as regional investors position for the next cycle.
UAE-Iran Financial Freeze: The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran “until further notice” after detecting two ballistic missiles aimed at maritime traffic; Iran denied the launches and urged “baseless accusations,” escalating a sanctions-and-shipping squeeze that could hit regional payments and liquidity. US Crypto Banking Clash: US regulators gave preliminary approval for World Liberty Trust Co., a Trump-linked crypto venture, to operate a federally chartered trust bank—prompting Senate Democrats to push a bill to block presidents and close family from owning or controlling banks. Markets Under Iran Stress: US and European stocks slid as bond yields jumped to multi-decade highs and oil prices rose on renewed US-Iran uncertainty, lifting borrowing costs and pressuring risk assets. Deconfliction Talks: The US is working on a deconfliction mechanism among Israel, Türkiye and Syria after an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border, aiming to prevent accidental escalation. Middle East Credit Risk: Conflict-linked loan stress is rising, with reports pointing to higher loan defaults as regional tensions worsen. Turkey AI Push: Türkiye launched its 2026-2030 AI action plan, targeting major private investment in AI infrastructure and sector pilots.
Gulf Compliance Shock: Saudi Arabia reportedly tightened extra regulatory scrutiny on UAE-bound transfers, with some firms seeing delays or returned payments—another sign of widening friction in cross-border money flows. Iraq State Finance: Iraq’s PM Al-Zaidi named new heads for the Trade Bank of Iraq and the Iraq Development Fund, while an MP flagged $20.1B+ in unpaid treasury dues from state entities. Markets & Rates: Global bond sell-offs pushed US 30-year yields to near two-decade highs as US-Iran ceasefire hopes faded; oil jumped above $90, keeping inflation fears front and center. Hormuz Risk: Iran’s negotiator said the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut until US sanctions/blockade and frozen assets are addressed, adding to shipping and energy uncertainty. West Bank Fallout (Risk Mood): Israeli forces marked detainees with numbers and settlers maintained sieges in Qusra, keeping geopolitical headlines heavy. Banking Expansion: Axis Bank said it’s expanding corporate banking beyond loans into payments, trade finance, taxes and salary accounts to grow fee income and deposits. AI/Fintech Adjacent Deals: Trident Digital Tech launched an IRMA AI Engine joint venture covering Asia, Middle East and Africa; SciSparc’s NeuroThera completed C$5.4M financing.
Iran-US standoff hits markets: Reuters reports Iran will shift to a “fully offensive” posture after Washington ruled out extending a June MoU ceasefire, raising Strait of Hormuz risk and pressuring oil and yields. Energy & inflation spillover: US stocks slid as oil jumped and Treasury yields hit multi-decade highs on renewed Iran escalation fears. Precious metals bid: Gold rebounded toward $4,400 as investors rotate back to safe havens amid Middle East uncertainty. Banking & trade links: Iran and Iraq central banks agreed steps to ease banking restrictions and speed access to FX resources, aiming to expand trade and settlements. Crypto finance politics: A report claims Trump regulators moved to let World Liberty Financial launch a federally chartered bank tied to issuing its stablecoin. Regional business moves: Egypt and China signed trade deals worth nearly $170m, while Egypt targets 30m tourists by 2030 to boost revenues. Local finance leadership: LGT Wealth India appointed Harsh Agarwal as CIO for equities. Security backdrop for risk: IDF detained two suspects and raided 100+ sites near Jenin, underscoring ongoing West Bank instability that can affect regional sentiment.
West Bank Security Overhaul: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to draft a plan within two weeks to transfer civilian enforcement for Israeli communities in the West Bank to the Israel Police, aiming to keep soldiers focused on border defense and Palestinian terrorism. Gaza/West Bank Humanitarian Pressure: UN and rights groups report escalating settler violence and ongoing sieges and demolitions, including families trapped without basic services in Qusra. Iran-US Deal Fallout: The 60-day US-Iran memorandum of understanding window has expired, with Tehran calling the deadline “irrelevant” amid renewed hostilities and Washington pushing economic isolation alongside Hormuz pressure. Iran Economic Strain: Reports describe Iranians in “survival mode” as food prices surge and unemployment rises, while Iran’s parliament advances a bill criminalising interviews with US and Israeli media. Iran Payment/Market Controls: Saman Bank won a licence to provide online gold and silver treasury services for real-time trading platforms, signalling tighter oversight of Iran’s fast-growing precious-metals market. Gulf Tech & Investment: Dubai Silicon Oasis expanded with new infrastructure projects and its Oraseya arm invested in 15 startups in H1 2026, including AI and GCC e-commerce plays. Fintech/Capital Markets Moves: American Fusion appointed digital-assets executive Samson Lee as an independent director; NewGenIVF completed a convertible note exchange with an institutional investor. Logistics & Trade Risk: A forum in Riyadh (late Nov) will spotlight supply-chain innovation as Hormuz and regional tensions keep shipping costs elevated.
Sanctions & Compliance: Nigeria’s SEC ordered capital market operators to cut ties with institutions linked to North Korea and to reject transactions involving Iranian financial institutions, citing FATF guidance. Iran Media Crackdown: Iran’s parliament approved general principles of a bill that would criminalise interviews and communications with “hostile” media, including US and Israeli outlets, with prison terms and fines. Markets & Risk Appetite: Investors in the region stayed cautious as Middle East risks and inflation weighed on sentiment, while Wall Street traded softer after weaker US retail sales. Egypt FDI Pulse: CAPMAS said Arab countries were a top source of Egypt’s Q2 2025/26 FDI inflows, contributing about $1.7bn, as total net FDI jumped to roughly $6.8bn. Banking Signals: Cyprus banks’ profitability outlook remains positive into 2027, but windfall-tax pressure could return as politics get more fragmented. Consumer Tech Demand: Omdia reported Middle East smartphone shipments (ex-Turkey) fell 19% y/y in Q2 2026, hit by higher prices, supply constraints and uncertainty. Geopolitics & Energy: Oil edged higher as Israel-Iran tensions and potential new US sanctions on Iran kept traders focused on Hormuz-related supply risk.
Crypto & Regulation: The SEC ordered capital market operators to terminate correspondent banking ties and restrict dealings tied to Iran and North Korea, citing FATF risk updates. Cybersecurity: Israel’s regulated crypto broker Bits of Gold says a hacker stole personal data of about 200,000 customers, raising fresh KYC and privacy concerns. Banking & Payments: Trump-linked crypto venture World Liberty Trust received bank status approval, a major step for crypto-to-banking ambitions. Anti-Corruption (Iraq): Iraq seized $26m in cash and 60kg of gold in a corruption sweep tied to the former deputy oil minister for refining affairs. Iran Media Crackdown: Iran’s parliament approved a bill to criminalise interviews and communications with “hostile” media, with prison terms and tighter controls on foreign contacts. Aviation (Iran war impact): IATA estimates Middle East airlines’ 2026 swing to a $4.3bn net loss as the Iran conflict disrupts demand and routes. Youth Jobs (Arab states): Phenix Center warns Arab youth unemployment hit 26.2% in 2025, the highest globally, with 2.6m jobless youth rising further. Egypt FinTech/Tech Ecosystem: Egypt is pushing AI and digital infrastructure to attract startups, while Egypt-Libya chambers sealed plans for an industrial integration exhibition in April 2027. West Bank Flashpoint (risk to stability): Pope Leo XIV renewed calls to end violence in the West Bank as Qusra families report sieges cutting water and electricity.
Digital Banking & Crypto: Bank Leumi will launch Israel’s first bank-backed crypto trading for BTC, ETH and SOL via Galaxy Digital, starting early 2027, after the Bank of Israel removed some deposit frictions in mid-July. Banking Regulation: A Trump-appointed US regulator granted World Liberty Trust conditional approval to establish a bank charter and issue a dollar-linked stablecoin, a first for a president’s family-owned firm. Egypt Macro & Markets: The IMF expects Egypt’s net FDI inflows to climb to about $18.2bn by FY2030/31, while saying exchange-rate flexibility helped absorb recent external shocks; Morgan Stanley also renewed a view that foreign investors can buy Egyptian T-bills without hedging. Egypt Policy & FinTech Adjacent: Egypt’s NTRA says demand for its free “Safety SIM” for children is strong, with filtered browsing via mobile networks. Egypt Debt & Privatization: IMF documents say Egypt targets $4.7bn in divestment proceeds for debt reduction, with an emphasis on real private-sector participation. Kuwait Investment: Kuwait’s Shaheen Project (KPC/KOC with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR) is set to be a major FDI milestone, with $7.85bn upfront proceeds. Regional Energy Finance: Saudi SPPC extended RFQ deadlines for Round 3 conventional IPPs (CCGT), with BOO structures and future carbon capture readiness. Crypto Compliance (Africa): Nigeria’s SEC ordered capital market firms to suspend dealings tied to North Korea, Iran and Myanmar under FATF-aligned rules. Geopolitics Impacting Finance: Iran says Hormuz will remain under its control and warns of continued blockade effects as Trump pushes economic pressure; oil and FX risks remain a key driver for regional investment sentiment.
West Bank Flashpoint: Qatar condemned escalating Israeli settler attacks, saying civilians are being targeted under army protection and urging accountability, as Israel weighs shifting West Bank “order” powers from the IDF to police. EU Data & Policing: A report says the European Commission is negotiating a secret deal to share sensitive biometric and location data with Israel’s police, raising alarms about misuse against Palestinians. Hormuz & Oil Markets: Iran rejected Trump’s claim it will declare the Strait of Hormuz “U.S. territory,” insisting the strait remains Iranian and warning shipping will resume only on Tehran’s terms, while fuel-price pressure continues. UAE-Iran Funds Claim: Reuters-sourced reporting said the UAE agreed to transfer $10–20bn to Tehran for de-escalation, but Abu Dhabi denied it. Iraq Trade Tech: Iraq’s customs collected 2.5tn IQD in seven months, driven by automation and anti-corruption upgrades. Kuwait Investment Deal: Kuwait Petroleum signed a $16bn sale-and-leaseback for crude oil pipelines to monetize assets and attract global investors. Egypt Silver Spike: Egypt’s silver imports surged 5,306% in H1 2026 to about $446m, with most of the jump in Q1. Syria-Turkey Trade: Syria’s ports and customs met Turkey on free-zone development and port operations to boost investment and bilateral trade. Philippines Consumer Caution: Filipino households are cutting back spending as financial pressure rises amid the Middle East conflict. Fintech/Finance Signals: Israel’s Bank Leumi is set to expand digital-asset trading via Galaxy, while market coverage also highlights rising gold interest tied to Fed-rate uncertainty and Hormuz risk.
Crypto Banking: Israel’s largest bank Bank Leumi will offer crypto trading (BTC, ETH, SOL) via its Leumi Trade app starting early 2027, partnering with Galaxy Digital for execution and custody—another push to bring digital assets into regulated banking apps. Sanctions & Markets: The US escalated its Iran pressure campaign, with Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz could be declared “US territory” and Treasury promising “never seen” economic isolation measures next week; shipping through Hormuz slowed after more attacks, keeping oil prices supported and investors cautious. BRICS Finance: Iran’s central bank governor says Iran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, while Iran and Russia discussed expanding banking, investment, payment mechanisms and the use of digital assets/crypto for cross-border deals. West Bank Humanitarian Crunch: UN OCHA says 900+ physical obstacles are blocking aid access in the occupied West Bank, with families in Qusra trapped as deliveries fail amid settler sieges and restrictions. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Pakistan foreign ministers discussed de-escalation and expanding political, economic, trade and investment cooperation.
BRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, alongside talks on linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers and cut costs. Sanctions & Energy Shock: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent warns of “economic isolation” measures “never seen before” against Iran next week, paired with an “indefinite” Strait of Hormuz naval blockade; markets react as oil firms and investors weigh supply disruption risk. Oil Prices & Inflation Spillover: A US war-with-Iran energy shock is feeding into household budgets, with petrol and broader energy costs still elevated versus earlier expectations. West Bank Siege Fallout: France demands Israel arrest and prosecute settlers harassing families in Qusra, where activists were blocked from reaching besieged homes and residents report cut water and electricity. Security Governance Shift: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz orders IDF planning to transfer civilian law-enforcement responsibility for Israeli settlers in the West Bank to the Israel Police, while keeping IDF support in Areas A/B. FinTech/Investing: Cobi raises $1M pre-seed for an AI decision stack to unify fragmented customer signals across MENA; Bank Leumi partners with Galaxy to bring digital-asset trading into Israeli banking apps. Banking Results: Malaysia’s Affin Bank reports Q2 profit down 11.1% as impairment allowances rise, though revenue grows. Crypto Token Delay: World Liberty Financial delays a Maldives resort token sale amid the Iran war’s impact on travel and deal timing.
BRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, alongside talks on linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. RMB Access in Europe: Deutsche Bank becomes the first European RMB clearing bank in Frankfurt, a move analysts say could deepen China’s reach into European and US financial plumbing. US-Iran Energy Pressure: The US says it could keep an “indefinite” naval blockade of Iran as Strait of Hormuz traffic drops and oil supply risks rise, with UAE reporting attacks on Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessels. Turkey Inflation Credibility: Turkey’s central bank lifts its end-2026 official inflation forecast to 28%, while warning data reliability remains a concern. Israel-West Bank Fallout: US condemns settler sieges in Qusra as “terror,” as Israel moves troops and orders evictions—raising political and economic risk for the region. AI Deal Watch: Anthropic is reportedly in talks to buy Israeli AI startup Decart for up to $6B. Energy Projects: Egypt plans to add two reactors at El-Dabaa with Rosatom, while wind farm plans (NIAT & Rasgha) target 500MW capacity. Football Finance Politics: Six Arab federations back FIFA chief Infantino amid revolt over his World Cup private-investment plan.
BRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, with BRICS finance chiefs also discussing payment-system links and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. Embedded Finance in Saudi: SILQ (ShopUp’s parent) secured $100m to expand Fina’s embedded working-capital financing for Saudi merchants, aiming to plug loans directly into merchant digital workflows. Turkey Inflation Outlook: Türkiye’s central bank lifted its end-2026 inflation forecast to 28% while keeping a tight policy stance, citing volatile geopolitics and energy/food pressures. Jordan–China Investment Push: Jordan’s investment minister says China is a strategic partner for scaling industrial cooperation and investment across priority sectors like electronics, renewables, logistics and mobility. AI Deal Watch: Anthropic is in advanced talks to buy Israeli AI infrastructure startup Decart for about $6bn, potentially boosting Claude’s performance and compute efficiency. West Bank Flashpoint (Fintech-adjacent risk): US ambassador Mike Huckabee called the Qusra settler siege “terror,” as families report cutoffs and prolonged harassment—another reminder of instability risk affecting regional commerce and travel. Oil & Markets Backdrop: Reuters weighs whether global oil stocks can absorb a prolonged US-Iran conflict-driven supply disruption, keeping energy volatility front and center for regional economies.
Middle East Energy & Trade Corridors: Lebanon and Iraq are discussing reviving the Kirkuk-Tripoli oil pipeline, aiming to turn Lebanon into an initial storage and re-export hub for Iraqi crude and refined products, with upgrades planned for borders, roads and storage standards. Iran–US Deadlock & Oil Markets: Iran says there’s been “absolutely no progress” on extending its ceasefire with the US, while oil prices stay supported by shipping attacks and Strait of Hormuz disruption fears despite softer demand outlooks. Central Banking & Payments: Iran’s central bank chief met India’s RBI governor to explore closer banking ties as Iran moves to join the BRICS New Development Bank and reduce dollar reliance. Fintech/Investing: Israeli VC Team8 raised $365m to back AI-native startups, including fintech and cybersecurity, as enterprise adoption accelerates. Banking Results: Kenya’s Co-op Bank posted a 28% jump in half-year net profit to Sh18bn, driven by subsidiary revenue growth and an improving loan book. Regional Power Links: Turkey is pursuing a new electricity corridor connecting Saudi Arabia to Turkey via Jordan and Syria, with potential expansion toward Lebanon. Crypto Sanctions: The US sanctioned a Georgia-based cryptocurrency company over alleged links to the IRGC. West Bank Pressure on Services: WHO says attacks on healthcare in the West Bank surged, while hospitals face severe financial shortages and restrictions that are pushing care toward collapse.
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