AGP Executive Report

US–Iran Truce Watch: The US and Iran say they’ve reached a peace framework, with Trump ordering the toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade; a memorandum of understanding is set for signing in Switzerland, but details on Iran’s nuclear path and the Lebanon front remain unsettled. Lebanon Security: Israel’s military posture in Lebanon is described as staying “indefinitely” in security zones, while reports continue of strikes and drone activity around Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon. AI in Warfare: A report claims Israel has expanded AI-controlled drones for surveillance and strike targeting across multiple fronts, including southern Lebanon. Energy & Markets: Oil prices slid sharply (Brent down about 5%) on hopes of Hormuz reopening, and global stocks rallied, with Lebanon-region investors watching the knock-on effects for trade and costs. Global Conflict Trend: A PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit 65 in 2025, the highest since WWII, with the Middle East among the hardest-hit regions. Tech Diplomacy: Ahead of the G7 in Evian, leaders put cybersecurity and global governance on the agenda, while India–France talks highlighted cooperation in AI, tech, space, and critical minerals.

Lebanon–Israel tensions: Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh after Hezbollah drone attacks, killing at least three and injuring 15, while Lebanon says it has filed UN complaints over the strike and alleged herbicide use. Chemical safety dispute: Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying glyphosate as a weapon, citing lab tests on soil samples from southern border villages and urging the UN to act under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Diplomacy under strain: US–Iran talks for a ceasefire/framework deal are described as close, but both sides trade mixed signals on timing as UN chief Guterres urges restraint after Beirut strikes. Tech and warfare: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions across multiple fronts, including southern Lebanon. Global health watch: The Pan American Health Organization raises concerns about reports of a new Russian COVID-19 vaccine being negotiated without standard safety and efficacy trials. Space & markets: SpaceX’s Wall Street debut lifts sentiment even as Middle East escalation rattles markets. Regional education: The Arab League opened its 111th session on educational programs for Arab students in occupied territories, focusing on attacks on schools and access barriers.

Global Conflict Watch: A new PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit 65 in 2025—the highest since WWII—driving about 245,000 battle deaths and showing how wars are increasingly simultaneous across regions. Lebanon Frontline: Israel says it struck 70+ Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon as troops advanced near Nabatieh, while Lebanon reports airstrikes and injuries amid evacuation warnings. US-Iran Diplomacy Under Strain: Trump says a US-Iran deal could be signed Sunday and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran urges caution on timing and says diplomacy is pursued with “pessimism.” Nuclear Deal Details: Reports claim Iran’s 60%-enriched uranium (about 440kg) is being secured in a way that preserves leverage, even as talks reportedly move toward a framework. AI & Drones: A report alleges Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, including deployments across the West Bank and southern Lebanon. Tech & Society (Lebanon-adjacent): A Beirut parish in Lebanon shifted into emergency shelter work as war intensified, showing how conflict reshapes community services. Science Note: Researchers used yeast from Ötzi the Iceman to make sourdough rise, blending archaeology with modern lab testing.

Global Security Snapshot: A PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit 65 in 2025—the highest since WWII—driven by Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, with Israel linked to multiple fronts including Lebanon. US-Iran Diplomacy: Pakistan says a US-Iran peace framework is near, with an electronic signing possibly within 24 hours and a 60-day negotiation window; Iran urges caution, saying the MoU isn’t final and diplomacy is pursued with pessimism. Lebanon Under Strain: As talks loom, Israel carries out air strikes in southern Lebanon and orders evacuations, while the Lebanese army withdraws from a southern base after troop advances—showing how fragile ceasefire hopes remain. Shelter Readiness: An IDF Home Front update to Israel’s alert app highlights a wider shelter gap, with millions lacking standard protection. AI in Warfare: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for surveillance and strike missions across multiple fronts, including southern Lebanon. Lebanon Human Story: A Lebanese Christian in Israel reflects on displacement after 2000 and the long shadow of belonging and trauma.

Lebanon–Israel Frontline: UNIFIL says it’s seeing extensive IDF activity in southern Lebanon, including dense armored moves, engineering and demolition work, and heavy drone/air activity, with repeated violations of Lebanese airspace and reported strikes near Hiram Hospital in Tyre. Drone Warfare: Hezbollah claims it’s hitting Israeli “technical devices” and vehicles with kamikaze drones and FPV-style attacks, underscoring how low-cost unmanned systems are shaping the fight. US–Iran Diplomacy: Reports say the US and Iran have agreed on wording for a ceasefire/peace framework, with officials saying a deal is “very close” but not finalized, while Lebanon is cited as part of the package. Regional Escalation Trigger: The US says it began strikes on Iran after a US Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with a drone boat rescue and fresh warnings of risk to foreign forces. Policy & Tech Watch: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike roles across multiple fronts, raising concerns about autonomy in warfare. Local Lebanon Impact: Lebanon’s displaced numbers remain alarming, with coverage highlighting shelter gaps amid ongoing hostilities.

Global Conflict Pulse: A new PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit 65 in 2025—the highest since WWII—with about 245,000 battle-related deaths, driven by Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Lebanon Humanitarian Strain: With fighting intensifying, a Beirut parish serving migrant workers has shifted parts of its space into an emergency shelter for around 200 displaced people. U.S.-Iran Flashpoint Tech: After a U.S. Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. launched strikes and a drone boat carried out a rescue—another sign of how drones are changing real-world operations. AI & Drones in the Region: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for surveillance and strike work across multiple fronts, including southern Lebanon. Cybersecurity in Lebanon & Jordan: Meta says an Israeli spyware firm (NSO Group) targeted WhatsApp users in Jordan and Lebanon via malicious links, despite a U.S. court order barring such activity. Ceasefire/Deal Uncertainty: Multiple reports say a U.S.-Iran memorandum is close, but Iran warns nothing is finalized—while Israel’s officials criticize any emerging terms as falling short. Explosive Weapons Monitoring: An Explosive Weapons Monitor report says 56% of civilian deaths from explosive weapons in 2025 were attributed to the Israeli military, with humanitarian-aid impacts rising.

U.S.-Iran Escalation & Ceasefire Talks: After a U.S. Army Apache crash near the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. began “proportional” strikes on Iran, while Iran retaliated and warned of further action—then Trump later said a U.S.-Iran deal is close and called off planned strikes, with signing possibly in Europe. U.S.-Israel Strain: Trump warned Netanyahu Israel could be “fighting alone” if it resumes full-scale war with Iran, as Israel pushes back on limits tied to diplomacy. Lebanon War Impact: A new Explosive Weapons Monitor report says over half of civilian deaths from explosive weapons in 2025 were attributed to Israeli forces, with Lebanon among the hardest hit. Defense Tech & Policy: France barred official Israeli participation at Eurosatory 2026 unless firms stick to air/missile defense only; meanwhile, a report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strikes. Local Health Tech: ConvenientMD opened an urgent care clinic in West Lebanon with lab work, X-rays, ECGs, and vaccinations, adding a new walk-in option. Urban Housing & Rights: UN-Habitat opened nominations for the 2026 Scroll of Honour Award, spotlighting practical housing and city solutions.

Defense Tech & Drones: The U.S. says it has started strikes on Iran after an Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with a drone boat rescuing the two aviators—while Iran reports explosions around the waterway. Energy & Infrastructure Risk: Iran says the Strait is fully closed to all ships and warns vessels will be shot at; reports also claim U.S. strikes hit drinking-water reservoirs serving 20,000 people, raising fresh legal and humanitarian alarms. AI in Warfare: A report says Israel has expanded AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, reducing real-time human oversight across multiple fronts. Local Lebanon Angle: Lebanon’s state faces political fallout after an alleged Israeli spy’s escape from Hezbollah custody, with officials and embassies reportedly at odds over his departure. Life Sciences & Manufacturing: Eli Lilly’s Sarah O’Keeffe discusses how a $4.5B Medicine Foundry aims to speed the discovery-to-production handoff, with a new genetic medicine facility in Lebanon, Indiana. Human Rights & Tech: U.S. bishops back Pope Leo XIV’s AI-focused encyclical, urging that technology serve human dignity.

Defense & Drones: The U.S. launched new “self-defense” strikes on Iran after Trump blamed Tehran for downing a U.S. Army Apache near the Strait of Hormuz; a drone boat rescued the two aviators, while Iran reported blasts in Hormozgan and later said it closed the strait and retaliated against U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Lebanon Security: Israeli strikes continued in southern Lebanon, while an AP report says an alleged Israeli operative escaped a Hezbollah cell and vanished behind the Ukrainian Embassy gates—raising fresh questions about Lebanon’s intelligence and state role. AI in Warfare: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, moving toward more autonomous operations. Nuclear Diplomacy: Trump said there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, framing it as monitored and “entombed,” despite conflicting intelligence and IAEA assessments. Tech & Industry (UAE): Dubai launched a Dubai Authority for Healthy Longevity, aiming to position the emirate as a hub for advanced healthcare, biotech, and longevity research. Auto Tech (Global): QCraft and Qualcomm demoed urban NOA in Snapdragon Ride-equipped vehicles, targeting global mass production in 2026.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. began “proportional” strikes on Iran after an Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran firing back and targeting regional bases; Trump also said more attacks could follow if no peace deal is finalized. Lebanon Under Pressure: Israel’s wider campaign in Lebanon and UN warnings on displacement keep humanitarian and security risks front and center, while Lebanon’s internal political rifts over ceasefire terms remain a major obstacle. AI in Warfare: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions across multiple fronts, reflecting a broader shift toward more autonomous targeting. Tech, Energy, and Supply Chains: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, countries are pitching alternatives and logistics corridors, while markets react to oil and tech volatility. Local Tech Angle (Lebanon-relevant): Lebanon’s debate over resilience and survival narratives continues alongside the conflict, shaping how communities interpret technology, security, and policy choices. Circular Economy Tech: SMX launched a Circularity-as-a-Service platform to help verify and certify recycled plastics for higher-value use.

Middle East Tech & Security: The U.S. began “proportional” strikes on Iran after a U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz; a drone boat rescued two aviators, while Iran vowed “no attack or threat unanswered” and retaliatory strikes hit Gulf targets. Lebanon Damage Tracking: A UN-led assessment estimates over $365M in damage to buildings in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, using satellite imagery plus AI analysis and field checks, as fighting flares again in Tyre. AI in Warfare: A report says Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, including deployments across the West Bank and southern Lebanon. Cybersecurity Watch: WhatsApp says an Israeli spyware firm is still targeting users, renewing concerns about Pegasus-style surveillance. Local STEM/Health Pipeline (Lebanon, Oregon): Asante partnered with Western University of Health Sciences to place third- and fourth-year medical students in southern Oregon starting July 2026. Science-Branding Idea: Armenia’s apricot push reframes the fruit as a protected-identity product, not a commodity—an example of how taxonomy and branding can add value.

Defense Tech & Drones: Trump blamed Iran for downing a U.S. Army Apache near the Strait of Hormuz and said the U.S. “must respond,” as a drone boat (a sea drone) carried out the first known U.S. drone rescue at sea for the two pilots. Lebanon Under Strain: Israel struck Tyre despite evacuation warnings, killing at least eight, while fighting continues to complicate any ceasefire hopes. AI in Warfare: A report says Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for both intelligence and strike missions, including deployments across the West Bank and southern Lebanon. Cybersecurity & Privacy: Meta says NSO Group violated a U.S. court order by targeting WhatsApp users again with spyware-linked spear phishing. Nuclear Monitoring Politics: Trump said there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, even as disputes persist over what the U.S. and IAEA believe remains and what monitoring can actually confirm. Local Education (Lebanon-relevant): LBCC announced its 2026 graduating class, highlighting Lebanon-area STEM and workforce pipelines.

AI in Warfare: A report says Israel has expanded AI-controlled drones for surveillance and strike missions, cutting real-time human oversight and spreading autonomous operations across multiple fronts. Nuclear Monitoring Debate: Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, calling it “entombed,” even as intelligence and IAEA assessments remain disputed. Lebanon Under Fire: The NYT investigation alleges Israel used white phosphorus over populated areas in Lebanon, while separate reporting says Lebanese soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike outside the “yellow line,” raising questions about ceasefire coordination. Ceasefire Jitters: Iran and Israel announced pauses after trading fire, but both warned retaliation if Lebanon is targeted again—keeping the region’s tech, energy, and shipping nerves on edge. Global Conflict Trends: PRIO’s “Conflict Trends” flags 2025 as a record year for state conflicts and a sharp rise in civilian deaths. Markets & Tech: Stocks rebounded on hopes of de-escalation, with oil easing from peaks and chip-linked volatility driving sentiment.

Lebanon–Israel Ceasefire Under Strain: Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun said he won’t meet Netanyahu until the war ends, as Israel reported nearly 3,500 attacks during the ceasefire and strikes hit Tyre’s antiquities site. Iran–Israel Escalation & Diplomacy: Iran and Israel traded strikes again after April’s truce, with China urging continued ceasefire and talks; both sides later paused fire after Trump urged restraint. Tech & Security in the Middle East: A report says Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for surveillance and targeting across multiple fronts, while Meta asked a US court to hold NSO Group in contempt over renewed WhatsApp spyware targeting (including users in Jordan and Lebanon). AI in Business: New research on “agentic AI” says successful deployments start by rethinking existing processes and collaboration. Travel Tech Policy Impact: UK/EU border tech issues tied to the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) could mean queues up to six hours for travelers. Markets Watch: Oil spiked on renewed Iran–Israel fighting while tech stocks slid amid renewed risk-off sentiment.

Lebanon Port Security: A new AI-enabled upgrade at the Port of Beirut can scan more containers faster, but the bigger risk is “distributed” threats across many shipments—an alert that security systems may miss when each box looks normal on its own. Regional Conflict & Tech/Markets: Fresh Iran–Israel missile exchanges and strikes on Beirut and inside Iran are rattling global markets, pushing oil higher and triggering sell-offs in tech-heavy indexes like Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi. Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin slid under $63K amid the escalation, with analysts pointing to a convergence of Fed pressure, ETF outflows, and renewed geopolitical shocks. Local Industry Signals (Egypt, regionally relevant): Egypt’s PM toured Alexandria factories, including a Lipton Teas & Infusions production line expansion, highlighting continued investment in manufacturing and R&D. Policy & STEM-adjacent: Pennsylvania advanced a statewide school cellphone ban, while students increasingly staff polling—small but real signals of how tech and civic systems are being managed.

Israel–Lebanon escalation: Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs (Dahiyeh) despite a US-brokered ceasefire push, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting deaths and dozens wounded and Hezbollah rejecting the deal. Iran–US nuclear brinkmanship: Trump said the US is “not considering” covert moves to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, framing it as monitored and “entombed,” while the wider nuclear picture remains disputed. Pentagon espionage alarm: Reports say the US upgraded Israel’s espionage threat to “critical,” as Washington and Jerusalem diverge over Iran talks. AI in defense: Trump reiterated plans to accelerate AI use across US military and national security agencies. Education tech in the region: Qatar Foundation launched the “Rasekh” accreditation framework to align international schooling with local Arabic and community needs. Lebanon humanitarian pressure: UN aid appeals for Lebanon rose as the war drives a worsening crisis. Local governance/health systems: Lebanon Medicaid spending for ambulance/transport and radiology climbed in 2024, reflecting strain on care delivery.