AGP Executive Report

Syria–Saudi Digital Tourism Push: Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with three Saudi tech firms (Tamkeen, Cipher and Hawaz) to digitise the tourism sector, building a unified booking and services platform plus a national tourism portal, with added focus on cybersecurity and data governance. Syrian Investors’ Easier Jordan Entry: Syria’s Syrian-Jordanian Business Council says Jordan’s Ministry of Interior expanded entry facilities for Syrian investors and businesspeople, now also allowing spouses and children under 18 to enter without prior approval—aimed at smoothing cross-border investment and operations. Iraq–Iran Talks With Energy Focus: Iraq’s PM Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran for high-level talks on bilateral cooperation, especially energy and agriculture, as Iraq tries to manage relations with two major powers amid ongoing regional tensions. Oil Route Pressure Beyond Hormuz: With Hormuz still under threat, Gulf states are accelerating pipeline plans to reroute crude via the Red Sea, Suez and Gulf of Oman, while Yemen’s Houthis again warn of disruptions to Saudi-linked shipping. Regional Business Context: Reuters also reports Iraq signed around $200bn in energy deals with US firms during a recent US visit, including work tied to reviving an Iraq–Syria pipeline route for alternative exports.

Energy & Trade Infrastructure: Syria and Iraq have entered the preparatory phase to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, with technical, economic and financial studies underway and Chevron set to manage the rehabilitation work, while both sides coordinate border transport and security procedures. Governance & Institutions: The UN says Syria’s transition has reached a key institutional milestone, with a People’s Assembly and a Supreme Constitutional Court established, though it warns that insecurity, Israeli operations and humanitarian funding gaps could derail progress. Anti–Money Laundering Push: Syria has launched nationwide consultations on a new media law aimed at regulating journalism and digital platforms, including rules on cybercrime, misinformation and hate speech. Consular Services: Syria is sending a delegation to Erbil to lay groundwork for opening a Syrian consulate in the Kurdistan Region, aiming to improve consular access for Syrians there. Business & Finance (Regional): Iraq reports revenue losses of over $40B since the Middle East war began, driven largely by a sharp drop in oil exports amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Aviation (Regional Connectivity): Saudi low-cost carrier flynas confirmed a major Airbus expansion and said the additional aircraft will support its growing operations, including services tied to Syria.

Damascus Security-Politics Reset: Syria’s authorities are pushing to restructure state institutions while political consultations with local and regional partners continue, alongside reconstruction and humanitarian monitoring aimed at enabling returns for displaced people. Border Trade Crackdown: Syrian customs seized a vehicle-bound arms shipment for Lebanon at Jdeidet Yabous, including 226 RGC-type grenades, as Damascus tightens oversight of transit routes amid regional tensions. Transitional Justice Push: Kuwait urged the UN Security Council to accelerate transitional justice in Syria and resolve missing persons cases, citing Resolution 2474 and the need for state capacity and family communication channels. Lebanon-US Deal Momentum: Trump met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, backing mediation for an Israeli pullout and pledging support for Lebanon’s army and reconstruction; he also announced resumption of direct US-Lebanon flights after 40+ years. Regional Business Impact Watch: With US-Iran hostilities escalating and Hormuz risk rising, oil and logistics pressures are back in focus, with knock-on effects for Syria’s role as an overland corridor.

Aviation & Connectivity: flydubai restarted Syria service with a water-cannon launch of its first Aleppo flight in 14 years, adding to its Damascus routes and improving travel options for hundreds of thousands of Syrians. Energy & Trade Routes: With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure from US-Iran escalation, analysts and the UN warn attacks on power and desalination infrastructure are already disrupting trade systems, humanitarian access, transport costs, and fuel prices across the region. Lebanon-US Dealmaking: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told Trump a full Israeli withdrawal is key to stability, while Trump pledged US support for Lebanon’s army and reconstruction; hours later, Trump ordered resumption of direct US-Lebanon flights after a 40-year gap. Damascus Business & Heritage: The Jewish Quarter in Damascus’ Old City is back in the spotlight, with historians describing how it historically fit into the city’s wider economic and social networks. Regional Security Watch: UN chief Guterres said he’s deeply concerned about expanding Iran-US escalation and urged renewed diplomacy to avoid a full-scale conflict.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: flydubai launched daily non-stop flights to Aleppo International Airport, its second Syria destination after Damascus, boosting UAE–Syria business and family travel links. Bilateral Trade & Investment: Syria and Kuwait agreed to deepen diplomatic and economic ties, including plans for ambassador exchanges and a Syrian-Kuwaiti Business Council, as Kuwait Airways resumed Damascus–Kuwait direct flights. Regional Energy Logistics: Iraq is pushing Syria as an alternative oil pipeline route to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, citing the older Kirkuk–Baniyas corridor as more feasible to rehabilitate than the Jordan option. Tourism Recovery: Syria reported a 111% surge in visitor arrivals in H1 2026 to 3.52 million, led by foreign and Arab demand plus a rebound in Syrian expatriate travel. Gulf Shipping Risk: Strait of Hormuz traffic fell sharply again as US-Iran tensions disrupt transits, raising costs and uncertainty for regional trade. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO warned conflicts and funding cuts are worsening the Eastern Mediterranean health crisis, with medical supply chains hit by disruptions.

Health & Aid: Qatar Charity launched its “Defaa Balaa” campaign in Damascus, delivering 830+ specialised surgeries in Syria—covering cataracts, congenital heart defects, open-heart procedures and cochlear implants—aimed at patients who can’t afford treatment. Energy & Trade Risks: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, escalating pressure on Red Sea shipping and raising insurance and logistics costs as the wider US-Iran confrontation threatens key oil routes. Regional Security & Business Climate: The US and Iran conflict widened again with new strikes and “full-scale war” rhetoric, while reports say the Pentagon withheld earlier injury details—an uncertainty factor for regional operations and investor risk. Humanitarian Cost in Syria: A report says cancer patients in Syria are being pushed from public care into charity queues and an unregulated black market for medicines, with patients often forced to bring supplies themselves. Syria-Iraq Economic Link: Iraq and Syria continue positioning pipeline deals as alternatives to Strait of Hormuz disruption, with renewed focus on restoring cross-border oil infrastructure.

Middle East Energy Shock: The US carried out a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran as fears rose for Strait of Hormuz shipping after Iran said two oil tankers “exploded” and were immobilised, while Washington said it is targeting Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels; oil jumped above $90 and markets braced for tighter supply. Regional Spillover to Syria: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it hit US assets in Syria alongside strikes tied to Bahrain and Jordan, underscoring how the conflict is widening beyond the Gulf and raising risks for regional trade routes. Diplomacy Still on the Table: Despite the escalation, Iran’s foreign ministry said it received proposals from mediators and both sides signalled talks could continue, even as the interim ceasefire collapses. Syrian Business Angle: With shipping disruption and higher energy costs feeding through the region, Syria’s economy faces renewed pressure on logistics, fuel and cross-border trade—especially as regional powers push alternative routes. Kuwait-Arab League Milestone: Kuwait marked 65 years in the Arab League, highlighting ongoing regional economic and development financing ties that matter for reconstruction and investment sentiment.

Oil & Trade Corridors: Iraq and Syria signed deals in Washington to rehabilitate the Iraq–Syria crude pipeline to the Mediterranean, aiming to cut dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and restore export capacity (with figures cited up to 2 million bpd). Energy Deals: During PM Ali al-Zaidi’s U.S. visit, Baghdad signed 48 agreements with U.S. firms, with heavy focus on oil and energy infrastructure, plus a Starlink satellite-services pact to boost connectivity. Regional Shipping Pressure: As Hormuz disruption continues, Iraq is reportedly rerouting fuel shipments through Syria using large truck flows, turning Syrian ports/refining into a key export outlet. Budget Strain in Baghdad: Iraq’s parliament is drafting a borrowing bill as Hormuz closure hits revenues and threatens salary payments. Syria Politics & Representation: A Syrian Kurdish leader says the new People’s Assembly’s first session showed weaker-than-expected Kurdish representation and will be judged by its ability to translate participation into legislation.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi plans to fly to Tehran with a proposal to host US-Iran talks in Baghdad to narrow differences and open dialogue. Energy Security: Iraq says it boosted July oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz and the Ceyhan pipeline, while Syria is rapidly becoming a key rerouting hub as trucks move fuel across its territory. Iraq-Syria Pipeline Deal: Iraq and Syria signed MoUs in Washington to rehabilitate the Haditha–Baniyas crude pipeline, with an initial capacity of 2 million bpd, backed by US support and Chevron involvement. Hormuz Disruption Escalation: Iran’s IRGC claims tankers hit Hormuz mines and warns of wider retaliation as the US continues strikes targeting IRGC-linked capabilities. Lebanon-US Talks: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set for his first White House visit to propose a plan to disarm Hezbollah and secure Israeli troop withdrawal. Syria Reconstruction & Trade Links: Syria and Germany launched a reconstruction committee and an air transport agreement in Damascus, aiming to unlock European investment and connectivity. Local Economy & Tourism: Syria’s business outlook also intersects with regional tourism moves, including Jordan’s “Ahlan Jordan” digital platform to drive inbound travel.

Iraq–Syria Energy Deal: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU to rehabilitate and modernize cross-border crude pipeline links to the Mediterranean, with Chevron named to oversee the project and a consortium set for technical work; the plan targets new export capacity and a strategic corridor via Syria’s Baniyas/Haditha routes as Baghdad looks to reduce exposure to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. US Investment Push: During PM Ali al-Zaidi’s Washington visit, Iraq signed 48 agreements worth about $60bn with US firms across oil, electricity, infrastructure, telecoms and more, including pipeline-related deals and Starlink services—signaling a fast push to upgrade energy and logistics. Diplomacy for Reconstruction: Syria and Germany launched a Syrian-German joint committee for economic recovery and reconstruction and signed a bilateral air transport agreement in Damascus, aiming to unlock European support for the new government. Industry & Jobs: President Ahmed al-Sharaa inaugurated the first Syria International Textile Exhibition (NAS TEX 2026) in Damascus, framing textile revival as a path to reconstruction, poverty reduction and employment. Regional Energy Shift: Bloomberg reports Iraq is rerouting fuel exports through Syria using trucks and expanding overland and pipeline options, turning Syria into a growing export hub as regional conflict reshapes oil flows.

Iraq-Syria Oil Pipeline Push: Iraq and Syria signed MoUs to rehabilitate long-dormant crude pipelines to the Mediterranean, including a Kirkuk-to-Baniyas route and a Haditha-to-Baniyas plan, with U.S.-backed consortia and Chevron named in multiple deals—aimed at diversifying exports and reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iraq Deal Surge: During PM Ali al-Zaidi’s Washington visit, Iraq signed 48 agreements with U.S. firms worth $60B-plus, spanning oil, electricity, communications (including a Starlink license), and pipeline work—framing the effort as a new corridor for regional energy trade. Hormuz Alternatives Race: A U.S. envoy said a regional initiative with Syria, Jordan, Türkiye, Lebanon and Egypt targets alternative land-and-logistics routes so the strait becomes “secondary” within two years, as shipping risk rises. Syria’s Business Climate: The U.S. moved to remove Syria from its terror blacklist after decades, a step that could unlock investment and trade—coming as Damascus seeks economic recovery and infrastructure momentum. Energy Price Pressure: Oil jumped to months-high levels above $87 amid renewed U.S.-Iran strikes and retaliation, underscoring how regional conflict is reshaping energy flows through Syria.

Oil & Pipelines: Iraq and Syria signed a US-backed memorandum to rehabilitate the long-idled Kirkuk–Baniyas crude pipeline, aiming for an initial capacity of 2 million barrels per day and a Mediterranean export route that could reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz; Chevron is set to join the consortium to carry out technical and financial work. US-Iraq Business Push: At a US Chamber of Commerce summit, Iraq signed dozens of deals and memorandums with Western firms worth about $60 billion, spanning energy, healthcare, communications, and infrastructure, as Baghdad seeks faster investment and trade ties with Washington. Hormuz Risk Premium: With US-Iran strikes escalating and shipping disruptions growing, analysts say Gulf states are racing to “future-proof” exports via pipelines and alternative routes, even as construction timelines remain long. Syria Labor Shock: The US Supreme Court’s TPS decision is driving new employer deadlines for Syrians and other affected nationalities, with USCIS extending work authorization timelines for some groups through late July. Regional Escalation Spillover: The conflict’s focus on bridges, ports, airports, and power assets is raising business and logistics fears across the Gulf and beyond.

Syria-US sanctions reset: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, triggering a 45-day pre-notification period after assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Syria will not support international terrorism—an important signal for future trade and investment. Syria-linked regional energy risk: Iran’s IRGC claimed it struck a U.S. command center at al-Tanf in Syria, while the U.S. continued a sixth straight night of strikes on Iran, including bridges and port-related targets—raising new uncertainty for regional shipping and energy costs that spill into Syria’s economy. Chevron’s Syria-adjacent pipeline push: Chevron says it will sign preliminary deals in Iraq for stakes in West Qurna-2 and Nasiriyah and study a route to Syria’s Mediterranean coast as a Strait of Hormuz bypass option. Syrian business environment signals: A Syrian-American business forum in Damascus is reported as launching amid recovery efforts, while Syria’s broader post-war rebuilding agenda continues to attract international attention.

Syria-Germany Economic Reset: Syria and Germany signed an air transport agreement and launched a joint committee in Damascus to push cooperation on economic recovery, reconstruction, investment, energy, transport and civil aviation, plus refugee issues and transitional justice. Syria-Lebanon Security Coordination: Lebanon’s interior minister said Syrian and Lebanese security forces now coordinate daily on counter-terrorism, drone activity and information-sharing, signaling a practical reset after the Assad era. Syria’s Post-War Business Reality: A report on Damascus’ Jobar shows how reconstruction and home rebuilding remain slow and costly for residents, underlining the ground-level constraints facing Syria’s recovery economy. Women Turning to Micro-Work: Another story highlights Syrian women shifting from traditional jobs to home-based businesses like candles, gift-wrapping and home baking as wages lag and flexibility becomes essential. Teachers’ Pay Delays in Hassakeh: Teachers protested in Hassakeh over suspended salaries and stalled integration into the education ministry after the Autonomous Administration merger process. US-Sanctions Pathway for Syria: The Trump administration formally began steps to remove Syria from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from President al-Sharaa.

Syria-US policy shift: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, triggering a 45-day pre-notification period after assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Border security and supply lines: Syrian authorities say they seized a truck shipment of “specialized weapons and missiles” hidden in an oil tanker at the al-Tanf border crossing, allegedly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon trade push: Syria’s Chambers of Commerce Federation and Beirut’s chamber signed a cooperation memorandum to boost trade and industrial ties, including deal facilitation and information exchange. Regional energy deals with Syria in the mix: Reports say the U.S. is facilitating Iraq-Syria energy cooperation, including a pipeline concept linking Basra to Haditha and onward to Turkey’s Ceyhan and Syria’s Baniyas, while Iraq and Jordan also discuss the Basra–Aqaba oil pipeline and electricity interconnection. Refugee returns: UNHCR says more than 203,500 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec. 8, 2024, with return momentum rising into June. EU water investment for the region: The EU pledged up to €1.6bn for Jordan’s Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier project, a move tied to jobs, resilience, and the green transition.

Syria-US Business Reset: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, triggering a 45-day pre-notification period after assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Damascus-Iraq Trade Friction: Syria’s exports to Iraq are struggling due to higher Syrian prices and exclusion from Iraq’s central bank-backed import financing platform; exporters are pushing for measures like a joint free trade zone and stronger compliance with quality standards. Iraq-Syria Energy Deals: U.S. officials are backing efforts to revive an Iraq-Syria crude pipeline to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, with reports tying the push to major infrastructure talks during Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi’s Washington visit. Water & Reconstruction Logistics: Syria’s Energy Ministry says rehabilitation at the Alok Water Station in Hasaka is advancing toward trial pumping, aiming to restore drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands. Lebanon-Syria Rapprochement: Lebanon and Syria held trade talks in Damascus and launched a Lebanese-Syrian Business Council, signaling cautious economic re-linking after the Assad era.