AGP Executive Report

US-Iran-Iraq Escalation: The Pentagon is assessing fallout after Iran allegedly launched an attempted surprise missile attack on US forces in Jordan, with missiles intercepted, and the US and Saudi Arabia then carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq after drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iraq Security Response: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an emergency National Security Council meeting in Baghdad to review the overnight strikes, as PMF-linked groups reported deaths and injuries. Hormuz Shipping Plan: Oman has reportedly proposed a Gulf-backed Hormuz navigation plan to Iran, using voluntary shipping fees to fund safety and reduce tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Jobs & HR Signals: BMW is offering voluntary severance packages to thousands of German workers as it cuts about 8,000 roles globally, mainly in corporate functions, starting in October. Egypt Digital Heritage Jobs Pipeline: Egypt is digitizing its radio and TV heritage at Maspero, using AI for metadata and upgrading studios and infrastructure, with a two-year completion push. Energy Investment: The MERA Oil consortium is nearing a decision on a $5bn integrated refinery and export corridor site across three GCC locations outside the Strait of Hormuz. Tech Talent Boost: Technion ranked 25th worldwide in an AI research and entrepreneurship index, highlighting Israel’s growing AI talent pipeline.

MENA Jobs & HR Watch: Diplomacy & hiring risk: Oman led GCC talks on Hormuz after Iran warned it could attack vessels tied to frozen-asset repair plans, while Houthis claimed another Red Sea strike—shipping stress that can ripple into logistics and port staffing. US–Israel policy shift: Netanyahu met Trump at the White House as Iran stayed the top agenda; the meeting was described as “positive and productive,” with talk of intelligence on Iran’s nuclear work—expect more uncertainty for regional contractors and defense-linked hiring. Energy & pay pressure: A US trade deficit narrowed but was still expected to subtract from Q2 growth; in parallel, gold stayed “neutral” amid Middle East-driven inflation and rate uncertainty—signals of volatile cost-of-living that can affect employee retention. Industry hiring signals: Egypt saw new investment in manufacturing and AI hubs (including Konecta’s regional HQ and Siemens’ factory push), while Turkey’s unionization rate fell below 14%—useful context for HR planning and workforce strategy. Tech demand: TSMC and Tencent both entered the Fortune Global 500 top 100 as AI demand boosts semiconductor and digital roles across Asia and beyond.

Diplomacy & Jobs: UN chief António Guterres kicked off fresh Cyprus peace talks in Nicosia, meeting Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders as the region’s political deadlock reopens—an indirect signal for stability-minded hiring. Middle East Shock to Hiring: The US-Iran standoff stayed in a fragile pause as mediators (Qatar and Pakistan) pushed talks, but scattered attacks and Hormuz shipping worries keep employers cautious. Regional Business Growth: Dubai’s DIFC reported 10,018 active registered companies in H1 2026 (+30% YoY) and 1,134 regulated firms (+16%), a clear jobs-and-talent magnet for finance roles. Industrial Value Chains: Jordan’s Phosphate–Potash alliance (JPMC and APC) is moving toward a ~$1bn integrated specialty fertilizers complex, aiming to shift from raw exports to higher-value manufacturing. Labor Signals: Türkiye’s unionization rate sits at 13.79% (2.43m union members), with trade/office/education the biggest sector—useful context for HR planning and collective bargaining. Workplace Flexibility: Northern Samar (Philippines) reintroduced a four-day on-site/one-day WFH setup to cut fuel and electricity costs, a model employers may watch during energy-price swings.

Mobile Entrepreneurship (Iraq): A Kirkuk PhD student and partners turned a bus into a Turkish cuisine mobile restaurant, choosing self-employment over public-sector jobs. Energy & Jobs (Australia/Gulf-linked): Australia’s planned new oil refinery could create thousands of jobs, but would still rely on imported crude—so it only partially shields the country from global shocks. US-Iran War & Markets (Global): Oil slid and stocks mixed as the US and Iran pause attacks and push talks; a Reuters/Ipsos poll found just one in three Americans back the war and many say Trump hasn’t clearly explained goals. Workforce & Legal Status (US, Haitian/Syrian TPS): TPS expiration is leaving Haitian families in crisis, with workers losing jobs and communities bracing for uncertain futures. Regional Diplomacy (Lebanon/Israel): Lebanon and Israel held US-mediated Rome talks on withdrawal and security arrangements, with Lebanon pushing for immediate troop pullbacks in pilot areas. Employment Policy (Middle East-linked): Kuwait took part in an Arab boycott conference, calling for modernization using tech and AI—relevant for cross-border commerce and hiring impacts. Tech & Skills (Iraq): Iraq’s digital infrastructure push continues via partnerships aimed at strengthening digital services and employment pathways.

Labor Market Response: In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his SONA to highlight government support for Filipinos hit by Middle East conflict fallout, including a P58 billion fund for local aid and reintegration help for returning overseas workers. Hiring Push: He also pointed to nearly 100 job fairs held nationwide on Labor Day, generating about 300,000 job openings and leading to on-the-spot hiring for 6,000+ applicants. Immigration & Work Rights: In the U.S., a Supreme Court ruling upholding the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is set to strip work permits from about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, raising fears of job and housing insecurity. Regional Energy & Shipping: Bab el-Mandeb Strait traffic fell sharply after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities, with only 11 cargo vessels transiting Sunday—an impact that can ripple into Gulf hiring and costs. Kurdistan Fuel Access: Iraq’s KRG began trial rationing of subsidized fuel in Erbil using electronic cards, allocating 40 liters per vehicle daily as shortages drive prices up. Construction Jobs: Türkiye reported record May salaried employment in construction, tied to accelerated urban transformation projects, signaling continued demand for site and engineering roles.

US-Iran Tensions & Hormuz Talks: The U.S. paused strikes on Iran for a second straight night as Iran said it also halted retaliatory operations, while Oman-led talks focus on shipping management around the Strait of Hormuz—an energy chokepoint that keeps ripple effects hitting jobs and costs across the region. Houthis Target Saudi Energy: Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities (Jizan and Yanbu) intensified pressure on Red Sea routes, with Saudi shifting exports toward the Suez route—raising logistics costs and fueling uncertainty for hiring in energy-linked sectors. Lebanon-Iraq Energy Push: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam visited Iraq to secure fuel supplies and coordinate security and investment ties, a move aimed at stabilizing Lebanon’s electricity crisis and protecting employment in public services and utilities. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Egypt and Tunisia discussed Libya developments in a ministerial call, while Pakistan and Qatar intensified efforts to ease US-Iran tensions—signals that diplomacy is still trying to outpace escalation. Iran’s Domestic Energy Move: Iran inaugurated a 5MW geothermal plant near the Sabalan volcano, part of a broader push to diversify power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Labor Market Signal (Global): Markets are repricing inflation risk tied to Middle East disruption, with implications for rate expectations and hiring sentiment.

Kuwait Kuwaitization: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry says it has completed the second phase of replacing judiciary secondments, ending the secondment of 82 members and lifting Kuwaiti judges to 87% by Sept 30, 2026, with full 100% Kuwaitization targeted for Oct 1, 2030. Jordan Green Jobs & Transport: Amman was ranked joint first in the MENA region for zero-emission bus governance and ownership models in UITP’s 2026 report, highlighting electric bus and charging control plus a hybrid operating approach. Jordan Industry & Hiring: Arab Potash and Jordan Phosphate Mines plan a new industrial complex near Eshidiya (with expansion to Aqaba) with investments approaching $1bn, framed as a shift toward higher-value, job-creating local production. Qatar Consulting Expansion: Uniqus Consultech inaugurates its Doha office as part of GCC growth, focusing on governance, sustainability, tech consulting and valuations. Israel/West Bank Work Restrictions: Israel bars Palestinian workers from entering settlements after deadly violence near Nablus, with limited exceptions for industrial zones and construction sites. Iraq Anti-Fraud Crackdown: Iraq’s integrity commission dismantled a forgery network in Al-Diwaniyah, arresting 13 suspects and seizing 1,000+ forged documents tied to land, loans and public funds. US-Iran/Red Sea Spillover: The US paused airstrikes on Iran for the first time in nearly two weeks while Houthis hit Saudi Aramco-linked sites in Jizan and Yanbu, keeping regional shipping and energy risks front and center. Saudi Housing Returns: A Saudi rental-yield guide warns headline yields can mislead, urging buyers to factor location, size, price and management costs for 2026 returns. Work & Tech Restructuring: Moovit plans layoffs of about 60 employees as it restructures investment toward consumer growth and deeper integration with Mobileye’s robotaxi push. AI Chips Deal: Microchip Technology signed to acquire Israeli edge AI chipmaker Hailo, with most of its ~110 staff expected to move and a second Israel development center planned.

Red Sea & Gulf Security: Houthis fired on Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu as the US paused nightly Iran strikes for the first time in two weeks, while Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-led coalition retaliated with air strikes on Houthi positions, raising fears of wider disruption to shipping and energy flows. US-Iran Tensions: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia is helping Iran target US bases via satellite surveillance, and Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the idea of a military solution to Yemen, urging dialogue instead. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmenistan outlined multiple UN General Assembly initiatives, including an Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, an international forum on law and preventive diplomacy, and proposals on universal peace and responsible AI. UN Human Rights: Volker Türk won a second term as UN human rights chief despite opposition from the US, Israel, and Russia. Jobs & HR Angle: Saudi Arabia’s engineering council met a Sri Lankan ambassador to discuss hiring categories and accreditation pathways for engineering professionals. Workplace/Travel: A Gatwick refuelling strike threat by Menzies workers could disrupt major airlines, spotlighting pay and overtime disputes.

UN Human Rights: Volker Türk won a second UN high commissioner term for four years, with the General Assembly voting 144-10 despite sharp US, Russia and Israel opposition. Syria Recovery & Jobs: UN chief António Guterres arrived in Damascus for the first visit in 17 years, aiming to speed UN recovery projects as Syria rebuilds amid security pressure. Gulf Shipping & Work: The US fired on another vessel trying to breach Iran’s port blockade while Iran hit US strongholds around the Persian Gulf; Saudi strikes hit Yemen’s Hodeida and Americans abroad face tighter exit options. Red Sea Tensions: Houthis said Bab al-Mandeb remains open and framed attacks as retaliation, keeping shipping and logistics uncertainty high. Saudi Investment & Hiring: Saudi PIF signed an agreement with the US Exim Bank worth up to $15bn, targeting tech, infrastructure and “high-value job creation” under Vision 2030. Iraq E-commerce: JD.com partnered with Iraq’s GINI to expand online retail access, strengthening supply chains and private-sector employment. Bahrain Green Jobs: A Bahrain parliamentary proposal would turn rubbish into electricity, with waste-to-energy plants aimed at skilled jobs. Iran War Impact on People: Reports describe Iranians feeling their lives are “on hold” amid strikes, crackdowns and economic collapse. Tech & Health Markets (MENA relevance): New AI healthcare market reports highlight growth in medication adherence sensors, otoscopic triage and ECG analysis—signals for future hiring in health tech.

UK–US Defence Talks: UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting held talks with US Sec. of War Pete Hegseth on Strait of Hormuz cooperation, defence investment and NATO commitments. Iran Regional Warning: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard urged civilians across the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria to avoid US military sites and even US-linked businesses/hotels, warning to keep 500m away. Red Sea Shipping Stress: Yemen’s Houthis said they hit two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while UK maritime authorities reported an incident—fueling fresh energy-route anxiety. US–Iran Escalation & Jobs Impact: Markets reacted to renewed strikes and oil jumping near $100, with investors warning higher yields could pressure stocks. EU Sanctions on Iran: The EU imposed sanctions on Iranian judges and a cyber figure over rights abuses, as Iran urged Europe to condemn US attacks. Israel–Tech & Jobs: Israel and Nigeria renewed research/innovation cooperation via the I-FAIR fellowship, aiming to commercialize research and create jobs. Community-to-Work Pathways: Israel’s Druze community is building a post-service hi-tech start-up ecosystem to funnel veterans into tech careers. Workforce/HR Angle: A pop-up food pantry in Mississippi highlighted how employers support local communities beyond pay and power. UN Rights Chief Vote: UN human rights chief Volker Türk won a second term despite US, Israel and Russia opposition, keeping the controversial role in focus.

Middle East Conflict & Jobs Impact: Iran and the US traded renewed strikes, with Iran claiming drone attacks on US-used bases in Kuwait and the US targeting IRGC naval sites in northern Iran—raising shipping and energy risk that can quickly spill into hiring and pay decisions across the region. Energy Prices & Cost Pressures: Brent pushed back above $100 a barrel as Middle East tensions and US tariff moves stoked stagflation fears, a mix that typically tightens budgets and slows graduate and discretionary hiring. Defense-Industrial Hiring Signals: The US House passed a 2027 NDAA with provisions to deepen US–Israel defense-industrial cooperation, with critics warning it could expand “jobs in the US” via co-production—relevant for regional talent pipelines and contractor recruitment. Workforce & HR Policy in Iran: UN experts urged Iran to halt further protest-related executions, while Iran’s teacher vetting board dismissed a contract teacher over social media posts—both signals of how compliance and online conduct can affect employment. Regional Skills Pipeline: Malaysia selected 20 students for aerospace training in Türkiye under a 2026 internship programme—an example of cross-border talent development that can feed future hiring in engineering roles.

Unemployment & hiring signals: US weekly jobless claims fell to 187,000, the lowest since 1969, suggesting layoffs are still unusually low even as Middle East tensions push up energy costs. Red Sea shipping risk: Yemen’s Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of wider disruption beyond the Strait of Hormuz and keeping oil near/above $100—an inflation headache that can eventually hit hiring. Regional labor & workforce structure: Kuwait’s labor market remains split: public sector jobs are dominated by Kuwaiti citizens (80.1% of the workforce), while the private sector relies heavily on expatriates (96.4%). Iraq power shift: Iraq’s Iranian-backed “resistance” coordination committee has collapsed, with factions preparing to hand over weapons and shift toward political activity. UN rights leadership: UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk faces opposition from Russia and Israel over a second term, turning a routine vote into a political fight. Defense industry jobs angle (Türkiye): Türkiye’s defense sector is moving into serial production, with mass-manufacturing capability expanding—likely supporting future skilled hiring. Kuwait security: A new strike hit the Abdaly border crossing with material damage but no reported casualties.

Middle East Jobs & HR: Türkiye’s graduate job market shows a mild cooling: the Turkish Statistical Institute says 73.9% of bachelor’s degree holders were employed in 2025, down from 75% in 2024, with medicine leading (95.5%) and first jobs taking about 14 months on average. Workplace Recognition: Beyon was ranked third among the Middle East’s best technology workplaces for 2026 by Great Place to Work Middle East, citing trust, innovation, leadership and inclusion from employee survey results. Energy & Hiring Risk: With US-Iran strikes and Houthi attacks raising Red Sea shipping risk, oil prices pushed near $100 a barrel, and Gulf states are accelerating plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz via pipelines—moves that can reshape regional logistics and employment demand. Policy & Sanctions Pressure: Iran’s foreign ministry warned US troops against attacking civilian infrastructure, calling it “manifestly unlawful” and tied to war-crime liability. Nuclear Deal Watch: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear “123 agreement,” setting up long-term commercial opportunities for US firms and jobs tied to Saudi’s civilian nuclear program. Regional Stability: China urged restraint and a ceasefire in the Middle East and Gulf, warning escalation serves no one.

Saudi-US Nuclear Deal: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation pact that could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, with safeguards and nonproliferation language now headed to Congress—raising fresh debate in Washington over proliferation risk. Iran War Funding Politics: In the U.S. House, Republicans advanced a $95B budget blueprint to fund the Iran war and other priorities, despite Democrats’ pushback and uncertainty over congressional authorization. Hormuz & Energy Shock: Iran warned of an “eye for an eye” response if infrastructure is hit, as strikes and threats around the Strait of Hormuz keep oil prices elevated and raise shipping and insurance concerns. Regional Job/Business Angle: World Bank economists warned a prolonged Iran conflict could drag global growth to 1.3% in 2026, threatening energy and food supply chains—an indirect hit to hiring across the region. Cybersecurity & Gulf Workflows: A fake Bahrain emergency-alert Android app reportedly used malware to steal credentials and control phones, a reminder for employers and jobseekers to watch for scams during heightened alerts.

Middle East Shipping & Jobs: With the US-Iran conflict dragging on, shipping disruptions are worsening at key chokepoints: Red Sea traffic is rerouting and Strait of Hormuz activity has fallen to near-empty levels, raising pressure on energy costs and logistics-linked hiring. Saudi Employment Push: Saudi Arabia says Vision 2030 is delivering results, including higher private-sector Saudi employment (to 2.6m), lower unemployment (to 7.2%), and rising women’s workforce participation (35%) plus more women in management. Turkey Labor Wins: Turkish AFP journalists secured a 27% wage increase after a 12-day strike, with bonuses and utility/travel support—an HR signal for media and broader labor negotiations. Tech Layoffs in the Region: monday.com plans to lay off about 630 people (20%), including roughly 350 in Israel, as it restructures around an AI-based work platform. Iraq Hiring & Pay: Iraq is rolling out an “easy-payment” scheme for state employees, while energy deals and development funding are also moving forward. Morocco Tourism Jobs: Morocco plans 60,000 more hotel beds ahead of 2030, aiming to boost tourism capacity and employment. Procurement Talent: South Africa’s procurement salaries are rising fast (avg +10.2%), but employers warn of retention pressure as skilled candidates look to switch roles.

Kuwait–Iran Security: Kuwait’s cabinet condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks as a violation of sovereignty, with the PM visiting Al-Adan Hospital to oversee care for injured people. Lebanon–Israel–Hezbollah: Trump met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House as Israel began pulling back from southern “pilot zones,” while Hezbollah kept up rocket/drone fire and talks aimed at isolating the group. US–Iran War Costs & Manpower: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate hearing the Iran campaign has cost $37.5bn so far, as the Pentagon confirmed more US deaths and 100+ injuries. Energy & Jobs Pressure: Markets tracked the US-Iran escalation: crude jumped on Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping risks, while freight and container rates softened—signals of volatility that can ripple into hiring and business planning across the region. Mediation for a Truce: Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan and others pushed a 10-day proposal to pause fighting and reopen shipping, but both sides kept escalating. UAE NRI Compliance: UAE-based non-residents got a checklist-style reminder on Indian tax filing basics and deadlines. Mobility & Peace Signals: A passport index update highlighted wider visa-free access even as a peace index flagged worsening global conflict levels.