AGP Executive Report

Energy & Power Tenders: Lebanon is inviting expressions of interest for a 350MW solar push with energy storage, with developers asked to propose dual-fired thermal plants (20MW–100MW) and bids due Aug 31, as the country grapples with chronic blackouts and heavy fuel imports. Renewables & Policy: The same tender drive signals Lebanon’s push to raise renewables’ share amid regional supply risks. UN Rights & Conflict Impact: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk says his office documented large-scale violations in Lebanon that may amount to war crimes, citing thousands killed and injured since March 2 and repeated strikes and displacement. Cross-Border Talks: The US confirmed Israel-Lebanon talks will resume in Rome Aug 4–6, focusing on Hezbollah disarmament, Lebanese troop deployment, and expanding “pilot zones” to prevent border escalation. Business & Diplomacy: Ghana and Lebanon pledged stronger cooperation in education, trade, and manufacturing, highlighting areas like motor manufacturing, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals. Aviation Retail: PAC Beirut Duty Free unveiled its “Between Home and Away” brand signature, rolling out a refreshed identity across stores and digital channels.

Renewables & Power: Lebanon Electricity Regulatory Authority invited expressions of interest for up to five grid-connected solar projects totaling 350 MWp plus 1,000 MWh battery storage, a major push for capacity and grid flexibility. Energy Logistics: Lebanon proposed a Mediterranean transit corridor for Iraqi crude to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, with talks in Baghdad focused on using Lebanese territory for transit and processing. Construction & Cities: MVG Construction will start the first phase of Grant and Sherman Street reconstruction in Lebanon, with Grant Street closed to through traffic between Main and Park until mid-August for street, sidewalk and utility upgrades. Human Rights & Infrastructure Risk: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Israeli operations in Lebanon may amount to international crimes, citing large-scale displacement and damage to homes, schools, hospitals, water, electricity and agricultural land. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added Mount Amel Castles in southern Lebanon to its World Heritage in Danger list, citing ongoing conflict as a direct conservation threat. Market Backdrop: A US-Iran strike pause lifted oil sentiment, with Brent falling as shipping risks eased.

Lebanon Energy: Lebanon’s Electricity Regulatory Authority has launched a tender for up to 350 MW of grid-connected solar, paired with 1 GWh of battery storage, under an independent power producer model, with an expressions-of-interest deadline of Aug. 31. Southern Lebanon Security: Pilot zone operations in southern Lebanon have started, with the Lebanese Armed Forces deploying in phased villages after Israeli withdrawals, testing whether the state can extend exclusive authority and reduce reliance on armed groups. Lebanon-Iraq Trade: Lebanon and Iraq are moving toward a closer partnership after PM Nawaf Salam met Iraq’s PM in Baghdad, with talks on using Lebanese territory as a Mediterranean gateway and building diversified economic cooperation. Regional Shipping/Industry Risk: Iran–US strike pauses are easing oil and shipping fears, but the Red Sea remains volatile as Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil tankers and threaten further disruption around Bab el-Mandeb.

Lebanon–Iraq Energy Talks: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad to push energy cooperation and possible new oil-pipeline connectivity toward the Mediterranean, aiming to ease Lebanon’s fuel and electricity crunch while expanding trade and investment. Regional Shipping Risk: The US and Iran paused strikes for a second straight day as Oman-led talks focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a move that matters for regional logistics and energy costs. Red Sea Disruptions: Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers and a naval incident left missing personnel after a patrol boat was hit near Zuqar Island, keeping pressure on Red Sea shipping routes. Local Economic Strain: A feature from southern Lebanon’s wedding season shows conflict and the long economic downturn shrinking celebrations and hitting hospitality demand. Solar Investment (Lebanon, Ohio): GMi Companies announced a 1.6-megawatt rooftop solar array expected to cover nearly all electricity use and cut costs, a reminder of how energy projects can support local industry. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added Lebanon’s Mount Amel Castles and Tyre to its World Heritage in Danger list amid conflict and climate pressures.

Bilateral Energy & Telecom Talks: Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam landed in Baghdad for an official visit with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi, and Telecommunications Minister Charles Hajj, aiming to deepen cooperation with Iraq across development, energy, and other sectors. Beirut Reconstruction & Housing Risk: After “Black Wednesday,” Beirut’s damaged buildings are still a safety concern, and the Cabinet has tasked the High Relief Committee with surveying structurally damaged sites to support temporary housing allowances—raising questions about how older damage cases are handled. Urban Planning With Tech: A Lebanon-linked Minecraft redesign project shows how digital tools are being used to keep communities engaged in rebuilding and safer urban spaces, even amid conflict pressures. Red Sea Shipping Shockwaves: Escalation around the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz is again threatening regional trade flows, with Houthi attacks on Saudi oil-linked facilities and renewed fears for energy and logistics routes that matter to Lebanon’s import-dependent economy. Cultural Industry Update: Registration opened for the Beirut Arab International Book Fair, signaling continued momentum for Lebanon’s publishing and cultural events.

Red Sea Shipping Shock: Iran-backed Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan after Saudi strikes on Hodeida—raising fears of renewed disruption around Bab el-Mandeb, a chokepoint carrying about 12% of global trade and a quarter of container traffic. US-Iran Tensions: Iran reported a rare night with no new U.S. strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive attacks, but analysts warn the lull doesn’t mean hostilities are over, with the Strait of Hormuz still a central flashpoint for energy flows. Beirut Building Safety: After “Black Wednesday,” Lebanon’s Cabinet tasked the High Relief Committee with surveying structurally damaged Beirut buildings to support temporary housing for residents—highlighting ongoing engineering and construction risks in war-affected areas. Lebanon Youth & Urban Design: A Minecraft-based Beirut project is helping residents, especially youth, redesign damaged public spaces using a virtual building approach supported by UN-Habitat and the Block by Block Foundation. UNESCO Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO added Lebanon’s Mount Amel Castles to its World Heritage in Danger list, alongside other regional sites, keeping cultural preservation on the industry agenda.

Strait of Hormuz shock to trade: Iran says it had a “peaceful night” with no new U.S. strikes, but the wider U.S.-Iran standoff is still driving shipping risk and energy-price volatility, with the U.S. firing on another merchant vessel trying to breach its blockade and Iran targeting U.S. assets around the Persian Gulf. Lebanon border security & contraband: Syrian authorities report seizing 700,000 Captagon pills and 40kg of hashish after foiled smuggling attempts from Lebanon, underscoring how Lebanon-linked routes keep feeding regional illicit markets. Lebanon food safety checks: Lebanon County restaurant inspections (July 25) show mostly pass results, with one Lebanon-area site cited for sanitation and food-residue issues that were corrected. Lebanon-US connectivity: Reports say the U.S. is resuming direct flights to Lebanon after a decades-long halt, a potential boost for business travel and logistics. UN anti-corruption push: The UN General Assembly special session against corruption opened in New York, with leaders warning corruption derails development and asset recovery.

UNESCO Heritage Under Fire: UNESCO added Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle and other Jabal Amel castles, plus West Bank’s Sebastia, to its World Heritage in Danger list, citing damage and ongoing threats amid the conflict. Lebanon-US Security & Sovereignty: Commentary and reporting around U.S.-brokered arrangements in southern Lebanon keep spotlighting the “pilot zone” approach and the question of whether sovereignty is measured by symbols or real state control. Shipping & Ports Pressure: With the Red Sea and Hormuz chokepoints under strain from the Iran-linked war and Houthi actions, maritime disruption risk is rising again, including reports of oil leaks and renewed efforts to police shipping lanes. Lebanon Trade/Agri Link: Iran’s Al Ruwais Port reopening is boosting fresh-produce exports to Qatar, with Lebanon named among competing exporters improving packaging and cold-chain capacity. Maritime Safety Training: Cyprus hosted Mediterranean Port State Control inspectors, including Lebanon, for cargo-securing inspections—aimed at tightening regional ship checks. Youth & Economic Outlook: A new Lebanon-focused study proposes a “Lebanese Youth Indicator” survey to flag downturn risks early by tracking young people’s expectations.

Lebanon–US Air Links: Lebanon welcomed Trump’s order for all American airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon, a move officials say could boost tourism, investment, and connectivity after decades of suspension. Regional Energy & Shipping: The Iran–US standoff kept pressure on Middle East trade routes, with CENTCOM reporting a 13th straight night of strikes on Iranian military targets while Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi tankers and warned of wider disruption around Bab el-Mandeb. Trade Policy Shock: The US also rolled out new 10–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries over forced-labour claims, adding uncertainty for import-dependent supply chains. Local Industry Watch: Lebanon’s industrial footprint shows up abroad via Pharaon Investment’s stake in Attock Cement Pakistan, while Lebanon-related logistics and energy risks remain tied to global chokepoints. Security & Economy Spillover: Markets tracked lower oil prices as Brent dipped below $100, but the shipping threat narrative kept risk premiums elevated for the region’s trade-dependent businesses.

Lebanon Customs & Security: Lebanese customs seized nearly four tons of cannabis at Beirut Port in an intelligence-led operation, intercepting the shipment before it reached scanning facilities and pointing to telecom-linked leads involving a customs broker and an anti-narcotics unit lieutenant. Healthcare Infrastructure: Construction has started on a new free-standing emergency room in Lebanon, Tennessee, a $18m project expected to add 20 jobs and cut travel time for emergencies. Energy & Regional Industry: Israel launched its fifth offshore licensing bid round, targeting new players across five exploration zones and signaling renewed competition for Eastern Mediterranean gas—an angle that matters for Lebanon’s wider energy neighborhood. Local Community Events: Lebanon’s Fireman’s Picnic returns this weekend with free live music and multiple sports tournaments, including baseball, volleyball, softball and dartball. Roadworks: INDOT announced an access closure on SR 32 near Lebanon, Indiana, tied to a roadway realignment project running into November. Regional Conflict & Shipping Costs: US strikes on Iran continue for a 13th night as Houthis claim attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, pushing oil above $100 and raising risks for global trade routes.

Lebanon Security & Reconstruction: The Lebanese Army completed deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiya (southern Nabatieh) and is running engineering surveys to prepare residents’ return after Israeli withdrawal, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam saying essential services will be restored (water, electricity, communications) and prefabricated housing prepared. Energy & Shipping Risk: The Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while the US carried out a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran, as both sides escalate threats to bridges/power plants tied to Strait of Hormuz shipping—fuel and goods prices face renewed pressure. Nuclear Deal Shockwaves: The US and Saudi Arabia announced a nuclear cooperation agreement (123 framework) that is drawing criticism over safeguards and timing amid the Iran standoff. Local Industry Watch: Lebanon’s Expo Center will keep receiving annual payments, while a separate Lebanon-related item flags the country among the world’s riskiest markets (equity risk premium at 30.9%). Business & Services (Not Lebanon, but relevant to regional trade): Automated border control is projected to surge to $10.15bn by 2035, driven by AI and biometrics—an indicator of where regional airport and border tech spending may head.

Lebanon–Israel Security Rollout: Lebanon’s army began deploying in the southern pilot area of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli withdrawal, with engineering units clearing weapons and ammunition and residents waiting for full site security; the judiciary is also studying how troops can search private property without obstruction. Red Sea Shipping Shock: Houthis warned ships against using Saudi ports, prompting tankers carrying Saudi crude to reroute toward the Suez Canal; the U.S. and Pakistan condemned the threats, raising pressure on global oil and freight flows. Strait of Hormuz Escalation: Trump reiterated a “bridge or power plant” retaliation threat for any Iranian attacks on shipping in Hormuz, while Iran warned of “eye for an eye” responses—fueling uncertainty for regional energy infrastructure and maritime trade. Energy Infrastructure Projects: Iraq and Syria moved into preparatory studies to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, with Chevron managing technical and financial aspects. Local Governance & Industry Links: A Lebanon city council motion to end its annual $100,000 payment to the Farm Bureau Expo Center failed on vote-count rules, keeping the funding in place. Finance & Risk Management: LGIS relaunched with a focus on commercial property loan insurance to help lenders manage foreclosure and concentration risk.

Southern Lebanon Security: The Lebanese Army began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh (Nabatieh) as part of US-mediated “pilot zone” operations, after Israeli forces withdrew, with residents told not to travel until security stabilizes and engineering units reportedly surveying streets for explosives. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO warned that conflict, disease outbreaks, and shrinking funding are worsening the Eastern Mediterranean health crisis, citing 30.4 million people needing help in Sudan and noting that renewed Middle East fighting and Strait of Hormuz disruptions are hitting medical supply chains. Sanctions Watch: Trump called for further sanctions on Iran, framing them as leverage in negotiations, while a separate explainer revisited when sanctions began and what could trigger lifting. Shipping & Energy Risk: Yemen’s Houthis announced a maritime embargo/blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and threatening Bab el-Mandeb, raising Red Sea shipping insurance costs and fears of wider supply disruptions. Lebanon Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Trump in Washington to push for Israeli troop withdrawal, as Saudi Arabia pledged “assistance in all areas” during a call with Aoun. Aviation Disruptions: Air France extended suspensions to/from Beirut until Aug 2 and Dubai until July 27, citing rapidly changing regional security.

Lebanon–Israel Security Rollout: The Lebanese Army began the first phase of deployment in southern “pilot zones,” entering Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh to clear roads and check for explosives after Israeli withdrawal, while residents waited to return home; IDF also reported warning shots at LAF units that crossed into a buffer area. Humanitarian & Safety: A Lebanese Red Cross convoy survived a landmine blast in Nabatieh; injuries were minor, with engineering and civil defense support. Energy & Public Services: KFAED and UNDP signed a $3m grant for solar systems in Lebanon to cut diesel reliance and stabilize electricity for priority public institutions. Aviation Connectivity: Trump said U.S. airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in 40+ years after meeting President Joseph Aoun—an economic and symbolic boost for travel and business links. Regional Shipping Risk: Houthis threatened a maritime blockade affecting Red Sea routes; oil prices rose again as Saudi crude tankers reportedly rerouted, raising costs and logistics uncertainty for the region.

Southern Lebanon Security Rollout: The Lebanese Army began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Nabatieh, as part of the first “pilot zone” under the U.S.-brokered Lebanon-Israel framework, after Israeli forces withdrew; engineering teams are sweeping for explosives and residents are urged not to return yet. Diplomacy at the Top: President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Donald Trump in Washington to press for Israeli troop withdrawal and discuss steps tied to disarming Hezbollah, with the trilateral framework expected to dominate talks. Regional Energy Shock Risks: Iran-US fighting intensified again as Iran claimed attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping while the U.S. carried out its 10th straight night of strikes; separately, Yemen’s Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi ports via Bab al-Mandeb, raising new pressure on global oil and shipping routes. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO warned that conflict, funding cuts, and disrupted supply chains are worsening the Eastern Mediterranean public health crisis, with millions needing urgent help. Healthcare & Energy Access (Non-Lebanon): Beyond2020 (Zayed Sustainability Prize) announced solar-powered health centres in India reaching 200,000+ people, highlighting how power reliability can support last-mile services.

US-Iran Escalation: The US launched another round of strikes on Iran for a 10th consecutive day, targeting sites tied to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran retaliated across the Gulf. Casualties & Regional Pressure: The Pentagon identified two US soldiers killed in Jordan (Tyler James Feehan, 25, from Hawaii; Isabella Gonzales, 19, from Texas) and said the wider death toll has climbed to at least 17. Shipping & Energy Risk: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and threatened to close Bab el-Mandeb, raising fears for Red Sea trade and global fuel flows. Lebanon Frontline: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Trump in Washington, while reports say Israeli forces are surrounding Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon tunnel networks. Local Industry Impact: War-linked disruption is hitting Lebanon’s agriculture hard, with southern farmers reporting destroyed tractors, solar projects and wells, and a harvest lost to conflict.