AGP Executive Report
Last update: an hour agoStrait of Hormuz U-turn: US President Donald Trump backed away from a proposed 20% cargo fee for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying Gulf states will instead make “massive” trade and investment deals into the US, while the US blockade remains focused on Iranian ports. Regional security spillover: The shift came as the US and Iran traded fresh strikes, with Iran claiming attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan and Bahrain reporting interceptions of aerial threats. Energy market shock: The fee debate and renewed hostilities pushed oil futures higher, with Brent briefly above $85, as traders priced in supply risks and a possible return to wider conflict. Bahrain finance & digital onboarding: SICO launched fully digital investment account opening via eKey 2.0 national digital ID, enabling biometric verification and faster access to markets and funds. Housing finance milestone: Al Salam Bank completed Bahrain’s first off-plan social housing financing transaction under the GLDP, highlighting quick approvals and no down-payment features. Corporate recognition & talent: Zain Bahrain was named among Al Bilad’s Top 50 strongest companies, while BCFC kicked off its “Bidaya” 2026 summer internship programme.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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