AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Mediation: Qatar says contacts between Washington and Tehran continue, with Doha urging an urgent negotiated settlement and warning that military escalation could disrupt shipping, communications and global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. France Visit: The Amir and President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Doha on economic, investment, security and defence cooperation during the first French presidential state visit to Qatar. Defence Cooperation: Qatar is preparing a local defence production hub and a regional partnership; a four-country agreement with Türkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia is expected to be signed on Wednesday, though its terms remain undisclosed. Lebanon Support: Qatar’s proposed energy package includes two power plants and a 20-year LNG supply deal, pending approval by both governments. Afghanistan Dialogue: Doha is hosting an international coordination meeting focused on sustained engagement and practical cooperation for the Afghan people.

Iran-US Mediation: Qatar says talks remain active behind closed doors and reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty amid attacks. Doha also warned that the conflict’s global energy impact has yet to peak. Defence and Security: Qatar signaled plans for a regional defence partnership and local production hub; Qatar and Pakistan agreed to deepen internal-security cooperation at the Global Security Forum. Strategic Ties: The Amir and Singapore’s prime minister agreed to elevate relations to a strategic partnership and renew energy cooperation. Lebanon Support: Qatar’s proposed two power plants and 20-year LNG supply deal aim to ease Lebanon’s electricity crisis. Digital Governance: The Amir ratified the creation of a National Center for AI and a digital capability training department within the communications ministry.

Defence and Security: At Doha’s Global Security Forum, Qatar said it will soon unveil a regional defence partnership and establish a local production hub, prioritising air defence, counter-drone systems and cybersecurity. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman also warned that energy disruption could worsen in the months ahead. Qatar–Singapore Ties: The Amir and Singapore’s prime minister agreed to elevate relations to a strategic partnership, renewing cooperation on liquefied natural gas and low-carbon technology. Gulf Diplomacy: French President Emmanuel Macron’s tour to secure energy supplies and strengthen defence ties is due to bring him to Qatar for talks with the Amir. Lebanon Support: Qatar is advancing an electricity plan for Lebanon, including two power plants and a long-term LNG supply deal, as Doha urges Israeli forces to withdraw. Qatar-linked Probe: Israeli media report that Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich told investigators he received hundreds of thousands of shekels for Qatar-related work that continued into 2024; he denies working for Qatar in Israel after October 7.

Defence and Security: Qatar says it will soon announce a regional defence partnership, with priorities including air defence, counter-drone systems and cybersecurity. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman also warned that energy disruptions from the Iran war could worsen in the coming months. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister spoke with UAE officials about regional developments. Doha is also helping relay indirect US-Iran contacts, as Tehran keeps a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on the table. Energy Ties: French President Emmanuel Macron is due to visit Qatar during a Gulf tour focused on fuel supplies and defence partnerships. Arrest in Doha: Bangladesh’s former air force chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan was detained in Qatar over alleged corruption and suspicious financial transactions; the investigation is ongoing.

Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister spoke with the UAE’s top diplomat about bilateral ties and regional developments, as Doha hosted Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on an official visit. Qatar also held political consultations with Norway in Oslo. Gulf Security: Qatar joined GCC foreign ministers in Manama, where the bloc condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed collective support for member states. Iran-US Talks: Qatar remains a channel for indirect negotiations, with an Iranian lawmaker saying Doha and Muscat are relaying demands as Tehran offers a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Security and Governance: Milipol Qatar opens Tuesday with more than 270 companies and a conference on AI and security. The Council of Ministers has also launched a digital infrastructure upgrade focused on system security, data protection and operational resilience. Lebanon Support: Qatar’s prime minister pledged support for Lebanon and discussed energy cooperation during his visit to Beirut, including efforts to address the country’s electricity crisis.

Singapore Visit: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived in Doha on Sunday for an official visit, accompanied by a delegation. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar says it remains committed to peace efforts despite attacks on the country, while urging stronger Gulf-led regional security. Iran says its seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was conveyed to Washington through Qatar, underscoring Doha’s role as a diplomatic channel. Lebanon Support: Qatar is advancing a plan to fund, develop and operate Lebanon’s electricity sector without upfront cost to Beirut’s treasury. Economic Pressure: Qatar’s government revenue fell 42% in the first half of 2026 as the Iran war disrupted gas exports. Legal Reform: New rules set standards for lawyers’ registration exams, non-Qatari practitioners and law firms’ websites.

Iran Mediation: Tehran says indirect talks with Washington are continuing through Qatar and Oman, with both sides’ conditions under discussion. Iran’s foreign minister also says Tehran has sent the US a seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through Qatari mediation. Lebanon Support: Qatar’s prime minister announced progress on an electricity project with Lebanon and reaffirmed Doha’s support for the country, while calling for Israeli forces to withdraw. Economic Pressure: Qatar’s government revenue fell 42% in the first half of 2026 as the Iran war disrupted gas exports, highlighting the domestic cost of regional instability. Palestinian Rights: At the UN, Qatar said restrictions on Palestinians’ access to natural resources obstruct sustainable development, and called for the Gaza ceasefire to be upheld and humanitarian aid delivered. Digital Safety: Government ministries are using Friday sermons to raise family awareness of online risks and children’s digital safety.

Lebanon Energy Deal: Qatar’s prime minister pledged support for Lebanon’s power sector, with a proposed project to raise electricity supply to 3,000 megawatts within three years and develop gas infrastructure. Doha also urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and called for implementation of UN Resolution 1701. Economic Strain: Qatar’s government revenue fell 42% in the first half, as war-related disruption to gas exports hit state finances. Worker Rights: Qatar’s labour law entitles employees required to work on a weekly rest day to a replacement day off or at least 150% of their normal daily wage. Jerusalem: Qatar joined Arab and Muslim states in condemning Colombia’s embassy opening in Jerusalem, saying it violates international resolutions and undermines a two-state solution.

Lebanon: In Beirut, Qatar’s prime minister pledged support for a Qatar-financed project to modernise Lebanon’s electricity system, including a solar plant planned with QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies. He also reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s armed forces and state institutions and called for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territory. Jerusalem: Qatar joined 18 Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Colombia’s embassy opening in Jerusalem, saying it violates UN resolutions and urging Colombia to reverse the move. Regional Diplomacy: At the UN, Qatar called for diplomacy and respect for international law, condemned attacks on regional states and urged the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. EU Ties: Shura Council Speaker Hassan Al Ghanim backed deeper Qatar-EU partnership and said parliamentary diplomacy can support mediation and ease regional tensions. Security Cooperation: Qatar’s interior minister and his Egyptian counterpart signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against crime and exchange security expertise.

Jerusalem Diplomacy: Qatar joined 18 other Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move contrary to UN resolutions and urging Bogota to reverse it. Regional Engagement: Qatar’s prime minister began an official visit to Lebanon for talks with senior officials, as Doha continues its regional diplomacy. Economic Resilience: At a New Delhi forum, Qatar’s commerce minister said strong fundamentals and investment support investor confidence; he also noted strategic food stocks have risen 40% since the regional crisis began. Trade Ties: Qatar and the UK discussed expanding trade, investment and business partnerships in a meeting between their trade ministers. Humanitarian Support: Qatar told the UN refugee agency that its support has helped more than 9.5 million displaced people and host-community members access assistance and protection. Worker Protections: Qatar’s labour law bars employers and recruiters from charging workers recruitment fees.

Economic Resilience: Qatar’s finance minister joined G20 talks in Bangkok on global shocks, energy flows and growth, stressing the need for domestic preparedness and international cooperation. The IMF, meanwhile, projects Qatar’s economy will contract 15.6% this year amid disruption to energy production and shipping through Hormuz. Regional Diplomacy: The Amir took part in the CICA summit in Baku and met Azerbaijan’s president; accounts differed on whether Qatar’s delegation left during an address by Israel’s president, though eyewitnesses said the Amir remained. Gulf-EU Ties: Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim joined GCC counterparts to coordinate priorities ahead of talks with the European Parliament, including trade, maritime security and regional stability. Jerusalem: Doha condemned Colombia’s opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, calling it a breach of international law and urging protection of the city’s status and Palestinian rights.

Investment Strategy: Qatar Investment Authority has added US growth-equity firm Activate Capital to its $3 billion Fund of Funds. Activate plans to open its first international office in Doha and invest in energy, infrastructure and digital sectors. Foreign Policy: Doha condemned Colombia’s opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, calling it a breach of international law. Qatar and Egypt also urged an end to attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions. Regional Security: Iranian maritime operations could extend beyond the Strait of Hormuz into waters off Qatar, according to officials cited by Reuters, raising concerns over shipping and energy flows. Workers’ Rights: Qatar’s Interior Ministry says employers who withhold workers’ passports after residence-permit procedures may face fines of up to QR25,000.

Digital Sovereignty: Meeza and Microsoft launched an in-country sovereign cloud service, allowing Qatar-based enterprises to run regulated workloads locally. Diplomacy: Amir Sheikh Tamim arrived in Baku for the CICA summit, while Qatar reaffirmed its UNHCR partnership, which has helped deliver support to more than 9.5 million people. Regional Security and Energy: Iran’s new tactics against ships in the Strait of Hormuz add pressure to a vital route for Qatari gas. The Amir has said the conflict disrupted LNG exports, contributing to a 42% drop in state revenue in the first half of 2026; he has also stressed that Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy does not weaken its focus on security. Gulf Relations: Qatar condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and voiced solidarity with the kingdom as regional tensions rise.

Economic Pressure: Amir Sheikh Tamim told the Shura Council that Qatar’s revenues fell 42% in the first half of 2026 as Iran-war disruptions to Hormuz shipping and damage at Ras Laffan hit energy exports. He said North Field expansion remains on schedule. Diplomacy: Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs met Poland’s foreign minister to discuss regional de-escalation; the Polish minister praised Doha’s mediation efforts. Global Role: Qatar is preparing to host next month’s ITU conference, with Communications Regulatory Authority chief Ahmad Al-Muslemani chairing the final preparatory meeting. Financial Ties: Qatar and China renewed their central-bank currency swap agreement, while the Qatar Financial Centre welcomed Canadian asset manager Fiera Capital, which is opening a Doha office.

Economic Pressures: The Amir told the Shura Council that Qatar’s government revenue fell 42% in the first half as the Iran war disrupted gas exports. He warned that Hormuz security and energy infrastructure are vital to global markets, while vowing Qatar will continue its energy expansion. Regional Security: Sheikh Tamim called Gulf security and sovereignty non-negotiable and urged closer coordination to protect maritime routes. Qatar’s prime minister also affirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and discussed de-escalation with Saudi and Kuwaiti counterparts. Mediation: At the Warsaw Security Forum, Minister of State Mohammed Al Khulaifi said mediation remains central to Qatar’s foreign policy, urging continued diplomacy on Iran and implementation of Gaza agreements. Shura Council: The council opened its new legislative session and elected committee heads, with its deputy speaker saying it will advance Qatar’s role in international parliamentary forums. Diplomatic Ties: Nigeria’s FCT minister pledged action on a court challenge to Qatar’s embassy land in Abuja and proposed cooperation on urban planning.

Qatar’s Security: Opening the Shura Council’s annual session, Amir Sheikh Tamim said Iran had violated Qatar’s sovereignty. He vowed to defend the country while pursuing dialogue and preventing a wider war, and called Gulf security a shared responsibility, with stronger protection for maritime routes and critical infrastructure. Economic Impact: The Amir said government revenue fell 42% in the first half as war damage and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz hit energy exports. Qatar’s North Field expansion remains on schedule, he said, despite the disruption to LNG supplies. Gaza and Mediation: Sheikh Tamim called the war in Gaza a genocide and said its perpetrators must be held accountable. Qatar will continue working with regional and international partners for stability and peaceful solutions.