AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Deadlock: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN the “choice” to end the war rests with Washington, as Tehran pushes a seven-day Hormuz reopening roadmap tied to lifting the US naval blockade, easing sanctions, and restarting nuclear talks. Trump Pushback: Trump rejected the ceasefire and says bombing could resume after the November midterms, despite reports of phased talks. Nuclear Offer Twist: Iran also floated a plan to dilute and transfer its 60% enriched uranium to a third party under IAEA-recognized mechanisms. Regional Pressure: Iran warned neighbors that aviation sanctions could disrupt regional air travel, while US sanctions have already shut routes to Iraq’s Najaf. Proxy Landscape: Analysis says Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” is being reconfigured as Hezbollah is degraded, while Houthis and some Iraqi militias keep operating. Lebanon/Israel: Lebanon’s officials reiterated demands for Israeli withdrawal to 1949 lines amid continued strikes. Palestine/West Bank: Reports describe renewed resistance operations and Israeli settler/raid escalation. Diplomacy & Sanctions: Iran accused the EU and NATO-linked bases of actively supporting the war, as legal and political pressure grows over Israel-related arms and sanctions. Energy Fallout: Oil slid on truce hopes, but diesel spikes are squeezing farmers in the US Southwest. Sports as Protest: Ireland players face pressure over an Israel match as protests over Gaza continue.

US-Iran Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s UN envoy Abbas Araghchi says Tehran has a “seven-day” plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear talks if the US lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and agrees to a ceasefire that includes Lebanon—while Iran’s president tells reporters the US must choose whether to end the war. Energy Markets: Oil prices eased as traders weighed possible Hormuz talks against ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and lingering supply fears. Sanctions Hit Aviation: Iran warns neighbours that if US aviation sanctions keep Iranian flights grounded, “no country” in the region will be able to fly—after Iraq’s Najaf, Erbil, Al-Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk airports suspended or halted flights to Iran. Regional Security & Politics: Iran’s Araghchi also told Russia’s Lavrov Tehran is “determined” to defend its security and prevent US misuse of Hormuz; meanwhile, US-China talks included a warning that China helping Iran is unacceptable. Gaza Developments: The IDF said it killed two Hamas operatives in Gaza airstrikes, citing violations of a ceasefire. UN & Protest Scene: Pro-Palestine protests in New York saw arrests of Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder during Netanyahu’s UN address. Turkey Watch: Turkey probes alleged unauthorized searches in its financial intelligence system, including activity involving Erdoğan, as raids expand. Sports & Boycott Pressure: Irish midfielder Jason Knight urged stopping Ireland’s Israel qualifier amid Gaza-linked boycott calls. Humanitarian/Local Impact: A fuel tank blast near the Iraq-Iran border killed two workers in Iraqi Kurdistan.

UNGA Showdowns: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of “one of the most dangerous phases” for Palestinians, accusing Israel of “genocidal war” in Gaza and settlement-driven “fragmentation” in the West Bank, while the Palestinian delegation was blocked from entering the US after Washington denied visas. Iran-US War Powers & Diplomacy: The US Senate narrowly rejected a Democratic-led resolution to curb Trump’s Iran war powers, as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox it’s “up to” the US to end the war; meanwhile Russia’s Lavrov and Iran’s Araqchi said only diplomacy can end the crisis. Hormuz Pressure Point: Oil markets wobbled as talks explored a phased path to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift Iran’s blockade; Iran also issued a short “clock” to Washington over Hormuz. Regional Fallout: The UAE suspended flights by Iranian airlines, citing US sanctions, while Iran warned the conflict could expand toward the Indian Ocean. UNGA Israel Backlash: Netanyahu delivered a combative UN speech as delegates walked out, calling critics “moral cowards,” and Turkey rejected his “baseless accusations” about hosting Hamas leaders. China Angle: Xi urged US-Iran negotiations and regular high-level contact, as reporting highlights Chinese dual-use shipments feeding Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Other Middle East Signals: Pakistan said it struck 10 drone-related targets in Afghanistan after attacks from Afghan territory.

UNGA Showdown: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed Tehran would never “bend at the knee” after Trump floated “annihilation,” accusing the US of “terrorism” and saying trust in diplomacy is dead after Iran was bombed while talks were underway. Sanctions & Pressure: India and the US discussed possible sanctions on states that keep economic ties with Russia and Iran, as Washington expands Iran-focused measures and tightens aviation and finance pressure. Hormuz & Energy Stakes: Iran warned it could expand the war to the Indian Ocean if attacks resume, while China urged both Iran and the US to restore calm in the Persian Gulf. Gulf Financial Moves: The UAE barred Iran’s Bank Melli from Gulf transactions, citing money-laundering and terrorism-financing concerns. West Bank Violence: Israel’s US ambassador’s son Neria Leiter was critically injured in a ramming attack near Ramallah, with Hamas praising the attack. Afghanistan-Pakistan Escalation: Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, Paktia and Khost, killing four civilians, after drone incursions; Kabul condemned the strikes. Turkey-Iraq Security: Turkey agreed to gradually hand over the Bashiqa base near Mosul to Iraq, alongside steps to restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar.

UNGA Iran-US standoff: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian hit back at Donald Trump at the UN, saying Tehran will not “bow” to pressure or threats of “annihilation,” while still keeping diplomacy open—after the US delegation walked out. Mediated talks & Hormuz conditions: US special envoy Steve Witkoff said indirect talks with Iran were “constructive,” but both sides remain far apart; Iran’s conditions reportedly include ending the US naval blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Escalation risks: Iran warned it could disrupt neighboring airports that restrict Iranian flights, as new US aviation sanctions take effect. Security flashpoint: An IRGC commander was killed in clashes with gunmen near the Iran-Pakistan border, according to Iranian media. Energy markets: Oil prices edged lower after a prior surge, with traders weighing Iran’s diplomacy signals against ongoing war risks. Regional diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov discussed the Persian Gulf situation with the Arab League chief, while Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is pushing to de-escalate the US-Iran war. Humanitarian & culture: FIFA launched new youth football pitches in the West Bank, aiming to create safe spaces for Palestinian children.

UNGA Diplomacy: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York for the General Assembly as Washington and Tehran trade threats and signals of talks, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reporting “very good” three-hour meetings and Iran insisting it is only conveying its existing conditions. Strait of Hormuz: Tehran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days if the US eases military pressure, lifts its blockade, and releases frozen assets; meanwhile a cargo vessel was hit in the strait, leaving it on fire and adrift. Sanctions & Aviation: The UAE Central Bank moves against Bank Melli Iran over compliance violations, while new US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector take effect, with flights to Baghdad and Muscat reportedly cancelled. Gaza & Hamas: Israel says it killed Hamas finance chief Mohammed Abu Alwan in Khan Younis as Gaza strikes continue despite a ceasefire framework. West Bank Politics: US Senate Democrats plan sanctions tied to Israel’s E1 settlement project, as Jordan’s King Abdullah warns Israel’s policies are undermining Palestinian statehood. Regional Fallout: Syria’s al-Sharaa tells Axios Israel must change course, and Iran’s military dismisses Trump’s “annihilation” rhetoric as propaganda. Markets: Oil and gold swing on US-Iran talk hopes, with Brent sliding below $100 and regional stocks responding to easing supply fears.

US-Iran Diplomacy Under Pressure: Trump told Gulf leaders at the UNGA that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a “very good” three-hour meeting with Iranian mediators, saying talks have “momentum” toward a deal, while warning the US could strike Iranian nuclear sites if activity is detected, including the “Pickaxe Mountain” facility. UN Ultimatum: In his UN speech, Trump framed the choice as “deal” or “annihilation,” and said he expects an agreement after US midterms. Hormuz and Oil Fallout: Iran signaled it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within about a week if the US eases military pressure and lifts a blockade, as markets reacted with Brent slipping below $100 amid shifting expectations. US Casualties: The Pentagon added one more US death to its Iran-war tally, bringing the public total to 19. Gaza Ceasefire Push: Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, UAE and others urged Israel to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and enable safe, unhindered aid delivery, warning against displacement. Regional Warning: Jordan’s King Abdullah warned Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat. Strait Incident: An explosion was reported near Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to heightened maritime tension.

Iran-U.S. UN diplomacy: Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the U.S. eases military pressure and lifts its blockade, with talks to be discussed via mediators during the UN General Assembly in New York; Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian is set to address the UNGA while Tehran signals no direct Trump meeting is planned. Hormuz pressure & markets: Gulf stocks closed mixed as investors watched UN developments; oil dipped below $100 a barrel on hopes of diplomacy, even as Iran warns of retaliation if the U.S. escalates. Aviation sanctions fight: Iran insists its airlines are still operating normally despite new U.S. threats to shut down Iranian carriers worldwide from Sept. 23, while Washington pushes wider restrictions. Regional security: G7 foreign ministers urged Iran to stop arming and supporting Yemen’s Houthis, warning attacks threaten shipping and global stability. Israel-Gaza escalation: Netanyahu says he will “tell the truth” at the UN about Israel’s actions, as Israel’s defense minister warns of mass evacuation plans for Gaza City if another Israeli is abducted. Turkey violence: A gunman opened fire outside a high school in western Turkey, wounding at least five to 11 people depending on reports, with the suspect detained.

US-Iran Escalation: Treasury chief Scott Bessent says all Iranian airlines will be “shut down around the world” from Sept. 23, warning foreign firms with secondary sanctions if they fuel, service, or sell tickets for the carriers. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s IRGC warns the war is “not over” and vows to “change the geography” with new weapons and targets if the US escalates, as UK maritime authorities report another tanker hit in the Strait, injuring two crew. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Qatar says it’s facilitating a short-term US-Iran understanding to restart talks, while Iran says reopening Hormuz depends on US commitments and conditions delivered via mediators. Regional Spillover: Iran-backed Houthis keep up pressure on Saudi Arabia and shipping, raising the stakes for Gulf mediation as the UN General Assembly approaches. Sanctions and Finance: US prosecutors file a civil forfeiture case targeting about $61m in crypto tied to alleged Binance-linked laundering connected to Iranian oil sales. Politics and Cost of War: Two Republican Senate candidates call for a swift end to the Iran war amid fuel-price pain, signaling political fallout in the US. Other Middle East: Iran recalls striker Sardar Azmoun to the national team after a controversial omission.

Iran-US Tensions: Iran’s IRGC says it has shot down a US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz and warns it is ready for long-term conflict, vowing to “change the geography of the war” and use new weapons if the US attacks again. Hormuz Shipping Shock: UKMTO reports a projectile hit a tanker in the Strait, injuring two crew members, as Hormuz traffic drops sharply and more vessels are rerouted. Diplomacy Under Pressure: US UN envoy Mike Waltz says the “door is open” for Iran to return to talks, while Iran says it has set conditions for reopening Hormuz. UNGA Friction: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation faces US visa restrictions for parts of its team ahead of UN General Assembly talks. Arab League on Holy Sites: The Arab League condemns Israeli raids and settler actions around Al-Aqsa, calling for protection of Jerusalem’s holy status. Afghanistan-Pakistan Escalation: Pakistan says airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 28 militants; Kabul reports at least three civilian deaths, with Taliban officials condemning the strikes. Afghan Health Drive: Afghanistan launches a nationwide polio vaccination campaign targeting more than 12.7 million children under five. Turkey Climate Push: Turkey unveils an AI energy pledge ahead of COP31, linking AI growth to clean power goals. Palestine in Sports: Palestine makes its Asian Games debut in baseball, losing 12-0 to the Philippines.

US-Iran Escalation: Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command warned the US against any new strikes, promising “continuous, effective and painful” retaliation on American bases and interests, while US embassies issued heightened security alerts for Americans across the region. Diplomacy for a Pause: Qatar said its mediators have been shuttling for nearly two weeks to restart US-Iran talks, with Iran’s foreign minister set for a brief Doha stop before the UN General Assembly. Talks Terms: Iran’s leadership reiterated it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met, including ending the war, releasing frozen funds, and lifting the naval blockade. UN Stage: US envoy Mike Waltz said there’s no timeline for ending the war, as Trump signaled he may meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at UNGA. Regional Spillover: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are intensifying the wider conflict, adding pressure to any US-Iran de-escalation. France-Iran Rift: Tehran shut a French language center tied to the French embassy; Paris vowed to summon Iran’s ambassador and respond. Palestinian/West Bank: Israeli forces raided Tulkarm and placed a Muslim shrine under the Israeli Antiquities Authority, drawing Palestinian condemnation.

US-Iran Tensions: Iran’s top military command says it has intelligence the US plans to resume strikes, warning of “painful” retaliation and calling any regional backers complicit. Negotiations via Qatar: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Iran has conveyed its conditions to Washington through mediators and insists the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen unless US commitments are met. Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s stance is firm: no return to the old framework and no shipping reopening until demands are accepted. US Warning: The US State Department urges Americans not to travel to Iran and warns of possible escalation tied to Houthi attacks on Saudi targets. Regional Spillover: Reuters reports Houthis claimed strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu amid the wider Middle East flare-up. US Domestic Politics: In Washington, a War Powers Resolution effort gains support to curb Trump’s authority for an open-ended Iran war. EU-Israel-Gaza: EU Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Suica met Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar on EU-Israel ties and Gaza early recovery, with member states split on Israel policy. Turkey-Saudi Defense: Turkey says it will support Saudi Arabia under the Mecca defense pact but won’t join direct Yemen fighting. Afghanistan Drug Crackdown: Afghan authorities arrested 60 suspects and seized 29 kg of narcotics across multiple provinces. Sports: Iran won men’s basketball bronze at the Asian Games; Salah starred as Trabzonspor beat Galatasaray 4-0.

Iran-US Talks Under Pressure: Iran says it has sent seven conditions to the US via Qatar to restart negotiations, including ending the war on all fronts, releasing frozen funds and lifting the naval blockade, while warning of “decisive war” if Washington rejects the demands. US Travel Alerts: The US issued heightened security alerts across Middle East diplomatic missions, warning of possible flight disruptions and escalation risks tied to Iran-backed threats. UNGA Diplomacy Looms: With Trump cutting short Camp David and Iran pushing its terms ahead of UN General Assembly talks, the region braces for a high-stakes diplomatic week. Turkey-Iran Economic Pressure: Turkey revoked the operating license of Iran’s Bank Mellat’s Istanbul branch as US sanctions pressure tightens. Saudi-Houthi Fallout: Turkey says it could help meet Saudi military needs under a trilateral defence pact as Houthis continue attacks affecting regional security and shipping. Gaza/West Bank Spotlight in Public Life: Ed Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia amid pro-Palestine protests and renewed calls to boycott his tour, while Israel’s president cleared the criminal record of a soldier convicted of killing a wounded Palestinian. Energy Squeeze: Iran war disruptions keep diesel prices soaring, with the Strait of Hormuz still under strain.

US-Iran War Costs & Casualties: The Pentagon says the Iran war has cost $45.1 billion so far, with $43.6b in core wartime spending, while reports claim US deaths are higher than the Pentagon’s public tally, fueling fresh political backlash. Red Sea Pressure & Shipping Disruptions: China has asked Iran to use its influence over the Houthis to curb attacks in the Red Sea after Saudi appeals, as Pakistan and Iran also stress “uninterrupted energy supplies” and safe passage of ships amid Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab deadlocks. Israel-Lebanon Escalation: After an explosion injured two Israeli soldiers, Israel carried out strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, warning it was a response to the blast. Iran Domestic Strain: Iran’s interior ministry warns inflation and price spikes are being driven by hostile propaganda, even as shortages—especially medicines—worsen under sanctions and shipping limits. Diplomatic Friction: Iran ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave within 48 hours in a reciprocal move after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official. Israel West Bank Clampdown: Israel sealed the last road into a West Bank village, isolating 47 families for a fifth day. Turkey Rights & Crackdowns: Human rights groups protested Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown in Washington, while Turkey also jailed executives over alleged produce price manipulation and faced renewed Council of Europe calls to free jailed Kurdish politicians.

US-Iran Sanctions Push: Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding sanctions and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on top Russian oil and gas buyers, while extending Iran sanctions. UN Deadlock on Iran Monitoring: China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council move to extend the Iran sanctions panel, keeping the monitoring fight stuck. Turkey Tightens Financial Net: Turkey’s banking regulator revoked Mellat Bank’s Istanbul operating license under pressure tied to Iran-linked financial activity. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s IRGC again claimed attacks on tankers and warned vessels against “illegal” passage as shipping traffic stays low. Escalation vs Talks: Trump said “we’ll see” on possible further action, while JD Vance heads to US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan. Cost of the War: The US military put the Iran war’s price tag at $43.6 billion, as reports also claim Pentagon casualty figures may be undercounted. Iran Mobilization: Hundreds of thousands rallied in Tehran for volunteer defense drills, signaling a long, hard posture. Regional Ripples: UN chief Guterres regretted US visa denials to Palestinian leader Abbas ahead of the UN General Assembly.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s IRGC says it stopped and fired on a Togo-flagged tanker, the Trend, after an “illegal” attempt to transit Hormuz, warning any unauthorized passage could be met with destruction. Shipping Disruption: Strait traffic fell again, with only a handful of commodity vessels crossing, while Bab el-Mandeb also saw reduced movement amid Yemen’s Red Sea escalation. UN War-Crimes Row: A UN fact-finding mission says there are “reasonable grounds” the US committed war crimes in February strikes on an Iranian school and sports complex; Iran’s deputy foreign minister calls them “clear war crimes,” while the White House rejects the findings. Regional Diplomacy: South Korea’s president ruled out troop deployment or military involvement in the Iran war, allowing only minimal steps to protect navigation and commercial shipping. Arab League & Yemen: The Arab League condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif, warning it threatens Saudi security and regional stability. Palestine Politics: The Philippines urged Israel to avoid actions that undermine a future Palestinian state, citing the E1 settlement plan and settler violence. Turkey Crackdown: Turkey detained 175 suspects in raids targeting an Israel-linked fraud network accused of fake forex and crypto investment schemes. US Domestic Pressure: A Fox News poll found 71% of US voters oppose the Iran war and say Trump lacks a clear strategy to end it.