AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Deal Watch: After 108 days of war, Washington and Tehran announced a preliminary framework to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a memorandum of understanding expected in Geneva on Friday; the text is still unclear, and Israel says it will not withdraw from Lebanon’s security zones. Maritime Security: Separate skiff attacks were reported off Yemen—one near the coast and another in the Gulf of Aden area—raising fresh piracy concerns. Humanitarian & Rights: A new global report says attacks on education jumped by more than 40% in 2025, with Yemen among the countries seeing high harm to students and staff. Yemen Health Support: 25 Yemeni nurses and health workers are set for specialized training in Pakistan under an OIC-backed program. Local Tragedy: Yemen’s viral “Spider-Man” climber, Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, died after falling into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater during a stunt without safety equipment. Nuclear Safety: A wide coalition of states condemned a drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant and warned of serious risks.

Yemen Humanitarian & Safety: Yemen’s “Spider-Man of Yemen,” Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar (30), died after falling about 120 meters into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Dhale while climbing near-vertical rock without safety gear; Civil Defense said divers recovered his body after a complex four-hour rescue. Mine Action: KSrelief’s Masam project cleared 2,045 mines and unexploded ordnance items across Yemen in the second week of June, bringing June totals to 2,843 and the project’s overall removals to 567,182. Education Under Pressure: A new global report says attacks on education rose more than 40% in 2024-2025, with Yemen among the hardest hit for students and staff harmed. Regional Shock to Yemen-linked Trade: With Strait of Hormuz disruptions, India’s basmati rice and tea shipments to West Asia—including Yemen—have stalled, adding pressure to already fragile livelihoods. Diplomacy & Yemen’s Red Sea Stakes: The US-Iran framework for reopening Hormuz and ending hostilities is moving toward a Geneva signing, but analysts warn the fragile ceasefire could still crack—raising risks for Yemen’s maritime routes.

Yemen Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for malaria in Yemen, warning that cases are spreading into areas previously seen as low-risk—an urgent heads-up for travelers and aid workers. Humanitarian Pressure: A UN report warns Yemen faces an escalating humanitarian crisis as Houthi regional involvement and funding shortfalls deepen needs, with women and girls among the hardest hit. Local Life in Yemen: In Hodeida, a Yemen Petroleum Company branch held a lottery to distribute 90 land plots to families of martyrs from its workforce. Sports & Community: Hajjah welcomed a group of long-distance walkers from Hodeida who completed a 20-day on-foot journey across several governorates under a “Determination That Refuses Defeat” slogan. Tragic Yemen Story: Social media’s “Spider-Man of Yemen,” Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, died after falling into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Dhale during a climb without safety gear.

Humanitarian Crisis: A new WHO-backed UN report warns Yemen’s situation will worsen as the Houthis deepen involvement in the regional war alongside Iran while humanitarian funding keeps shrinking. It says 450 health facilities, including 76 hospitals, have shut down, and renewed escalation could trigger more displacement and damage to ports and storage. Public Health: Yemen’s dengue outbreak is accelerating, with 18 deaths and more than 4,800 infections recorded since January, as the health system struggles under war and resource collapse. Energy & Daily Life: Marib residents report severe summer power cuts, with outages lasting up to 12 hours in some areas, raising health risks and complaints about local service management. Aid Access & Rights: A separate UN-linked report says Houthi authorities have carried out a sustained crackdown on humanitarian workers and civic actors, including raids, abductions, and intimidation. Regional Deal: Saudi Arabia and Yemen signed a $150 million petroleum derivatives agreement to supply fuel for power plants across governorates, aiming to stabilize electricity generation. Migration: IOM reports 83,835 African migrants arrived in Yemen in 2026 so far, with May seeing the lowest monthly arrivals. Local Incident: Yemen’s civil defense recovered the body of “Spider-Man of Yemen” climber Al-Qa‘qa after he fell into the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater.

Yemen Humanitarian Under Attack: A new report says Houthi authorities have carried out a sustained wave of abductions, arbitrary detention, and intimidation against humanitarian workers and civil society across Houthi-controlled areas since June 2024, aiming to restrict independent civic and aid activity. UN Staff Detained: Yemen’s deputy foreign minister met a UN envoy office director, rejecting Security Council and UN chief statements tied to detained UN staff and warning that pressure could harm relations and trust. Power Crisis in Marib: Residents in Marib’s occupied areas face worsening electricity shortages, with outages reportedly lasting over 12 hours in stretches, raising health fears during summer heat. Protests Across Yemen: Mass rallies in Sana’a, Raymah, Bayda and other governorates after Friday prayers backed the “Resistance Axis,” endorsing Yemen’s stance on Gaza, Lebanon, and renewed pressure on Iran-related regional tensions. Volcano Death in Al Dhale: Famous Yemeni “Arab Spiderman” Al-Qa’qa’ bin Antar died after falling into the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater; rescue efforts and recovery were captured on video. Local Governance & Health: A medicinal honey conference committee met Yemen’s medicines authority to plan cooperation on local production, research links, and regulation. Security in Aden: Yemeni political circles warn of possible extremist resurgence in southern provinces after incidents including the killing of a Syrian doctor and an ammunition depot explosion.

Yemen Protests & Resistance Mobilization: After Friday prayers, mass rallies swept Sana’a and multiple governorates (Raymah, Bayda, Dhamar, Amran, Hajjah, Sa’ada, Al-Dhale’, and others), with crowds chanting “Our Field is One, Our Enemy is One” and backing Yemen’s military stance against Israel and its allies, while condemning attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. UN Humanitarian Alarm: The UN chief renewed calls for the release of UN and humanitarian staff held by the Houthis in Yemen, saying 73 remain arbitrarily detained and one detainee has died. Women & Girls Under Strain: UNFPA warns Yemen’s “forgotten crisis” is worsening for women and girls, citing rising malnutrition, limited healthcare, and protection risks amid funding shortfalls. Maritime/Regional Tensions: As US-Iran talks for an interim Hormuz deal move forward amid conflicting signals, the wider region remains on edge over renewed escalation that could hit trade routes. Accident in Al-Dhale’: Yemeni climber and viral daredevil “Al-Qa‘qa’” died after falling into the Haradha Damt volcanic crater; Civil Defense said specialized rescue teams are involved in recovery efforts.

US-Iran Escalation Watch: The US launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for a downed American helicopter, while Iran retaliated against regional states hosting US troops—raising fresh fears the fragile ceasefire could crack. Yemen & Red Sea Pressure: With Houthis threatening to block Israeli shipping through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, the region’s trade routes remain on edge, and global supply chains face renewed disruption risk. Ceasefire Deal Uncertainty: Trump says a “great settlement” is close and may be signed soon, but Iran’s officials urge caution, with details of any memorandum still unclear—especially around sanctions, uranium, and missile limits. Humanitarian Fallout: The Iran war’s spillover is worsening hunger and costs worldwide, with the World Food Programme warning severe food insecurity could threaten hundreds of millions, including Yemen where imports are vital. Yemen Security Incident: In Aden, a shooting outside the residence of the city’s governor killed four, including a soldier and a Syrian couple, as authorities launched a pursuit. Global Conflict Snapshot: A new PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit the highest level since WWII, with the Middle East among the hardest-hit regions.

Yemen Humanitarian Aid: Nearly 500,000 displaced Yemenis have received EU-funded emergency cash assistance, with support covering food, rent, healthcare, debt and education, while a linked “Amal” program aims to move families toward training and small business support. Aden Security: An explosion at a Yemen military camp in Aden killed 12 soldiers, underscoring how violence keeps hitting civilians and services even as regional diplomacy struggles. Houthis Detention: The UN urged the release of personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis, including 73 staff still held, as rights groups warn humanitarian work is being targeted. Regional War Spillover: The wider Iran-U.S.-Israel escalation is worsening global food and fuel pressures, with the World Bank cutting growth forecasts and warning developing countries face deeper shocks—conditions that feed Yemen’s already fragile economy. Shipping Risks Near Yemen: Attacks and threats around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes are disrupting trade and raising the stakes for Yemen’s ports and coastal security.

Yemen Security: A blast at a pro-government military camp in Aden killed 12 soldiers, with early reports pointing to an electrical short circuit that triggered explosions in an ammunition storage area. Houthi Detentions: The UN chief renewed calls for the immediate release of 73 UN and humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis, saying one staff member has died in custody and others are held incommunicado, warning the arrests violate international law and cripple aid in Yemen. Red Sea Shipping: UKMTO reported a brief exchange of fire off Yemen after an armed craft approached a cargo vessel; the incident adds to rising maritime risks as the Houthis intensify threats tied to the wider Middle East conflict. Diplomacy & Yemen’s Role: Yemen’s foreign ministry condemned repeated US aggression against Iran, warning it could push the region toward wider war and harm global trade and oil markets. Humanitarian Context: UNHCR said forced displacement fell for the first time in a decade, but 117.8 million people remain displaced worldwide—an ongoing pressure point for Yemen’s already strained humanitarian situation.

UN Humanitarian Pressure: UN chief Antonio Guterres renewed calls for the immediate release of 73 UN and NGO personnel detained by the Houthis in Yemen, marking two years of detention and noting one UN staffer has died in custody. UN Yemen Talks: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg wrapped a new Military Coordination Committee round in Amman, focusing on ceasefire planning, maritime security, and tension reduction, with plans to bring all three delegations—including the Houthis—into the next phase. Maritime Security Near Yemen: UKMTO reported an attempted piracy-style approach near Balhaf in the Gulf of Aden, where armed men in a small boat exchanged fire with a cargo ship’s security team before disengaging; no injuries were reported. Red Sea Shipping Tensions: The same period saw renewed warnings and incidents tied to the wider Red Sea risk environment, as Houthis signal pressure on shipping routes. Food Security Fallout: A UN-linked warning highlighted that the Iran war is worsening global hunger and food insecurity, with spillover effects reaching Yemen and beyond.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for an American helicopter crash, as Iran fired back at regional countries hosting U.S. troops, threatening to derail talks. Red Sea Pressure on Yemen: With Houthis warning of renewed attacks and a Red Sea shipping squeeze, Yemen’s coast remains a flashpoint for wider regional war spillover. Gulf of Aden Attacks: UKMTO reported cargo-ship guards exchanged fire with armed men in a small boat off Yemen’s coast near Balhaf; the attackers turned away. Humanitarian Fallout in Yemen: UN-linked reporting warns Houthi “espionage” charges and detentions against aid workers are disrupting relief, worsening food insecurity. Food Insecurity Warning: IPC snapshots cited millions in Yemen facing crisis or emergency hunger levels, with families forced into extreme coping. Energy Support for Yemen: Saudi Arabia and Yemen signed a $150 million petroleum derivatives deal to keep power plants running across governorates. Hodeidah Frontline: Heavy clashes were reported in Hodeidah, reigniting fighting along a key, long-stalled front.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. launched “self-defence strikes” on Iran after President Trump blamed Tehran for shooting down an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz; Central Command called it a “proportional response,” while Iran warned foreign forces to leave the area and said it would resume action if attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon continue. Yemen Frontline: Yemen’s Houthis remain tied to the wider regional fight—Saudi said a missile launched from Yemen was heading toward a “regional country” before deviating and landing near the border, and reporting notes the Houthis have threatened to expand pressure from the Red Sea toward Bab al-Mandab. Yemen Governance & Economy: Sana’a rolled out a unified government website for key ministries, while the Economy Ministry launched a new website and trademark examination system; social insurance began June 2026 pension payments, and local authorities in Hodeida, Bayda, and Dhamar pushed economic and credit projects to support livelihoods and investment. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns the Iran war is worsening hunger and aid delivery worldwide, with supply disruptions and higher costs hitting vulnerable populations.

Red Sea Shipping Crisis: Yemen’s Houthis announced a “complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation through the Red Sea, warning Israeli-linked activity would be treated as a military target and raising fears of wider disruption to Bab al-Mandeb and global trade. Iran–Israel Ceasefire Under Strain: After a fresh flare-up of missile and air strikes, Iran and Israel said they paused attacks for now, but both warned retaliation could resume if provoked, as Trump pushed for an “immediate” stop to fighting. Lebanon Front Still Hot: The latest exchange was tied to Israel’s strikes in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, with Iran signaling Lebanon remains part of any deal. Global Conflict Record: A new PRIO report says 2025 saw 65 state-based conflicts worldwide—the highest since 1946—highlighting how overlapping wars are driving violence to unprecedented levels.

Red Sea & Yemen: The Houthis (Ansar Allah) declared a Red Sea blockade for Israeli ships, saying any Israeli vessel will be treated as a military target and warning they may escalate if Israel, the US, or Iran widen the conflict. Saudi-Yemen missile incident: Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry said a ballistic missile launched from Yemen failed, veered off due to technical issues, and landed near the Saudi-Yemeni border; it also denied claims that Prince Sultan Air Base was targeted. Hodeida local developments: In Hodeida, residents launched the third phase of the “al-Aqsa Flood” campaign in Jabal Ras, while the governorate opened bids for milk collection centers in al-Zaydiyah and Bajil. Regional war risk: Across the region, Israel-Iran tensions flared again after strikes tied to Lebanon, with both sides signaling pauses while warning retaliation if attacks resume; the renewed fighting also pushed food insecurity concerns higher, with the UN food agency warning millions face hunger as prices and trade disruptions worsen.

Red Sea Escalation: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis declared a “complete and total ban” on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, saying Israeli-linked vessels are legitimate military targets, after claiming a missile attack on Israel that was intercepted. Israel-Iran Crossfire: Israel and Iran traded strikes again after the April ceasefire, with Israel hitting air-defense and a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr and Iran firing ballistic missiles toward Israel; the fighting is expected to last days and raise fears of a wider regional war. Ceasefire Strain & US Pressure: US President Donald Trump urged both sides to immediately stop “shooting,” as diplomats race to salvage talks and the renewed exchange threatens to unravel the fragile truce. Global Fallout: Oil prices jumped nearly 5% as markets priced in possible disruptions to Middle East energy and shipping routes, with the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab now under fresh threat.

UN & Rights in Yemen: Human rights groups are again pressing Houthi authorities to release UN and NGO staff detained in Yemen, warning of torture risks and lack of access to legal help and families. Security in Yemen: A senior commander in Yemen’s National Resistance forces, Yahya Wuhaysh, was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Hodeidah, underscoring widening security gaps even in areas claimed by the internationally recognized government. Houthi-Iran-Israel escalation: The Houthis publicly backed Iran’s missile operation against Israel, saying the “axis of resistance” is coordinating and warning against escalation. Regional war pressure: Israel reported intercepting multiple Iranian missile barrages and tightened civil defense rules, while armed groups across the region issued threats tied to any US intervention. Humanitarian & health: A major pediatric cardiac camp in Taiz treated 110 children for free, supported by Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent. Local governance & services: Sana’a officials inspected work discipline at cement and oil institutions after Eid, while port authorities in Hodeidah reviewed cargo handling and staffing. Education & culture: Qatar Foundation launched the accreditation framework for its Rasekh initiative, linking international schooling with Arabic language and local identity. Civilian harm in Yemen: In Amran, a child was killed after a hand grenade left from Houthi festivities exploded.