AGP Executive Report

US Sanctions Push Against ISIS Finance: The U.S. Treasury and State Department designated a Lagos-based Nigerian money facilitator, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, and froze assets tied to three Nigerian bureaux de change, plus other figures and firms across France, Syria and Türkiye, alleging they helped ISIS move funds across borders. Lebanon Border Repair Delayed: Lebanon’s Aboudieh/Dabbousieh crossing rehabilitation is stuck in slow administrative steps after bids were opened, with months of reviews and approvals still ahead before work can start. Syria Accountability Watch: Syria’s Interior Ministry arrested a former Assad-era brigadier general over alleged corruption and wartime abuses in Daraa, signaling a push to treat financial crimes as part of transitional justice. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Syria held renewed talks after a dispute over Syria’s Cairo diplomatic mission names was resolved, with plans for a second senior-level government meeting to boost trade. Southern Lebanon After Ceasefire: France’s Macron is seeking a new international force for southern Lebanon as UNIFIL’s mandate ends, while U.S.-mediated Lebanon-Israel talks are set to resume in Washington. Damascus Daily News Focus: ISIS financing crackdowns and Lebanon-Syria border and diplomacy dominate this week’s Syria-linked developments.

UN/Southern Syria: A UN official says Syria’s Sweida reintegration roadmap has stalled, with no progress on the September 2025 confidence plan after July 2025 sectarian violence; kidnappings and faction rivalries are still undermining security and even blocking national exams. Lebanon Non-Intervention: President Ahmed al-Sharaa again rejects any Syrian military intervention in Lebanon against Hezbollah, saying Syria will focus on ending the war, calming tensions, and strengthening Lebanese state institutions. UN Security Council: Syria’s UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi tells the Security Council Israel is the main obstacle to stability, citing continued Israeli incursions and warning that Netanyahu’s refusal to withdraw undermines US-brokered regional understandings. US-Iran Talks Impacting Syria: The US and Iran concluded a first Switzerland round with a 60-day roadmap and a Lebanon deconfliction mechanism, but Israel’s continued Lebanon posture and southern Syria activity keep the region tense. Terror Finance Crackdown: The US Treasury sanctions ISIS facilitators, including a Syrian-linked figure and firms in Turkey, targeting networks moving money across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa. Health/Regulation: Syria is moving ahead with plans for a national pharmaceutical authority, with Jordan’s technical support, to regulate medicines to international standards. Humanitarian/Refugees: UN-backed Human Security Awards went to a Syria resettlement support program, while Saudi aid figures show $23.7B in humanitarian assistance for refugees and displaced people worldwide.

Lebanon-Syria Ties: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ruled out any military intervention in Lebanon and said Damascus is ready for dialogue with Hezbollah if it serves Lebanon’s interests, easing fears in Beirut after Trump’s remarks. Diplomacy in Motion: Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam praised Sharaa’s “fraternal and frank” stance in a call with Syria’s foreign minister, while US-Iran talks in Switzerland reported “encouraging progress” with a roadmap toward a 60-day deal and a Lebanon de-confliction mechanism. Sanctions Pressure: The US imposed fresh sanctions on Hezbollah-aligned Lebanese officials and a business network tied to Alaa Hassan Hamieh, accusing them of undermining Lebanese state authority. Security Fallout: An airstrike in northern Idlib killed Sami al-Uraydi, a prominent Al-Qaeda ideologue and founder of Hurras al-Din. Humanitarian/Return: Syrian Airlines says it will launch the first Damascus–Amsterdam flight in early July, as reports also note rising numbers of Syrians returning home from Jordan. Regional Economy: Iraq’s dinar hit a new low amid the Iran war’s impact on oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanon-Syria Tensions: Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Damascus will not escalate militarily in Lebanon over Hezbollah, but left the door open to dialogue if it serves “Lebanese stability and Syrian interests,” while warning that war and bombardment would only deepen the crisis. Hezbollah Stance: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected any ceasefire that lets Israel keep operating in Lebanon, demanding a full halt by air, land and sea. Israel’s Long Game: Netanyahu doubled down on keeping Israeli “security zones” across Gaza, southern Lebanon and parts of Syria “for as long as necessary,” even as diplomacy continues. US-Iran Talks in Switzerland: Negotiators opened talks aimed at turning a fragile ceasefire into a longer-term deal, with Trump threatening new strikes over Hezbollah and Iran warning of a “heavy and regretful” response to any violation. Eastern Syria Strike: Warplanes hit Iranian militia positions east of Deir Ez-Zour near al-Bukamal, with reports of weapons shipments targeted. Local Hardship in Qamishli: Protesters in Qamishli blocked roads over a diesel price hike and worsening services, including power cuts and reduced fuel allocations. Governance & Rights: Syria’s debate over a political parties law continues as activists push for rules that legitimize parties after the Assad era.

US-Iran talks & pressure on Lebanon: US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland to kick off negotiations with Iran, with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, while Trump simultaneously warned Iran to stop Hezbollah “proxies” in Lebanon or face renewed strikes, and floated the idea of involving Syria in the Hezbollah file. Hormuz threat: Trump told Fox News the US could become the “guardian angel” of the Strait of Hormuz and even take a share of oil flows, warning Iran that closing the strait would have severe consequences. Damascus activist freed: Syrian authorities released British-Syrian activist Hassan Akkad after four days in detention in Damascus, with reports citing Assad-era legal tools and cybercrime-related complaints tied to his “pay back the money you owe” campaign. Israel-Syria border movement: An Israeli patrol entered the Yarmouk Basin area in western Daraa, briefly stopping near a village checkpoint, as local reports also mentioned gunfire targeting agricultural plains. Regional trade push: AD Ports launched integrated logistics linking Khalifa Port to Iraq’s Umm Qasr, aiming to strengthen corridors connecting Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the UAE, and onward to Türkiye and Europe.

ISIS Attacks in Aleppo: Islamic State claimed responsibility for an ambush near Manbij that killed two Syrian soldiers, after SANA reported the deaths and said details were limited; the attack follows other recent strikes on personnel in the northeast. Security Pressure in Syria: Syria’s Defense Ministry also reported soldiers killed in separate incidents, underscoring how IS cells keep carrying out hit-and-run attacks even after losing territory. Lebanon-Iran Shockwaves: As Israel-Hezbollah fighting continues despite ceasefire talk, Iran again moves to close the Strait of Hormuz—while the US disputes it—raising fresh uncertainty for regional security and trade routes that also affect Syria’s economy. Refugees on World Refugee Day: UNHCR marked June 20 with data showing rising voluntary returns from Jordan to Syria, but many families still hesitate due to security and rebuilding costs. Syrian Governance & Accountability: Syria’s Administrative Development Ministry published a list of dismissed Health Ministry workers, while rights groups reacted to allegations from Assad-era detention videos about organ removal.

Security in Aleppo: Syria’s Defense Ministry says two soldiers were killed in an attack near Manbij in northeastern Aleppo by unidentified assailants, as authorities warn of rising ambush activity and continued extremist threats. Islamic State claim: IS later claimed responsibility for the Manbij attack, though Reuters said it could not independently verify it. Aviation and travel: Middle East flights are slowly restarting after the Iran-war disruption, but travelers face a new wave of confusion—uneven schedules, shifting waivers, and patchy route restorations. Regional diplomacy and mobility: Syria and Germany are in talks to resume direct flights, with a German decision expected in the first half of next month; Syria also continues aviation discussions with other European countries. Education integration: Syria’s Ministry of Education recognizes certificates and diplomas issued by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, with exams access for students during a transitional period. Syria-Türkiye ties: Damascus and Turkish officials discussed expanding agricultural cooperation, trade, and investment, including field visits for joint projects. Humanitarian focus (World Refugee Day): NGOs Entreculturas and Alboan renewed their “School Sanctuary” push, stressing that children in conflict must be protected and schools kept safe.

UNESCO & Aleppo Heritage: UNESCO wrapped a month-long training with partners for the National Museum of Aleppo, helping staff clear storage, separate collections from excavation finds, and inventory about 350 objects, with hundreds of digital records and 3D documentation. Health Cooperation: Türkiye and Syria signed a memorandum to deepen cooperation in public health, infectious disease control, maternal and infant care, plus pharma, medical devices, vaccines, emergency response, and health information systems. Refugee Returns & Aid Pressure: New figures highlight large-scale returns—about 1.3 million Syrians from abroad in 2025 and 2 million internally displaced returning—while UNICEF warns that funding cuts are forcing “agonizing choices,” even as it keeps services running across conflict zones including Syria. World Refugee Day Support: UNHCR praised UAE humanitarian backing for displaced communities, and Qatar Charity launched a campaign to deliver food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education support for refugees, including Syrians. Regional Security & Lebanon: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group won’t surrender amid what he called the “most dangerous phase” in Lebanon, while fighting and ceasefire efforts around Israel-Hezbollah escalation continue to ripple through the region. Trade & Logistics: Syrian exports to Iraq face tougher competition from Turkish goods and shifting Iraqi demand, but officials say Syrian products still have openings if costs and market access improve.

Ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran-US deal under strain: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire after deadly clashes threatened to unravel the fragile US-Iran framework, with U.S. and Qatari mediators pressing for calm as Israel said it hit Hezbollah targets following the deaths of Israeli soldiers. Diplomacy stalled in Switzerland: Talks between the US and Iran on a final settlement were postponed after Vice President JD Vance said the logistics weren’t “simple or predictable,” while the 14-point MoU signed at Versailles still points to a 60-day negotiation phase. Iran sets hard conditions: Iran’s parliament, IRGC and army backed leadership conditions for the MoU and warned they’re ready to respond if the agreement is violated. Journalists’ fate in Syria: German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, detained in Raqqa in January, was released and returned to Germany; her colleague Ahmed Polad remains missing. Local Syria pressure: Syrian activist Hassan Akkad was arrested in Damascus over alleged online defamation and slander tied to a reconstruction-donation campaign. Humanitarian warning: A UN report says nearly 25,000 children were victims of record conflict violations last year, with government forces named as the main perpetrators for the first time. Sanctions update: Switzerland amended its Syria sanctions list, removing some entities while keeping key restrictions.

US-Iran framework deal and Syria’s fallout: The US and Iran signed a provisional ceasefire framework, but the Lebanon front remains the sticking point, with Israel vowing to keep troops in “security zones” and even threats that Syria could be targeted “sooner or later,” as Washington presses for restraint. Regional security and diplomacy: Türkiye’s National Security Council said it will keep fighting terrorism and urged a principled international stance over Israel’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Lebanon, while also stressing support for stability in Syria. Humanitarian pressure on Syria returns: Ahead of World Refugee Day, Save the Children warned that nearly 2 million children have returned in 18 months, yet many face damaged homes, broken services and contaminated land, with 15.6 million people still needing aid. Children in conflict: A UN report said nearly 25,000 children suffered record violations last year, and for the first time government forces were the main perpetrators. Syria energy push: Syria’s state petroleum company signed a contract with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra to develop gas fields and boost production to ease electricity shortages. Environment and heritage: Syria expanded Badia restoration projects to fight desertification, while UNESCO completed training to protect Aleppo Museum artifacts through conservation and digital documentation.

US Sanctions Network: The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions on Lebanese officials and business figures it says are aligned with Hezbollah, including people in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Oman accused of raising funds and running front companies to keep the group financed. Lebanon Frontline Pressure: As Israel publishes a new map showing troops operating deeper in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu says Israel won’t leave until its security goals are met, even as Washington pushes for limits under the new U.S.-Iran interim understanding. Syria Justice Tensions: Syrian cities saw protests over slow accountability for Assad-era figures, with demonstrators targeting alleged regime-linked homes and fears growing that anger could spill into sectarian punishment. SDF Integration Push: U.S. envoy Tom Barrack urged the SDF to complete military and administrative integration into the Syrian state by end-2026, including cutting ties with the PKK and discussing oil and revenue-sharing. Travel Signals for Syria: The UK updated travel advice for Syria and other regional countries after the U.S.-Iran memorandum, warning conditions remain unpredictable and attacks could resume. Air Connectivity: Air Arabia launched direct Sharjah–Aleppo flights starting July 4, adding another UAE-Syria link.

Israeli Incursions in Quneitra: Israeli forces raided homes in Syria’s Quneitra countryside, including the village of al-Asbah and earlier raids around Saida, interrogating residents and a local journalist, with no arrests reported. US–Syria Sanctions Path: A US Senate committee advanced a bill to repeal Assad-era Syria sanctions laws, while keeping authority to target human-rights abusers. Syria–US Gas Deal: Syria’s state petroleum company signed a major implementation contract with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra to develop gas fields and boost output, aiming to ease Syria’s energy and financial bottlenecks. Arida Border Rebuild: Reconstruction of the Arida crossing with Lebanon is progressing, though the crossing remains out of service and vehicle traffic hasn’t resumed. US–Iran MoU Ripples: The US and Iran are set to sign an interim MoU that would end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reshaping regional pressure on Lebanon and Syria. Rights Watch: Amnesty accused Israel of unlawful displacement in Lebanon, warning “no-return” orders amount to war crimes.

US-Iran Deal Fallout: At the G7 in France, Trump said the US will discuss Iran’s ballistic missiles and “terrorist proxies” with Gulf states, while also urging Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa to help counter Hezbollah—comments that come as the US-Iran MoU is set for signing in Geneva and details remain murky. Lebanon Front: Lebanon-Israel talks are expected to accelerate as displaced residents begin returning south, but Israeli strikes and “security zones” rhetoric continue, with Iran warning of “harsh” response if violations persist. Syria Security: ISIS claimed a new attack near Damascus targeting a justice official, while fresh Israeli incursions were reported in Quneitra near al-Mantara Dam, including vehicle checks and temporary positions. Accountability & Society: Protests in Damascus demanded accountability for Assad-era loyalists, as Syria’s new authorities push arrests and trials. North-East Syria Governance: AANES curriculum updates moved to printing for grades 3, 6, and 9, and YPJ leaders stressed that stability can’t be discussed without women.

US-Iran MoU and Syria’s ripple effects: Trump says the Iran deal “loud and clear” blocks nuclear weapons and warns “all hell will rain down” if Tehran cheats, while also floating that Syria could “take care of Hezbollah” if Israel can’t avoid civilian harm—comments that further strain US-Israel ties as Israel vows to keep “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Lebanon ceasefire pressure: Iran says Israel violated the Lebanon ceasefire dozens of times and insists the war ends only with Israeli withdrawal; Lebanon officials expect talks with Israel to speed up as displaced families are warned not to rush home. Damascus energy push: Syria signed gas development deals in Damascus with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra (linked to Ayman Al Asfari) to expand production and stabilize the electricity network. Refugees and resettlement: UNHCR warns almost 2.4m refugees need resettling in 2027, with resettlement options shrinking. Germany migration talks: German interior ministers plan a conference on Syrian migrants, with proposals focused on legal certainty for well-integrated residents.

US-Iran Deal & Strait of Hormuz: Trump says the Iran deal is “done,” warns Tehran on nuclear weapons, and claims ships will be “completely open” through the Strait of Hormuz by Friday—though shipping leaders say full resumption may take weeks. Lebanon Front & Syria’s Role: At the G7, Trump sharply rebuked Israel for Lebanon’s civilian toll and floated that Syria could “take care of Hezbollah” if Israel can’t do it without “killing everyone else,” while Iran and Hezbollah insist any progress depends on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. Israel’s Stance: Israel’s defense chief says troops will stay in “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza “without any time limit,” even as the ceasefire framework advances. Energy Deal in Syria: Syria signed a gas-sector agreement in Damascus with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra to revive production, aiming to stabilize electricity and support recovery. Humanitarian/Displacement: UN warns resettlement needs are far outpacing available places, with millions still displaced across the region. Culture: Veteran Syrian actor Osama Al Sayed Youssef dies at 65.

US-Iran Ceasefire & Hormuz Reopen: The US and Iran announced a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying ships have started moving and the waterway will be “completely open” by Friday ahead of a Geneva signing. Israel’s Lebanon Stance: Israel’s defense leadership says it will not withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza “indefinitely,” raising doubts the Lebanon front will truly pause. Syria Rejects US Role in Lebanon: A Syrian presidential adviser said Damascus rejected a US proposal for Syria to intervene militarily against Hezbollah, stressing support for Lebanon through state institutions instead. Security Crackdown in Idlib: Syria says it arrested “espionage and bombing cell” members loyal to Bashar al-Assad, accusing them of coordinating bombings and targeting help. Energy Deal for Syria: ConocoPhillips is reported to be set to sign an agreement with Syria’s new government to restart gas production, building on earlier MoUs. Regional Connectivity Push: Turkey and Saudi Arabia estimate the Hejaz Railway rebuild at $100m, linking Turkey–Syria–Jordan and aiming to reroute trade away from Hormuz. Oil Markets: Oil prices slid to a three-month low as the deal sparked hopes for calmer shipping, even as Lebanon tensions linger.