AGP Executive Report

Publishing & Culture: Pope Leo XIV hosted Pulitzer Prize winners and other major authors at the Vatican, stressing how reading and writing reveal “who we are” and deepen dialogue with God and neighbors. Middle East Publishing Hub: Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) used the Beijing Book Fair to pitch Sharjah as a gateway for Arab and regional publishers into China and Asia, highlighting services from licensing to printing, distribution, and supply-chain support. Book-to-Screen: A new film adaptation, “For the Love of a Woman,” opens in theaters June 26 and is based on Israeli author Meir Shalev’s novel “For the Love of Judith.” Media Industry: EWTN Global Catholic Network won 75+ honors at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards, including 30 first-place awards across digital, studios, publishing, and news. Rights & Definitions: Britain’s Medical Association voted to scrap the IHRA antisemitism definition from the NHS, arguing it could chill free speech in healthcare settings. Game Publishing: EA laid off staff tied to Fan Care and trust & safety, raising concerns about slower support and weaker moderation for online multiplayer communities.

Iran–US Talks: A Wall Street Journal report says Iranian officials, thrown off by Trump’s Truth Social threats during Switzerland nuclear talks, even consulted psychologists to decode his negotiation tactics—after the threats reportedly derailed face-to-face sessions. Strait of Hormuz: Oman says it will facilitate a temporary toll-free maritime corridor and safe passage arrangements, while also signing an amendment to boost oil output at Block 9. Publishing & Culture: Türkiye’s “Turkish Odyssey” wins major U.S.-based book awards, while Sharjah and the UAE keep pushing publishing visibility at international fairs. Faith & Memoir: A new book, How To Be A Witness In The Wilderness, offers a faith-driven autobiography spanning hardship and military service. Shia Rituals Online: In Iran, mourning practices are shifting online, with influencers and modern aesthetics replacing older forms of ritual expression. Capital Markets: Nigeria’s SEC warns against unauthorized Dangote refinery IPO marketing. Gaza Media Claims: Palestinian militant groups publish delayed death notices, renewing allegations about journalist targeting in Gaza.

UAE Rail Launch: The UAE says its first passenger train will begin an “introductory” Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service on June 30, with tickets set at 55/120 dirhams and further emirate links planned. Iran–US Deal & Strait of Hormuz: Coverage keeps circling the fragile U.S.-Iran MoU and the Strait of Hormuz, with ship traffic rising but disputes over control and possible tolls still clouding lasting peace. Censorship & Women’s Rights in Iran: Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was sentenced to 74 lashes and barred from artistic work after a hijab-free YouTube concert sparked global outrage. Publishing & Culture: Sharjah and the UAE highlight publishing momentum at Beijing Book Fair 2026, while a new book, Muslim Europe, argues for a deeper Muslim history across Europe. Books & Community: A “Books for Plastic” swap at Chittagong University trades used plastic for storybooks, blending reading culture with environmental action. Media & AI Literacy: A new AI newsfeed chatbot, NewsGuard AI, pitches itself as a source-vetted alternative to general chatbots.

Iranian publishing spotlight: A new Arabic-translated novel, Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji (Dar Al-Karma, Cairo; Arabic by Enas El-Turki), revisits 1973 Tehran through a rooftop summer romance and the build-up to the revolution, praised for its memory-staying blend of tenderness and political tension. Bahrain literary loss: Bahrain mourns poet and folklore researcher Ali Abdullah Khalifa, hailed as a key architect of the kingdom’s modern cultural renaissance and a preserver of folk heritage. UAE publishing & culture: Abu Dhabi launches Treasured Sayings, a collection of Sheikh Zayed’s poetry, adding to the region’s push to package heritage for new readers. Publishing industry at fairs: Sharjah and the UAE highlight publishing expertise and Emirati presence at the Beijing Book Fair 2026, reinforcing the Gulf’s role as a knowledge hub. Book-to-public-life tie-in: A Inside Geneva feature spotlights Nicholas Enrich’s book Into the Wood Chipper and a media-language analysis of Gaza coverage. Israel/Palestine cultural tensions: Reports on campus anti-Zionist messaging and calls like “By any means necessary” keep the debate over expression and publishing-adjacent culture in the spotlight.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Clash: Trump escalated his feud with the New York Times over Iran war reporting, attacking a story that questioned what changed after the U.S.-Iran memo—while Iran’s side frames the deal as a major “victory,” keeping the Strait of Hormuz and regional threats at the center. UAE Publishing Spotlight: Sharjah Book Authority showcased Emirati and Arab publishing expertise at the Beijing Book Fair, using the UAE’s Guest of Honour push to deepen China ties through rights trading, translation, and author programming. Abu Dhabi Poetry Book: Assouline published Treasured Sayings, a new collection of 118 poems by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with English translations and themes of leadership, unity, and compassion. Cultural Repression in Iran: An Iranian singer, Parastoo Ahmadi, was reportedly sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab, with rights groups warning of renewed pressure on artists. Museum Debate in Canada: A CMHR trustee resigned over an upcoming exhibit on the Nakba, arguing it risks a one-sided narrative that could inflame antisemitism. Publishing & Rights in the Gulf: UAE participation at Beijing also included heritage and publishing initiatives, reinforcing the region’s push to position books as cultural diplomacy.

Iran Deal & Strait of Hormuz: Maersk CEO warns any Iran “fee” plan for the Strait of Hormuz would be a “dangerous precedent,” as the US-Iran memorandum moves toward a 60-day ceasefire and talks over uranium and maritime administration. Bahrain Literary Loss: Poet and publisher Ali Abdullah Khalifa, a pioneer of modern Bahraini poetry and founder of Dar Al Ghad and Kitabat, has died at 82. Publishing & Language Culture: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre launches a photography initiative, “The Image Bears Witness,” to turn visual archives into knowledge and preserve national identity for new generations. Pilgrimage Tech: Wego partners with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to streamline Umrah bookings and digital visa requests in one flow. Literary Spotlight: Marjane Satrapi returns with “Chicken With Plums,” her live-action follow-up to “Persepolis,” continuing her Iran trilogy in a new medium. Tourism & Reading Culture: Aseer targets 3 million visitors in 2026 with expanded hospitality and 100+ experiences, while Saudi’s hospitality push continues to market destinations like AlUla for summer stays.

U.S.-Iran Talks at Burgenstock: Negotiators began talks in Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort as a provisional Iran deal aims to pause hostilities while leaving nuclear, proxies, and Strait of Hormuz issues for 60 days of follow-up—an opening that could reshape regional security and energy flows. JD Vance in the Spotlight: The talks are also being framed as a major political test for Vice President JD Vance, with his faith-and-politics media push running in parallel. Books & Language as Power: Salman Rushdie warned in Dublin that societies are “in danger of becoming a people who cannot communicate,” arguing that words get warped as cultural gaps widen—an idea tied to his latest collection. Publishing/Community Notes: A new Jewish inclusion guide, A Different Spirit, focuses on fair b’nai mitzvah planning for children with disabilities, offering practical ceremony guidance. Cultural Diplomacy: Israel appointed its first-ever envoy to the Christian world, seeking stronger ties amid claims of shrinking Christian communities across the region.

Israel on Trial: US judge Roy K. Altman’s new book challenges today’s Israel-related accusations by putting them through a legal-history lens, arguing against claims of colonialism and other charges while also inviting debate over how far his case goes. Iran’s Asbads for UNESCO: Iran says coordination for UNESCO World Heritage registration of its traditional vertical-axis windmills (“Asbads”) is nearing completion, citing about 1,400 sites across three provinces. Cyprus Books, No Consensus: Three new titles revisit the Cyprus problem from sharply different angles, underscoring why Greek and Turkish Cypriots—and mediators—still struggle to agree on what happened. AI in Israeli schools: Israel’s Education Ministry rolls out an AI-powered personalized learning pilot (“Project 720”) so middle schoolers will learn English via technology. Tajikistan name rules: Tajik authorities tighten what children can be called, with parents reporting birth certificates blocked unless names appear on an approved list. World Cup & politics: Iran’s World Cup matches in the US are framed as unusually politicized amid the Iran–US deal backdrop, with protests and diaspora attention. Defense industry IPO: UVision, controlled by Aaron Frenkel, plans a Nasdaq IPO for suicide drones and missiles, targeting a $3–3.5bn valuation.

U.S.-Iran Tensions at Sea: Iran says it will close the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Israeli strikes in Lebanon and citing a U.S.-Iran memorandum that calls for an immediate halt to hostilities. Publishing & Policy in the UAE: The UAE becomes the first Arab country to set a 15-year minimum age for social media access, pushing platforms toward age checks and stronger protections—an issue that could reshape how regional media reaches younger readers. Iranian Music Under Pressure: Prominent singer Parastoo Ahmadi is sentenced to 74 lashes and a travel ban after a hijab-free livestream performance, underscoring tightening rules on women’s public artistic activity. Books & Publishing in the Gulf: EPA highlights its growing Emirati publishing presence at Beijing International Book Fair events, signaling more cross-border promotion of Arab content. World Cup, Middle East Angle: Germany and Ivory Coast set up a Group E showdown as both aim to secure knockout spots, with the tournament’s expanded format raising the stakes for qualification.

US–Iran Peace Fallout: A new AP-NORC poll finds most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, even as a US-Iran memorandum and Hormuz oil-traffic reopening move talks forward. Iran Internal Pressure: An opinion piece argues peace could be more destabilizing for Iran’s theocracy than war, given the regime’s pre-war crackdown and ongoing restrictions. Lebanon Ceasefire Strain: Fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least five within a day of a ceasefire announcement, raising doubts about durability. Publishing & Culture: A rare Moroccan Berber manuscript (Tashelhiyt/Shilha) was identified after a “common” heirloom turned out to be a fragile survivor of a vanishing written tradition. Books & Identity: Howard Jacobson’s novel Howl explores what it means to be Jewish in a post–Oct. 7 world. Digital Rights: Karnataka police ordered immediate FIRs for unauthorized sharing of intimate photos/videos, targeting sextortion and revenge porn. UAE at Beijing Book Fair: Abu Dhabi’s guest-of-honour programme features Emirati folk music and heritage performances. Sports, Books-Adjacent: World Cup coverage highlights the US reaching the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Australia.

IAEA Nuclear Oversight: The US and European allies pushed an IAEA Board resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpile and activities at undeclared sites, aiming to restore verification after months of deadlock. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi and her team were sentenced to 74 lashes plus travel and work bans over a hijab-free, audience-less YouTube performance, drawing fresh condemnation from rights groups. Jerusalem Community Life: Young olim in Jerusalem are reshaping Shabbat kiddush into a more social, distributed post-synagogue “hub” for meeting friends and sharing Torah. Publishing & Research Spotlight: A new book on the British Arab Bureau highlights the intelligence unit behind the Arab Revolt, shifting attention away from Lawrence of Arabia. Book Culture: A Regina Big Book Sale drew hundreds of bargain hunters, underscoring how community events keep reading culture thriving. Sports (World Cup): USA’s 2-0 win over Australia leaves the Socceroos reeling ahead of their next match. Book Reviews & Debate: A column asks what book readers would take to the grave, tying personal reading to legacy.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Transparency: The IAEA Board passed a U.S.-backed resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpile and activities at undeclared sites, aiming to restore the agency’s ability to verify Iran’s nuclear commitments after repeated access deadlocks. U.S.-Iran Deal Watch: As an interim peace framework partially reopens the Strait of Hormuz and eases oil pressure, officials say Iran will invite UN nuclear watchdog inspections—while Lebanon remains a flashpoint and a final accord is still uncertain. UAE Digital Rules: The UAE set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, banning under-15s from creating or managing accounts and empowering regulators to warn, block, or penalize non-compliant platforms. Bahrain Startup Boom: Bahrain’s startup ecosystem value jumped 759% to $1.6bn, ranking among top MENA performers in a Global Startup Ecosystem Report. Publishing & Culture: Erzurum’s Topçu Ağa Mansion reopened as a living museum, library, and secondhand bookstore—plus Avani launched an Avani Book Club with destination-linked reading lists across the Middle East and beyond. Tech for Heritage: RebuilderAI unveiled VRING:ON at VivaTech 2026, using brand-exclusive AI to generate manufacturing-ready CAD data from archived heritage designs.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Oversight: The IAEA Board backs a U.S.-led resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on enriched uranium stockpiles and undeclared sites, as the nuclear verification standoff deepens. U.S.-Iran Deal Fallout: Senators weigh a 60-day Iran ceasefire MoU that reopens Strait of Hormuz and lifts parts of sanctions, while Republicans warn the terms may leave Iran stronger. Diplomacy on the Page: JD Vance’s Iran-deal media push collides with his book rollout, turning the negotiations into a political branding exercise. Gulf Travel & Tourism: The UK relaxes “do not travel” guidance for Gulf destinations after the MoU, a potential boost for regional tourism. UAE Digital Rules: The UAE becomes the first Arab nation to ban social media accounts for children under 15, with platforms given time to comply. Publishing & Fairs: TRENDS Research & Advisory joins the Beijing International Book Fair 2026 under the UAE pavilion, signaling continued MENA cultural outreach. World Cup Culture: A feature spotlights how World Cup jerseys carry national history and symbolism, including designs tied to identity and memory.

IAEA Nuclear Standoff: The US and European allies pushed an IAEA Board resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpile and undeclared sites, as Tehran has resisted earlier access requests and the dispute centers on near-weapons-grade enrichment. UAE Financial Literacy: The UAE Lottery backs worker-focused money-management workshops via H.O.P.E., aiming to build long-term stability through practical financial education. UAE Travel Insurance Upgrade: Emirates launched a “Comprehensive Travel Cover” with conflict-related medical expenses (up to $25,000), airline-managed hotel support, and rebooking help during disruption. Bahrain Service Tech: A proposal would let drivers print vehicle number plates at service centres using smart machines tied to state apps and online payments. Film Heritage in Morocco: The FIAF Congress in Rabat spotlighted reimagining African and Arab film memory, with debates on restitution, access, and sustainable archival infrastructure. Books & Culture: A Saudi-set comic-book discussion highlights how regional creators use superheroes to build community, while a separate piece spotlights Hebrew Bible scholarship and “Old Testament literature” as a distinct, anti-myth tradition.

Nuclear Diplomacy & Verification: The U.S. and European allies pushed an IAEA Board resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpile and activities at undeclared sites, as the nuclear standoff drags on. Regional Security & Intelligence: A CNN report says Israel deployed special forces and Mossad-linked operations in Azerbaijan, the UAE, Iraq and Somaliland during the Iran conflict, with Azerbaijan rejecting the claims. Publishing & Cultural Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia inaugurated a pavilion at the Beijing International Book Fair to spotlight Kingdom literature, publishing and translation, while the UAE opened as Guest of Honour and an Emirati academic won China’s top foreign publishing award. Books & Awards: Haaretz journalist Amir Tibon’s Gaza rescue story, The Gates of Gaza, won the 2026 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. Education Under Fire: A new Gaza-focused report says all 19 higher-education institutions were systematically targeted, with libraries and campuses heavily damaged or destroyed. Market Mood: U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in May, even as households faced higher gasoline costs tied to the Iran-linked oil shock.

Nuclear Transparency Push: The U.S. and European allies won an IAEA Board resolution demanding Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpile and activities at undeclared sites, as Tehran and the agency remain locked in a deep verification standoff. Regional Security & Intelligence: A CNN report says Israel deployed special forces and Mossad-linked operations in Azerbaijan, the UAE, Iraq and Somaliland during the Iran conflict, with local authorities disputing claims. Negotiations With a Price Tag: Reuters reports Iran is seeking access to tens of billions in frozen assets, while the U.S. discusses steps to reopen shipping routes and address mines and technical obstacles as talks move toward a deal. Publishing Spotlight: Troubador Publishing is promoting Sushyant by Lousha Ryan, a Persian-mythology dark fantasy debut launching 28/06/2026, with a reader giveaway underway. Books & Culture: A review in The Critic highlights a documentary, The Last Spy, about German-Jewish refugee Peter Sichel and the moral blind spots of Cold War intelligence.