AGP Executive Report

Gaza Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia issued a joint foreign-ministers statement rejecting any attempt to displace Palestinians from Gaza, warning that turning displacement calls into policy would violate international law and derail a two-state path. Human Rights Oversight: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan received Jordan’s 2025 National Centre for Human Rights report, while the Lower House Speaker said Parliament will give it full attention through specialised committees. Energy Cooperation: The Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba’s floating unit, regasifying in Jordan and transporting through Syria, alongside an energy-efficiency plan for government buildings aimed at cutting bills by about 20%. Public Finance & Payments: Valu Group’s Valu Jordan officially launched its first phase in the Kingdom after receiving its final Central Bank license, positioning flexible payments and BNPL services for the Jordanian market. Governance Planning: The Independent Election Commission published its draft strategic plan for 2027–2029, inviting feedback until Sept. 13. Security & Media: The Jordan Press Association Council urged outlets to avoid publishing military and security details that could endanger individuals or be pieced together into harmful pictures.

World Bank & Education: The World Bank approved a $3.5 million grant to prepare Jordan’s digital transformation of public schools, including a nationwide readiness assessment across about 3,500 schools, pilots for devices and connectivity, and cost/specs for later scale-up under the “Jordan Pathways” program. Hajj Logistics: Jordan’s initial Hajj registration for Jordanians and eligible Gaza residents starts next Sunday and runs until Sept. 27 via an online platform, with a JD200 refundable fee for the primary applicant and a required Ministry of Health medical certificate. Regional Security: Iran-U.S. tensions keep rising around the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of attacks on tankers and warships and Jordan repeatedly intercepting missiles; the wider risk of escalation remains a key concern for the region. Humanitarian/Charity: Qatar Charity marked the International Day of Charity, highlighting projects that include support for a child evacuated to Jordan for rehabilitation and prosthetic care. International Law/West Bank: A UN rights report says Israeli forces forcibly displaced residents from three West Bank refugee camps and blocked returns, raising serious concerns of forcible transfer.

Jordan–France Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi met France’s top Europe and foreign affairs minister in Paris to push deeper bilateral cooperation and back EU involvement in the upcoming Jordan–EU Investment Conference, while urging de-escalation across the region. Eastern Tourism Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited Safawi’s “Blessed Tree” site and the Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation project, ordering a broader eastern-Jordan development plan spanning wildlife, nature reserves, heritage sites and Azraq’s ecosystem. Digital Government Service: Jordan launched an Electronic Passport Issuance Application service at multiple government service centres in Amman and Balqa, running from 9am to midnight. US–Iran Escalation Fallout for Jordan: Reports say Iran’s missile and drone attacks targeted US-linked sites across the region, with Jordan repeatedly named among the affected areas, underscoring the kingdom’s security costs from its alliance. West Bank Humanitarian Alarm: UN rights reporting warns Israel’s “Operation Iron Wall” involved forcible displacement from West Bank refugee camps and continued prevention of return.

Jordan-France Ties: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met France’s Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris to push deeper cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, and to back a Jordan-EU investment push on Nov. 19. Regional Security: Safadi warned that Israel’s escalatory moves in the West Bank, Gaza, and beyond threaten stability, while both sides reaffirmed support for a sustainable US-Iran ceasefire. Iran-Jordan Tensions: Iran’s Araghchi challenged Amman’s criticism of Tehran’s retaliatory strikes, arguing Arab territory and airspace were used in US attacks and questioning how long Iran should wait before responding. Public Health: In a separate development, international reporting highlighted Kuwait’s air defenses intercepting Iranian missile and drone attacks, underscoring wider Gulf disruption risks. Tourism Watch: Umm Qais visitor numbers fell 13.3% in Jan–Jul 2026, down to 71,289 total visitors, with foreign arrivals also dropping year-on-year.

West Bank Humanitarian Crisis: A UN rights report says Israel forcibly displaced the entire populations of three West Bank refugee camps—Jenin, Nur Shams and Tulkarm—during “Operation Iron Wall,” with over 33,000 Palestinians displaced and thousands still unable to return, raising concerns of forcible transfer and “ethnic cleansing.” Jordan–Regional Security: Reports say Iran launched missiles toward Jordan, with interceptions visible from northern Israel, as the wider US-Iran confrontation continues to keep the kingdom in the crosshairs. Political Finance Shock in the UK: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK faced a fresh scandal after a Channel 4 sting alleged illegal foreign donations; Farage suspended two senior aides and said comments were “loose pub talk,” while police assess potential breaches. Local Governance & Public Services: Jordan’s AI “digital spokesperson Farah” was unveiled as part of government efforts, while elsewhere in the region, officials discuss transport upgrades and clinic moves—showing how policy is being pushed into day-to-day delivery.

Jordan-US Alliance Under Strain: Jordan says it will keep its close security ties with Washington despite repeated Iranian missile and drone strikes hitting U.S. bases on Jordan’s soil, even as the kingdom faces economic pressure and West Bank volatility. Regional Security: The U.S. and Iran remain locked in escalating tit-for-tat strikes, with Iran targeting vessels and firing at Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, while Washington hits IRGC-linked sites. Civilian Fallout & Diplomacy: A U.S.-linked strike on an Iranian wedding is under investigation after Reuters analysis suggested a direct hit by American munitions; Iran reports rising civilian casualties and vows tougher retaliation. Energy Pressure: Renewed hostilities are pushing oil higher again, raising fears of prolonged disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan Governance Tech: Jordan launched an AI digital government spokesperson, “Farah,” to explain official decisions and projects. Local Governance/Religion: A minister said Tamil Nadu will follow court directions in a temple trustees controversy, stressing temples should not become political platforms.

Jordan-Bahrain Diplomacy: King Abdullah II spoke by phone with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on halting dangerous regional escalation and boosting coordination across sectors. Regional Security: As the US-Iran clash intensifies around the Strait of Hormuz, Israel’s Defence Minister said sanctions could push Tehran toward “desperate steps,” while Netanyahu claimed Iran’s regime is “teetering” and overthrow is “within reach.” Gulf Fallout: Renewed strikes disrupted air travel and shipping across the Gulf, with Jordan and other states reporting interceptions of missiles and drones. Jordanian Governance & Services: Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin met officials to discuss bringing app-based transport workers under social security coverage, including Uber, aiming to strengthen protection for modern work. Water Readiness: Water and Irrigation Minister Raed Abu Al-Saud said Jordan’s dams are ready for the 2026/2027 rainy season after safety inspections and maintenance. Local Economy & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Water also ordered clearing rain channels and updating control rooms to manage flood risks.

Jordan-China Ties: King Abdullah II’s China visit produced a new aviation push, with Royal Jordanian and Air China signing an MoU in Beijing to explore a direct Amman–Beijing route, plus codesharing, cargo, ground services and staff training. Health Services Upgrade: Jordan’s Health Ministry says eight specialized clinics have moved into the renovated former emergency department at Prince Hamza Hospital, now equipped with CT, lab, radiology, and pharmacy windows to cut outpatient congestion and shorten waits. Regional Security Shock: The US-Iran conflict escalated again after strikes and retaliation, with Iran attacking US bases in Kuwait and Tehran warning of a “new strategy,” while the fighting also drew in Jordan as part of the wider regional response. Humanitarian Fallout: Iran reported 18 killed and 108 wounded in US strikes, including a wedding attack, as UN officials urged restraint over civilian harm. Public Safety: Jordan and Egypt-linked reports say a Sinai bus crash killed at least 22, including Jordanian nationals, with investigations underway.

Regional Security: Iran’s renewed missile and drone campaign hit Gulf allies after U.S. strikes, with Jordan reporting air-defense interceptions of incoming missiles and drones while Kuwait and the UAE condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty. Maritime Fallout: Saudi Arabia condemned an Iranian-linked “security incident” involving the Bahri tanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz that killed two Filipino sailors, as shipping traffic stays below recent levels. Diplomacy in Focus: Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi held calls with Türkiye and Qatar’s top officials on Gaza and broader regional developments. Jordan Domestic Spotlight: King Abdullah visited National Press for its centenary and inaugurated an expansion project, while Jordan also extended condolences to Egypt over a deadly Sinai road accident involving Jordanians. Human Rights Agenda: Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council session, CIVICUS warned of shrinking civic space and reprisals against civil society.

Jordan Air Defense: Jordan says it intercepted 10 of 13 Iranian ballistic missiles after an attack originating from Iranian territory, with three falling in remote areas and no casualties reported. US-Iran Escalation: The renewed exchange follows U.S. missile strikes on southern Iran, including a wedding hit in Sirik that Iran says killed at least five and wounded dozens; Iran then claims missile-and-drone strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait. Regional Fallout: Bahrain reported intercepting incoming fire from Iran as Gulf allies brace for wider conflict, while Kuwait’s military also said it was responding to drone attacks. Security Claims vs. Verification: Iran’s IRGC alleges it struck U.S. Marine facilities near Aqaba (Camp Titin) and destroyed drones, but CENTCOM and Jordan deny or downplay casualties, keeping the situation politically charged. Energy Markets: Oil prices jumped again as Strait of Hormuz risks return to the spotlight, with Brent nearing $95 amid fears of supply disruption.

Jordan-Iran-US Security: The U.S. resumed strikes on Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, citing IRGC attempts to target commercial shipping and an earlier missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan; Trump warned Tehran against retaliation, saying any response would bring “much harder and higher” strikes. Regional Fallout for Amman: Iran retaliated after the earlier Larak Island strike by firing missiles at U.S. sites in Jordan, which Jordan said were intercepted—keeping Amman at the center of the escalation risk. Energy & Shipping Pressure: Reports of tanker hits and renewed mine threats pushed oil higher and raised fears of renewed disruption to Gulf shipping. Diplomacy & De-escalation Signals: Crown Prince Hussein met Irbid sector leaders, stressing stability and investment, while regional diplomacy continued to focus on preventing escalation and protecting maritime navigation. Jordan Domestic Watch: Jordan’s 2026 census rollout is set to begin with field counting in October, with households invited to use the Sanad app for electronic self-enumeration. Qatar-Jordan Coordination: Qatar’s PM met Jordan’s Ayman Safadi to discuss bilateral cooperation and joint efforts to reduce escalation and enhance regional security.

Jordan–Iran escalation: Jordan says it intercepted eight Iranian missiles after Iran targeted U.S.-linked bases at King Hussein and Muwaffaq Salti in Al-Azraq, following U.S. strikes on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz; regional airspace remains on heightened alert as Washington warns of further action. Regional diplomacy: Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi spoke by phone with Bahrain’s top diplomat, with both condemning the Iranian attacks and stressing solidarity and efforts to restore calm. Energy and markets: Oil prices pushed above $91 a barrel as U.S.-Iran exchanges revived Hormuz shipping fears, feeding inflation worries and bond sell-offs. Health policy: Jordan’s Ministry of Health is preparing a national organ donation and transplantation protocol, alongside a Cabinet decision to add organ donor registration to the Sanad app—over 2,300 registered in less than a day. Local governance: Amman Political Press readers also saw a Jordan-focused governance debate on what should define government quality—shifting emphasis toward executive efficiency over party experience. International context: The UNHCR in Jordan reported 1,352 Syrian refugees returned to Syria in the first three months of 2024, while resettlement opportunities remain limited.

US-Iran Escalation: President Donald Trump vowed the US will “hit [Iran] hard” after Iran fired missiles and drones at American forces in Jordan and the UAE, following a US strike on Larak Island aimed at stopping mine-related threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan Security: Jordan’s army said it intercepted eight missiles that breached its airspace as Iran claimed attacks on US bases, while the UAE denied any strike on Al Minhad and said it intercepted a drone over its waters. Regional Condemnation: The Arab League and Arab Parliament backed Jordan and the UAE, calling the attacks a violation of sovereignty and urging dialogue to prevent wider escalation. Economic Pressure & Markets: Trump linked the flare-up to sanctions “kicking in strongly,” while oil jumped above $90 a barrel on renewed Hormuz supply fears and global stocks slipped.

US-Iran Escalation in the Gulf: Washington carried out a “limited, precise” strike on Iranian rocket launchers at Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it targeted IRGC minelaying preparations. Jordan Air Defense: Hours later, Iran’s IRGC claimed ballistic missile attacks on US bases in Jordan (King Hussein and Al Azraq); Jordan’s armed forces said it intercepted and destroyed eight missiles that breached its airspace before any threat to civilians or property. Regional Spillover to UAE: Iran also claimed drone attacks on the Al Minhad air base in the UAE, while the US and Iran traded further accusations over “aggression” versus “defensive” action. Energy Shock: Oil prices jumped, with Brent back above $90 and WTI above $85, as shipping risk and Strait-of-Hormuz disruption fears returned. Diplomacy in the Background: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was set to engage at the SCO summit, with reports of meetings involving major regional leaders, as tensions rise.

Royal Oversight: King Abdullah received the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission’s 2025 report, stressing continued work to build citizens’ trust and strengthen integrity frameworks; the IACC said it recovered or prevented about JD79 million and referred 298 investigation files to the public prosecution. Human Rights Accountability: The King also received the National Centre for Human Rights’ 2025 annual report on the status of human rights in Jordan. Regional Security Talks: King Abdullah met Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, reaffirming Jordan’s solidarity with Lebanon and support for preserving its security and sovereignty. Education Governance: The Education and Human Resources Development Council recommended Cabinet appointments for university boards, including public universities’ trustees and private university leadership, under the Universities Law. Public Service & Development: Jordan’s digital and service modernization continues, with reporting on progress in digitisation of government services and related policy moves. Tourism & Economy: Wadi Rum is pushing astro-tourism, with estimates of at least JD3 million in added annual income tied to dark-sky experiences. Local Administration: Greater Amman Municipality reported nearly 3,700 coffee kiosks in the capital and 309 violations recorded since early 2026.

FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Gilas Pilipinas kept its hopes alive with an 82-81 overtime win over Jordan, but coach Tim Cone says it’s only “halftime” in the race for Group E. With Jordan and Iran tied on the standings behind New Zealand, Gilas now must beat Iran at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, while New Zealand hosts Syria and Jordan faces Australia later the same day—results could tighten the fight. Player Update: Carl Tamayo is out for the Iran game with a sprained ankle, and Justin Arana is set to replace him. Jordan Economy & Finance: S&P affirmed Jordan’s BB- rating with a stable outlook, with analysts linking the move to improved economic confidence. Regional Security: Russia’s Lavrov said efforts are underway to form a Syria constitutional committee, while Israel shelled southern Syria despite recent US-mediated de-escalation talks. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Jordan is preparing roads for the rainy season, and Amman’s smart traffic signals are being installed at multiple sites.