AGP Executive Report

Jordan Diplomacy: Jordan officially endorsed a joint statement by Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt condemning Israeli violations in Gaza, urging immediate international action to protect civilians and medical facilities. Regional Security: The US called for restraint after Israeli strikes hit Syria, while Jordan and other Arab states condemned attacks on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airport. China-Jordan Ties: King Abdullah II met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation, the two-state solution, and keeping Strait of Hormuz navigation open. Amman Development: Work has begun on the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car project, with officials saying heritage protection is central despite concerns about downtown’s historic identity. Labor Rights: Jordan’s Ministry of Labor is stepping up oversight to close gaps between disability employment rights and real workplace implementation. Environment & Waste: Russeifa faces 400–450 tons of daily waste with recycling below 1%, while residents in Hashemiyah and Dhleil report industrial pollution pressures. Humanitarian Education: India facilitated evacuation of ICCR scholarship awardees from Gaza via coordination with Jordan.

West Bank Humanitarian Crisis: Palestinian children in Masafer Yatta face an uncertain school year after Israeli forces demolished parts of Shaab al-Butum school on Aug. 4, with further demolition threats and a court hearing set for Sept. 15. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Jordan hosts renewed Syria-Israel de-escalation talks under US mediation, as Israel continues strikes and raids across southern Syria and Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts. Energy & Investment: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backs a $70m Jordan natural gas pipeline project linking the Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities to the national network, aiming to cut costs and boost competitiveness. Border Operations: Jordan’s Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya inspected the Jaber Border Crossing and a new cargo yard for 200 trucks ahead of its opening to reduce congestion and speed freight movement. Parliamentary Ties: Jordan’s House Speaker Mazen Qadi met Qatar’s ambassador in Amman to review cooperation and strengthen parliamentary relations with Qatar’s Shura Council. Military Cooperation: Cyprus, Greece and Jordan sign a joint defence action plan in Nicosia covering intelligence sharing, aerial firefighting, joint exercises and counter-UAS training. US-Iran Fallout: NBC reports Iranian strikes caused “unprecedented” damage to US intelligence facilities and radar hardware across the Middle East, with Congress allocating emergency funds for repairs.

Jordan-UAE Partnership: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met Abu Dhabi Fund for Development chief Mohamed Suwaidi, highlighting Emirati support for Jordan’s development and budget, including $40m for five vocational/technical schools and $70m to supply natural gas to industrial cities in Maan and Al Muwaqqar. Jordan Parliament: Jordan’s 20th House of Representatives wrapped up its first extraordinary session (July 12–Aug. 26), passing six bills on local administration, universities, real estate ownership, vocational work regulation, and education quality assurance. Local Governance & Services: Amman saw smart traffic signals installed at four sites, while the downtown tourist walkway upgrade focused on safety and accessibility. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Jordan featured in wider regional moves as Iraq and Syria discussed expanding trade and easing cross-border procedures, and Jordan condemned Israeli raids on the UNRWA Qalandia center in East Jerusalem. Human Rights & Civil Society: A Jordan-based case drew attention after authorities arrested a journalist over a post questioning US aid to Jordan.

Jordan-US Travel & Security: The UK Foreign Office eased its travel advice to Jordan after a security review, lifting restrictions on travel to Aqaba airport and seaport, while still warning of possible attacks, flight cancellations, and advising against travel within 3km of the Jordan-Syria border. Regional Diplomacy & Syria: Qatar condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s entry into Syria’s buffer zone, calling it a sovereignty violation, after Katz’s visit followed meetings in Amman aimed at easing tensions. US-Iran Pressure & China’s Role: New US sanctions efforts against Iran are framed as a test of whether China keeps buying Iranian oil, with Beijing warning it will defend its interests and keep trade from being “disrupted.” Jordan-Syria UNRWA Context: Jordan welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from the terrorism list, while UN and regional statements continued to react to Israeli raids on UN facilities in East Jerusalem. Jordan-China Ties: Xi Jinping met Jordan’s King in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation and deeper development alignment.

UNRWA Under Fire: UN Secretary-General António Guterres demanded Israel withdraw from the UNRWA Qalandia vocational training centre in East Jerusalem, calling the raid a fifth “illegal” incursion in four months and warning it will disrupt students’ training. Jordan’s Response: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the evacuation as a “blatant violation of international law,” urging international support for UNRWA’s mandate. Diplomacy in Motion: Jordan hosted US-mediated Syria-Israel talks aimed at de-escalation after recent Israeli strikes in Syria; the US said restraint and dialogue are the way forward. Regional Stakes: Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh in Amman condemned settler violence, settlement expansion (including E1 tenders), and attacks on UNRWA, while stressing the need to protect Jerusalem’s holy-site status quo. Jordan-China Ties: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met China’s Wang Yi during King Abdullah II’s visit, with both sides reaffirming cooperation and development alignment.

Jordan–China Diplomacy: King Abdullah II and China’s Xi Jinping met in Beijing, stressing overall Middle East de-escalation and backing the two-state path, with both sides signing cooperation MoUs across e-commerce, digital economy, tourism, media, agriculture and more. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Xi and Jordan called for Hormuz shipping to return to normal and for the Iran–US ceasefire to hold, as regional energy and trade risks keep rising. Syria–Israel Talks in Jordan: Under US mediation, Syria and Israel held de-escalation discussions in Jordan after the Abu Duhur airbase strike, aiming to curb attacks and restart security negotiations. Regional Security & Sanctions: Pakistan said it made “significant progress” in Iran talks to revive an Islamabad-brokered US peace deal, including steps to reopen Hormuz. Local Governance (Amman-relevant lens): A separate report highlights how school-area traffic and parking rules are being tightened through council action—showing how day-to-day municipal decisions shape public life.

China-Jordan Diplomacy: Chinese President Xi Jinping told King Abdullah II in Beijing that a two-state solution is the “right direction,” urging renewed Palestine-Israel talks and Palestinian self-governance, while also calling for deeper China-Jordan development alignment across trade, infrastructure, digital, AI, green energy, education and tourism. Regional Security Talks: Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met a high-level Israeli delegation in Jordan for US-mediated de-escalation after Israel’s strike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase, with discussions reportedly covering a future security agreement and steps to prevent Israel-Turkey tensions spilling into Syria. US-Iran Sanctions Pressure: Iran warned it will respond harshly to expected expanded US sanctions, saying any country supporting them could face consequences, as Washington prepares new measures amid continued Hormuz disruption. West Bank Pressure: Israeli forces arrested 17 Palestinians in West Bank raids and expanded an outpost with new mobile homes, while UN-linked reporting highlights continued demolitions and displacement in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Jordan-China Economic Signals: Jordan and China also moved to strengthen bilateral cooperation through additional high-level meetings and agreements as the king’s China visit wraps up.

De-escalation Diplomacy: Syria and Israel held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan, with Damascus pushing for an end to Israeli strikes, withdrawal to pre–Dec. 8, 2024 lines, and full restoration of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement—while rejecting any arrangements that limit Syria’s sovereignty and stressing the Golan is Syrian territory. Regional Security: The talks also covered preventing Israel–Turkey tensions from spilling into Syria and reviving negotiations toward a security agreement. Settlement Pressure: UAE joined Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan in backing potential sanctions over Israel’s E1 settlement project, calling for an immediate halt to settlement activity. Local Governance & Economy: Jordan’s Ministry of Education is phasing out 170 rented schools over two years, as the government expands technical education capacity. Public Finance: Amman Stock Exchange introduced an auction mechanism to determine closing prices, aiming to improve market operations.

Jordan–China Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing on the sidelines of King Abdullah II’s China visit, with both sides stressing deeper strategic cooperation and a roadmap for the next 50 years as diplomatic ties approach their 50th anniversary. Education & Youth Services: The Jordanian Cabinet approved procedures to establish five new technical schools (nearly JD25m total) and launched free school transport in Southern Badia, alongside steps to complete the education ministry’s legislative framework. Regional Security: Jordan hosted high-level security talks between Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani and Mossad chief Roman Gofman aimed at de-escalation after an Israeli strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase; Syria said it does not accept any permanent Turkish presence there. Border Incident: Jordan’s military thwarted an attempted southern-border infiltration by four individuals, apprehending them and referring them to authorities. Finance & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange rolled out an updated Optiq electronic trading system and introduced a new auction-based mechanism to determine closing prices. Public Life: PM Jafar Hassan inaugurated Mafraq Park and ordered rehabilitation of nearby university sports facilities for wider community use.

Education & Public Services: Jordan’s Ministry of Education says about 2.2 million students will start the 2026/2027 academic year on Sunday, with 7,818 schools and 146,910 teachers reported as part of the system’s preparations. Traffic & Urban Management: Amman’s Traffic Department says it has launched a comprehensive school-year traffic plan, deploying officers from 6:00 a.m. around schools and major intersections, with awareness activities and guidance for students and parents. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned a bombing targeting a bus carrying Syrian security personnel near Damascus, calling it a terrorist attack and reaffirming support for Syria’s security and sovereignty. Jordan’s Foreign Policy Focus: A Jordanian analysis argues King Abdullah II’s Beijing visit is driven by economic survival, not a strategic break from Washington, highlighting the imbalance in trade and the push for investment, technology, manufacturing and tourism. Justice & Accountability in Syria: Human Rights Watch says Syria’s first Assad-era verdicts raise urgent fair-trial and legal reform questions, including death sentences and access to counsel.

Local Governance & Service Delivery: A Jerash panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program says Cabinet commitments announced in July 2025 are uneven on the ground—health, water, transport, education and culture projects range from completed to still in studies or awaiting future budgets, with MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh estimating 70–80% of 2025 commitments delivered. Environment & Tourism: Aqaba Marine Reserve’s UNESCO recognition is pushing a new phase: stronger conservation, scientific monitoring and responsible tourism, with reserve managers citing temperature monitoring sites and data-led decisions. Jerusalem Holy Sites: The Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs marks the 1969 Al Aqsa fire anniversary, warning that raids, excavations and division plans continue to threaten the holy site’s status quo. Foreign Affairs: Jordan condemns an Israeli drone strike on a civilian vehicle near Damascus, calling it a sovereignty violation and urging an end to repeated attacks on Syria. Regional Security: Iran says its military doctrine is shifting from defensive to offensive, including faster retaliation and a reward plan tied to strikes on US troops.

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan joined a coalition of Arab and Muslim states condemning Israel’s airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airbase, calling them an “extreme escalation” and a “flagrant violation” of Syrian sovereignty, while urging the international community to act and demand withdrawal from occupied areas. West Bank Settlements: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and others also rejected Israel’s E1 settlement plan east of occupied East Jerusalem, warning it threatens Palestinian contiguity and the viability of a two-state solution on 1967 lines. Domestic Oversight: In Jerash, MPs and officials discussed how Cabinet-announced projects are faring on the ground, with claims that 70–80% of 2025 commitments are completed while key needs—like a hospital, transport links and a university—remain priorities.

Jerash Governance Watch: A panel under “Maidani” compared Cabinet-announced projects with what residents say is happening in Jerash, citing gaps across health, water, culture, education, transport and tourism, and noting claims that 70–80% of 2025 commitments are completed. E1 Settlement Push: Jordan and regional partners condemned Israel’s E1 settlement plan east of East Jerusalem, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that threatens a contiguous Palestinian state and urged immediate steps to halt settlement activity. Syria Airbase Condemnation: Foreign ministers including Jordan denounced Israeli strikes on Abu Al-Duhur Military Airport as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a risk to regional stability. King in Beijing: Jordan’s King met Chinese leadership in Beijing, with talks focused on strengthening ties and investment cooperation as regional pressures weigh on the economy. Local Administration & Services: Separate coverage highlighted Amman Municipality upgrades to a downtown tourist walkway aimed at improving safety and accessibility.

Local Accountability: A Jerash governorate panel under “Maidani” says Cabinet commitments are uneven on the ground—health, water, culture, education, transport and tourism projects range from completed to still in studies or waiting for future budgets, with MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh putting 2025 delivery at about 70–80% for roughly JD 250 million in announced work. Government & Politics: Opinion writers track the latest Cabinet reshuffle and argue the Prime Minister moved to end months of speculation, including by disclosing details ahead of formal announcements, while attention turns to the 2027 state budget and banking credit conditions. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Jordan-linked reporting highlights intensifying regional diplomacy around the Gaza and West Bank file, including international condemnation of Israel’s E1 settlement tender and warnings that settlement moves could further damage prospects for a two-state solution. Jordan–China Ties: Coverage also points to Jordan’s push to deepen economic cooperation with China, including trade growth and royal engagement aimed at investment and partnership expansion.

Local Governance Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says Cabinet-announced projects from the July 2025 session are unevenly delivered—MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh estimates 70–80% of 2025 commitments are done, while others lag in studies, implementation, or future budgets, with priorities spanning health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and jobs. Royal Diplomacy & Trade: King Abdullah II continues his China push, touring Shenzhen tech firms and urging deeper Jordanian-Chinese cooperation in R&D and digital transformation, while earlier coverage highlights efforts to boost Chinese tourist arrivals and expand economic ties. Humanitarian Response: Jordan Field Hospital South Gaza/11 has reached its duty station to resume high-standard medical and relief services for Gaza, following the outgoing team’s reported 35,000 patient treatments. Regional Security: Iran rejects U.S. economic threats tied to the stalled Iran-US track, as Israel faces international condemnation over settlement and Syria-related actions, keeping the region’s pressure points—Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria—front and center. Economy & Tourism: Official figures show Chinese visitors to Jordan rose 15.9% in Jan–Jul 2026, reaching 11,931, alongside moves to train Chinese-language tour guides.

Local Delivery vs Promises in Jerash: A panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program said Jerash’s Cabinet commitments announced in July 2025 are unevenly implemented—MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh estimated 70–80% completion, while other projects remain in studies, implementation, or future-budget stages, spanning health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture. Cabinet Reshuffle Politics: Opinion coverage argues the Prime Minister moved to end months of reshuffle speculation, but did so by disclosing details before formal changes—framing it as a strategy to “cool and extinguish” reshuffle appetite. Regional Security Diplomacy: Jordan’s foreign policy activity remains active amid Syria tensions, with reports of Jordanian and regional coordination and continued high-level engagement around the wider Middle East security picture. Jordan-China Economic Push: Multiple items highlight King Abdullah II’s China visit and efforts to deepen economic and investment cooperation, including tourism and trade links. Public Finance Watch: Coverage also points to Jordan’s improving tax revenues and ongoing preparation for the 2027 state budget, as policy focus shifts to delivery and fiscal planning.