AGP Executive Report

UN Nuclear Watchdog: The IAEA board reported Iran to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years over uranium traces at undeclared sites, a move that could trigger new sanctions. Jordan-US Security: Iran strikes on a US base in Jordan damaged aircraft, including an A-10 with a missing wing and light damage to several F-15s, as Washington says it hit Iranian oil tankers in retaliation. Hormuz and Oil Prices: Fresh attacks near the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent above $100 again, with shipping disruptions and fears of wider supply shocks. Red Sea Pressure: Iran-aligned Houthis seized the Yemeni port city of Mocha and expanded activity near Bab al-Mandeb, raising concerns for Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil exports. Local Governance and Housing: Glasgow’s derelict listed school buildings could be converted into low-carbon family homes, supported by the city and heritage funding. Student Politics: Malaysia’s AUKU repeal is being framed as giving university students more freedom to speak and mobilize. Jordan Economy: Amman Stock Exchange trading hit JD10.7m, alongside reports of gold and apartment market movement.

Middle East Tensions: Iran says it attacked more than a dozen vessels and expanded a no-go zone around the Strait of Hormuz, while the US says it destroyed Iranian oil tankers and struck back after attacks on a Jordan-based US airbase—pushing Brent back above $100 and rattling markets across Asia. Jordan Frontline Security: Reports claim Iranian strikes damaged US aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and that the US has started moving helicopters from the site; Jordan hosts key US assets, keeping the kingdom in the spotlight as escalation spreads. Nuclear Diplomacy: The UN nuclear watchdog referred Iran to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years over uranium trace non-cooperation, raising the risk of new sanctions. Regional Diplomacy on Palestine: Foreign ministers from Jordan and other Muslim countries welcomed the UK ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, calling for similar steps and accountability. Local Energy Snapshot: Jordan’s electricity consumption fell 0.7% in 2025, with residential use down while industry and agriculture/pumping rose. Business & Travel: Asian stocks slipped as oil surged; UAE airline disruptions were reported, and Thailand’s visa-free rules are set to tighten from Sept. 15.

US-Iran Shipping War & Oil Shock: The U.S. says it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after IRGC missile attempts on a U.S. warship; Iran retaliated with attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz and fired ballistic missiles toward a U.S.-used base in Jordan, as Brent surged above $100 and markets brace for longer disruption. IAEA Syria Nuclear File: Qatar urged IAEA governors to remove Syria’s safeguards item from the agenda, citing a “historic breakthrough” after outstanding issues from past nuclear activities were resolved; separately, the IAEA board closed its long-running Syria probe. Jordan in Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers including Jordan welcomed the UK decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrict related services, calling for wider action under international law. Jordan Frontline Narrative: Jordan-linked analysis highlights how the kingdom’s ties with the U.S. put it in the crosshairs as attacks expand across the region. Local Note: Amman Stock Exchange trading reached JD 14.3 million.

US-Iran Escalation Touches Jordan: Iran’s IRGC says it fired ballistic missiles at a US base near Al Azraq in Jordan after the US destroyed five Iranian oil tankers; Jordan says 18 of 20 missiles were intercepted and no casualties were reported. Oil Prices Near $100: The renewed Middle East flare-up pushed Brent about 1.6% higher to around $99.5 a barrel, with markets bracing for possible supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Shipping Under Strain: Iran also warned tanker crews near Kuwait and Bahrain to leave, while IRGC claimed attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan’s Policy Debate: A local policy paper urges Jordan to shift from being a goods corridor into a trade, logistics and manufacturing base, warning against assuming transit gains will last. Education and Health Capacity: Jordan is reconsidering public university seats in medicine and dentistry, with officials saying any changes must match capacity and labor-market demand. Business and Markets: Asian trading stayed cautious as oil risk fed into inflation worries, while Pakistan’s market saw selling after the latest regional attacks.

Jordan–Oman Diplomacy: King Abdullah II met Oman’s Shura Council chairman Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, stressing close ties and cooperation to reduce regional tensions. West Bank Trade & Settlements: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the UK’s ban on trade in goods from Israeli settlements and a joint statement by 12 countries backing national measures, citing international law and support for a two-state solution. Digital Push: Crown Prince Al Hussein chaired the National Council for Future Technology and reviewed progress on the Sanad Business app ahead of launch, while Jordan also signed an MoU with Saudi AI firm Humain to boost Arabic AI and local talent. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia condemned Houthi attacks on civilian and economic targets, warning it will defend its sovereignty and calling for an end to escalation. Jordan–US Fallout: Commentary highlights that Jordan’s US alliance puts the kingdom in the crosshairs as Iran’s campaign against US interests and regional bases continues.

Climate Finance Push: King Abdullah II chaired a meeting on green and climate finance, directing the government to draft a unified national strategy with the private sector, after Jordan secured $295m from the Green Climate Fund for the National Water Carrier Project and will host a regional GCF office. Debt and Household Borrowing: A new look at Jordan’s individual indebtedness shows it reached JD 14.312bn by Q1 2026, with housing loans leading the mix and car/personal borrowing also prominent. Regional Solidarity on Yemen Attacks: Jordan condemned Houthi strikes on Saudi cities and reiterated full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, calling attacks on commercial shipping a breach of sovereignty and international law. Diplomacy and Security Signals: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani told the Arab League that Damascus remains committed to a diplomatic solution with Israel while calling for exclusive state control of arms. Jordan-Israel Peace History: Newly released documents from a secret 1993 Peres-King Hussein meeting in Amman shed light on early groundwork for the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Energy and Gaza Electricity: Palestinian authorities report progress on solar expansion, with PENRA saying 60% of solar projects were implemented over the past two years and measures are underway to support Gaza’s electricity reconstruction.

Jordan–Oman Ties: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met Oman’s Shura Council chairman Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali to discuss boosting cooperation, including parliamentary links, investment opportunities, and efforts to calm regional escalation and support Palestinians. Gaza Aid from Amman: The Jordanian Red Crescent sent a humanitarian convoy to Gaza, departing Amman and heading via Egyptian ports and crossings. Digital Banking Step: Jordan Ahli Bank launched Jordan’s first certified remote digital signature service, letting customers sign loan agreements through the bank’s app using eKYC. Climate Finance Push: King Abdullah II directed the government to draft a comprehensive national strategy for climate finance with private-sector input, citing major Green Climate Fund support for water projects. Judiciary Updates: The King received annual reports on the Judicial Council and Sharia Courts, including progress on case resolution and e-services. Local Economy Watch: Jordan’s gold prices fell to JD 89.10 per gram, while central banks globally bought 23 tonnes of gold in July.

Jordan-Egypt Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty to coordinate ahead of the 166th Arab League Council session in Cairo and discuss steps to confront illegal Israeli measures in occupied Jerusalem, while also stressing Jordan-Egypt cooperation and trilateral projects with Iraq. Gaza Displacement Condemnation: Jordan joined Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Muslim states in rejecting Israeli calls to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, warning such moves violate international law and threaten regional stability. Air Travel Rights: Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) published new rules to protect passengers with disabilities, with free assistance and bans on extra charges, set to take effect Dec. 1, 2026. Domestic Safety Tech: Watchdogs warn electronic tagging alerts can be too slow to protect domestic abuse and stalking victims, pushing for faster real-time notifications. Regional Tensions: Iran reiterated restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and an “exclusion zone,” as US and regional partners trade accusations amid rising escalation fears.

Gaza Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia issued a joint statement rejecting any attempt to displace Palestinians from Gaza, warning that turning such calls into policy would violate international law and derail a US-backed peace path. Energy Cooperation: Jordan’s Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba’s floating unit, regasifying in Jordan and transporting through Syria for power generation, while also backing an energy-efficiency drive in government buildings to cut bills by about 20%. Regional Security Travel: Israel’s National Security Council published High Holidays travel warnings, placing Jordan and parts of the region including the Sinai at threat level 4 and urging Israelis to avoid protests and limit visible Israeli/Jewish symbols. Jordan Governance: The IEC published a draft strategic plan for 2027–2029, inviting feedback by Sept. 13. Digital Payments: Valu officially launched its first phase in Jordan toward an integrated flexible digital payment ecosystem, after receiving its final Central Bank license. Supply Chains: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met to review keeping Aqaba port operations and border crossings running smoothly amid regional conditions.

Education Upgrade: The World Bank approved a $3.5 million grant to prepare Jordan’s digital transformation of public schools, including a nationwide readiness assessment for about 3,500 schools, testing connectivity and device options, and setting technical specs and costs for wider rollout. Consular Services: Jordan’s Civil Status and Passports Department expanded Saturday hours at six Amman offices and at comprehensive government service centers to help citizens who can’t visit on regular weekdays; Saturday transactions rose from about 1,611 in early August to 2,207 by Aug. 29. Regional Security: US forces said they destroyed three Iranian oil tankers linked to the IRGC after attacks on US warships, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz keep disrupting shipping and energy flows. West Bank Tensions: Israeli forces raided multiple West Bank villages and settlers entered parts of the northern Jordan Valley, damaging crops and stealing water barrels. Diplomacy in Syria: US envoy Tom Barrack urged restraint in Syria’s Suwayda after renewed escalation, pointing to a trilateral roadmap involving Jordan and calling for governance to prevent armed groups filling the vacuum.

Jordan–France Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met France’s top Europe and foreign affairs minister in Paris to boost bilateral ties and push for stronger European action on regional stability, including efforts toward a sustainable US-Iran ceasefire. Tourism Push in the East: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited Safawi’s “Blessed Tree” site and the Azraq Wetland Reserve project, ordering a wider plan to develop eastern Jordan’s tourist, ecological and historical locations. Digital Services: Jordan launched an “Electronic Passport Issuance Application” at several government service centers in Amman and Balqa, available from 9am to midnight. Security and Regional Fallout: Reports highlight how Jordan’s US alliance has made its bases a target for repeated Iranian strikes, adding pressure amid regional volatility. West Bank Developments: Settlers began building a new outpost in the northern Jordan Valley, while Israeli actions continue to reshape land and grazing areas. Gold Prices: Jordan’s 21-karat gold fell to JD89.70 per gram in the latest local list. Regional Energy Tensions: US strikes reportedly targeted Iranian-linked oil tankers after attacks on warships, keeping Hormuz shipping risk in focus.

Jordan-US-Iran Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi hit back at Jordan over criticism of Tehran’s retaliatory strikes, arguing Amman should not be treated as neutral when Arab territory and airspace were used in U.S. attacks; Iran’s army spokesman also urged the U.S. to “leave West Asia,” saying missile and drone attacks hit multiple U.S. bases across the region, including in Jordan. Travel Disruptions: With the U.S. listing Jordan among Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” destinations due to armed conflict and flight disruption, airlines are gradually resuming some UAE routes while schedules remain mixed and cancellations continue. Tourism Watch: Umm Qais saw visitor numbers fall by 13.3% in Jan–Jul 2026, down to 71,289 total visitors from 82,266 a year earlier. Local Tragedy: A five-year-old boy in Zarqa died after allegedly being left inside a private school bus for about four hours; a forensic report cited “heat shock,” and the driver was detained for questioning. Regional Security Cooperation: France said it will host a meeting with King Abdullah II ahead of a Paris conference aimed at strengthening the Lebanese army and supporting the Aqaba Process to help disarm Hezbollah. Sports: Jordan’s basketball rivals Gilas Pilipinas are preparing for the Asian Games after qualifiers, with Robert Bolick among the key returning options.

Jordan-US Tensions: Iran appears more confident and willing to keep pressure on the region, with recent exchanges involving attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and strikes tied to U.S. forces and bases, raising fears of a longer, harder standoff. Regional Security: Lebanon reported fresh Israeli strikes while Iran said it fired missiles toward Jordan, with interceptions reported over northern Israel. Local Impact in Jordan: Jordan’s alliance with the U.S. is again framed as a key reason the kingdom is being targeted in the wider Iran conflict. Politics & Diplomacy: Jordan and Austria discussed Syria support and regional de-escalation, as officials try to keep channels open amid escalating military activity. Economy & Markets: Gold demand stayed supported even as central-bank buying cooled, with Jordan mentioned among countries selling small amounts. Sports Law: A Louisiana court ruling cleared the way for LSU to add former NFL players, a reminder of how eligibility rules are being challenged across U.S. college sports.

US-Iran Escalation and Jordan’s Security: The US and Iran remain locked in tit-for-tat strikes, with Iran firing missiles and drones at US bases across the region, including in Jordan, after US attacks. Wedding Strike Probe: Washington says it is investigating a deadly Iranian wedding attack; Reuters analysis suggests a likely direct hit by US munitions, as Iran reports deaths and injuries and Tehran calls it a “war crime.” Regional Pressure on Energy: With the Strait of Hormuz again in focus, oil prices and fuel costs are rising, adding strain to the wider economy and to US efforts to manage the conflict ahead of midterms. Jordan’s Tech Push: Jordan unveiled an AI-powered digital government spokesperson, Farah, to explain official decisions and projects. Local Impact: Separately, Jordan confirmed casualties among its citizens after a deadly Egypt bus crash in South Sinai.

US-Iran Escalation: The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as the US resumes strikes on Iran and Iran retaliates across the region, with Kuwait reporting intercepted missiles and drones and Iran warning of “asymmetrical” responses that could disrupt energy and fuel supplies. Jordan in the Crosshairs: Multiple reports say Iranian attacks have targeted US-linked bases in Jordan, while regional diplomacy and condemnation continue amid fears of a wider confrontation. Oil and Shipping Pressure: US officials claim record oil flows through Hormuz, but analysts and ship-tracking reports point to disruption and heightened risk for global markets. Israel-Iran Tensions: Israeli leaders say US sanctions are squeezing Tehran and could push “desperate steps,” while Netanyahu again signals confidence that toppling Iran is “within reach.” Jordan Watch: Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation says dams are ready for the 2026/2027 rainy season after safety inspections, as the region braces for instability. Local Health Upgrade: The Health Ministry says 16 primary healthcare centers across Amman and other governorates were rehabilitated with EU and WHO support.

Jordan–China Ties: King Abdullah II’s visit to China opened new economic paths, highlighted by a Beijing MoU between Royal Jordanian and Air China to explore a direct Amman–Beijing route, plus codesharing, cargo, ground services and training. US–Iran Escalation With Jordan in the Crosshairs: The US and Iran traded some of their heaviest blows since July, with Iran claiming it laid new naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory strikes hitting US-linked targets across the region, including Jordan; the US says it is clearing mines and targeting military assets. Civilian Toll Fears: Iran’s health ministry said 18 were killed and 108 wounded in US strikes, including a wedding attack; the UN chief urged an immediate halt and condemned attacks on civilians. Regional Diplomacy Pressure: A White House envoy met UAE officials as Washington ramps up sanctions pressure on Iran’s economic partners, while GCC states—including Jordan—condemned attacks on Gulf shipping. Local Human Impact: Cyprus sent condolences to Egypt and Jordan after a Sinai bus crash killed 22, with reports of Jordanian victims. Sports Business Note: The NBA hit the LA Clippers with a $30m fine, draft pick losses and suspensions tied to salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.