AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Jordan hosted a high-level military meeting of the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army with senior commanders from Syria, Iraq and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region to boost coordination on border security and cross-border threats, with emphasis on information-sharing and joint preparedness. Diplomacy & Law: Jordan condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions, and urged pressure to end Israeli “provocative and unlawful” actions in Syrian territory. Government Updates: A Royal Decree approved a cabinet reshuffle under Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, appointing new ministers including a Deputy PM for Local Administration, a Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, and a new Education and Human Resources Development minister. Education & Jobs: The House of Representatives approved a draft law establishing an Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for 2026, aiming to align training and accreditation with labor market needs. Energy & Trade: Jordan’s Central Bank opened applications for 12 Tawjihi scholarships tied to university study in economics, statistics, accounting and finance, with placement linked to employment.

West Bank Raids: Israeli forces carried out raids across the occupied West Bank, including destroying water pipelines in Tubas and detaining two Palestinian brothers in the Jordan Valley, while other operations targeted homes and agricultural areas. UAE Travel Disruptions: UAE airlines reported cancellations and delays affecting routes to Bahrain, Kuwait and other destinations, as regional security advisories warn travellers to expect disruptions. Jordan–China Education Push: Jordan is stepping up ties with China through education, with Yarmouk University planning a “China Village” to expand Chinese language and interdisciplinary programs. 2000th Baptism Anniversary Prep: Jordan’s Prime Minister chaired the first national committee meeting to prepare for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism in 2030, with government and church leaders coordinating plans. Banking Expansion: Bank of Jordan Group opened its first Saudi branch in Riyadh, aiming to deepen corporate and trade links. Regional Security Debate: A Jordanian analyst urged careful evaluation of the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, warning against blind alignment amid shifting regional dynamics. Business & Finance: Zain Group reported a 73% jump in H1 2026 net profit to $717m, while Bank of Jordan’s Saudi move and other regional deals underline continued investment momentum.

Religious Diplomacy & National Planning: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired the first meeting of a high-level national committee preparing Jordan for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030, stressing a clear timetable, international outreach, and Jordan’s role as a global Christian pilgrimage destination. Investment Climate: Jordan reported major progress in the Economic Modernization Vision 2026–2029, including reforms to improve the investment environment, activation of investor post-care services, and thousands of incentive transactions in the first half of 2026. Industry & Jobs: A first-half progress report highlighted steps to boost Jordan’s manufacturing output and exports, support SMEs with funding, and accelerate digital transformation and regulatory streamlining. Digital Inclusion: Zain Jordan relaunched its Basma+ line for Deaf customers with enhanced benefits focused on video calls and SMS, plus a data and minutes package. Local Economy & Trade: Jordan’s logistics performance remains a bright spot, with the country ranked third in the Arab world in the Logistics Performance Index, supported by strong port operations at Aqaba. Energy & Connectivity: Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Ramco Systems for aviation software to support its next growth phase, including maintenance and supply chain modules. Gold Prices: Local gold prices rose, with 21-karat selling at 89 JOD per gram.

Al-Aqsa & Gaza Tensions: Jordan is watching rising Israeli moves around al-Aqsa as Netanyahu rejects a US-backed Gaza plan, while regional governments warn that continued Israeli military pressure could derail diplomacy and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Regional Diplomacy: Gulf foreign ministers and the EU reaffirmed support for a comprehensive political solution in Syria under UN Security Council Resolution 2254, with “step by step” implementation. Jordan’s Strategic Balancing: Analyst Rana Sabbagh urged Jordan to assess the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defense Agreement carefully, warning that reliance on traditional US security guarantees has limits after the Iran war. Security & Shipping Fallout: Iran-US talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are nearing agreement on transit arrangements, but Iran says broader US concessions are still required; airlines and shipping face ongoing disruption. Jordan in the Spotlight: Iraq ranked 12th in Arab diplomacy presence, with Jordan listed among the region’s mid-to-lower global standings.

Aqaba Railway Compensation: Jordan’s Cabinet approved a full compensation and land-swap mechanism for properties expropriated for the Aqaba Railway Project, with landowners who reject swaps receiving full financial compensation, and Arab Potash Company covering 50% of approved compensation costs. Logistics Push: Jordan placed 3rd in the Arab world on the 2024 Logistics Performance Index, with Aqaba highlighted for fast port handling and lower shipping costs, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a “safe logistics corridor.” Smart Water Upgrade: The Water and Irrigation and Digital Economy ministers inspected progress on the Smart Transformation Project for water and wastewater services, including AI-based improvements aimed at cutting losses and boosting efficiency. Digital Services Drive: Government services digitization reached 85.8% by mid-2026, while the Land Transport Regulatory Commission continues trial operations of new routes. Markets & Daily Life: The Amman Stock Exchange saw about 9 million JOD in trading volume; gold prices were stable locally; and the Amman Chamber of Commerce said school supplies and uniforms are widely available with prices largely unchanged. Culture & Mobility: Jeeny launched a dedicated Jerash Festival in-app mobility service with pre-booked round trips between Amman and Jerash and 20% off rides.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says a deal with Oman on Hormuz shipping is “very close,” but reopening depends on conditions including US compensation, an end to threats and aggression, and lifting sanctions and the blockade—while Iran also lists six demands for any restart. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia and Yemen joined Jordan and others in condemning the UAE-linked attack on an ADNOC oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, with Riyadh blaming Iran and warning of risks to maritime navigation and global energy supplies. Jordan Economy & Tourism: Jordan welcomed 3.15m visitors in H1 2026, with tourism revenues reaching about JD2.47b; the same period saw 1.31m visits to archaeological and tourist sites and progress on religious and MICE tourism initiatives. Local Development: The government officially began the design phase for the Amman cable car project and says 343 of 394 economic modernization projects are already in execution. Sports (Jordan-linked): TNT’s Jordan Heading returned from injury to lead a 114-80 win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Governors’ Cup. Football Governance: FIFA’s Infantino faces mounting calls to resign after UEFA and others reject his World Cup privatization plan; Jordan FA chief Prince Ali previously alleged FIFA “blackmail” over endorsement.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says it is “very close” to an Oman deal on Strait of Hormuz transit, but reopening depends on conditions including US compensation and an end to threats and aggression; Oman condemned repeated attacks on vessels while talks continue on new transit and traffic arrangements. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, treating an attack on any member as an attack on all—an effort analysts say reshapes Gulf deterrence amid the Iran conflict. Maritime Tensions: The UAE condemned an Iranian missile strike on an ADNOC tanker in the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of international law and “piracy,” with Jordan also calling it a flagrant breach; ADNOC said no casualties were reported. Jordan Focus—Jerusalem: Arab foreign ministers met in Amman warning that changes to Al-Aqsa’s status quo could trigger a wider religious conflict, with Jordan urging international action. Jordan Economy & Services: World Bank climate financing for Jordan totals $194.44m in a $700m program, while Jordan’s health syndicates push tougher laws against impersonators of medical professionals. Labor Update: Jordan’s Ministry of Labor urged employers to legalize non-Jordanian workers’ status before the Sept 30 deadline, warning inspections will intensify.

Jordan-US ties: Jordan and the U.S. signed a four-year strategic cooperation deal worth $354.6 million, as Amman seeks stronger support amid regional tensions and Iran-linked pressure. Regional diplomacy: Jordan also convened Arab ministers over Jerusalem/Al-Aqsa concerns, warning of an “imminent” Israeli takeover threat. FIFA crisis with local impact: Jordan’s football authorities renewed criticism of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino over “blackmail” claims, even after FIFA moved to release overdue prize money to Jordan. Local innovation: Applied Science Private University hosted “BilAraby – Amman,” bringing together Arab innovators and Jordanian achievements, under Qatar’s ambassador’s attendance. Economy & markets: The Amman Stock Exchange reported higher H1 profits for listed companies, with trading volume reaching about JOD 16.4 million.

Regional Security: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” saying an armed attack on any one would be treated as an attack on all, as Iran’s missile fire and energy disruptions raise fears of wider conflict. Jordan-US Debate: Jordanian public figures have called for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the kingdom, warning the American presence could pull Amman into escalation. Energy & Shipping: Iran says a framework with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz is close, while negotiations and fees for shipowners keep the spotlight on regional trade routes. FIFA Governance Fallout: CAF unanimously reconfirmed support for Gianni Infantino after FIFA’s crisis over the failed World Cup investment plan, even as Europe keeps a boycott threat. Local Economy: Jordan’s foreign reserves rose to $26.6b and cover 8.7 months of imports, alongside reports of stronger Amman Stock Exchange profits.

Gaza Diplomacy: Qatar, Jordan, the UAE and other Arab and Islamic states issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s ongoing Gaza violations, stressing attacks on healthcare and civilian infrastructure and warning they could derail the Gaza peace roadmap. Regional Security: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf hit back at US “theater diplomacy,” as Washington and Tehran continue talks tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Amman Footprint in the Region: Jordan is among the signatories pushing for stronger diplomatic action over Jerusalem and Gaza, while regional aviation cautiously resumes some routes amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Jordan Economy & Industry: The Amman Chamber of Industry ran a workshop on Higher Council for Science and Technology support programs, highlighting funding and training aimed at boosting industrial competitiveness. Jordan Finance: Jordan’s foreign reserves rose to $26.6b by end of July, covering 8.7 months of imports, according to central bank figures. Sports Governance Watch: FIFA president Gianni Infantino received backing from CAF, but UEFA kept its World Cup boycott threat alive, keeping pressure on FIFA’s leadership.

Gaza Diplomacy: Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, including Jordan, condemned ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza, focusing on attacks on hospitals and healthcare infrastructure and warning they could derail the second phase of the ceasefire plan. Regional Security: Iraq’s top political coalition warned Iran-backed armed groups that missing a Sept. 30 disarmament deadline could bring terrorism charges, stressing weapons must stay with the state. Energy & Economy: Jordan moved to boost energy security by tendering a study to expand oil storage capacity across key sites like Aqaba, Madouna and Zarqa. FIFA Fallout: Jordan’s football chief Prince Ali said FIFA/Infantino used “blackmail” over unpaid Arab Cup prize money, even as FIFA transferred dues to Jordan and Infantino kept leadership backing amid wider governance backlash. Markets Watch: Moody’s said MENA sovereign credit fundamentals are shifting negative as direct conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions hit growth prospects.

Jerusalem Documentation Push: Türkiye and Arab and Muslim states agreed in Amman to set up a permanent mechanism to document alleged Israeli violations in occupied East Jerusalem and at holy sites, including a media platform to share cases with international bodies, while reaffirming support for Jordan’s custodianship and warning that any change to Al-Aqsa’s status could spark wider religious conflict. Jordan Diplomacy on Al-Aqsa: Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi and other ministers backed intensified Arab efforts to defend Al-Aqsa amid rising incursions, with Pakistan’s Dar also stressing no sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem and calling for unified action. Regional Security Talks: Iraq’s Fuad Hussein met Jordan, Egypt and Saudi counterparts in Amman to discuss energy and pipeline cooperation, including the Basra-Aqaba Oil Pipeline and electricity links, and to activate a trilateral mechanism. FIFA Infantino Fallout: FIFA apologized to member associations over mistakes tied to a scrapped World Cup commercial-rights sell-off, while leadership reiterated “full support” for Gianni Infantino after an emergency Morocco meeting. Sustainable Finance in Jordan: Jordan Kuwait Bank, with IFC, issued its second Green Bond to fund renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings and sustainable transport. US-Iran De-escalation Signal: Trump said he’d rather reach a deal with Iran than use force, after Iran requested talks, linking the standoff to potential oil and petrol price drops.

Jerusalem Diplomacy: Arab and Islamic foreign ministers met in Amman and jointly condemned what they called “illegal” Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa, including settler incursions, restrictions on worship, and excavations, reiterating that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that Jordan should remain the custodian; UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO kept the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the List of World Heritage in Danger, saying conservation conditions for removal have not been met, citing threats tied to Israeli measures; Jordan’s Position: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi told reporters the Arab stance is unified: Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, and coordinated diplomatic action will target international pressure to stop violations; Regional Talks: Jordan also hosted Arab coordination efforts with Egypt and others, while officials discussed de-escalation and regional stability; FIFA Crisis Spillover: Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein renewed accusations of FIFA “blackmail” over endorsement and prize money, as Infantino faced mounting backlash and emergency meetings in Morocco; Local Economy: Gold prices in Jordan rose to JOD 85.30 per gram for 21-karat; Business/Tech: Zain Jordan received integrated international certifications for data privacy, information security, and business continuity management systems.

FIFA Crisis in the Spotlight: Jordan’s Football Association chief Prince Ali bin Al Hussein accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of “blackmail,” saying Jordan was promised help in exchange for political endorsement and that prize money from the FIFA Arab Cup remains unpaid. Global Football Fallout: Arsène Wenger and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstroem distanced themselves from Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits, while Infantino called emergency crisis talks in Morocco as pressure for his resignation spreads. Jerusalem Holy Sites: Jordan convened an emergency Arab-Islamic foreign ministers meeting over what it called an “imminent” threat of an Israeli takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, warning any change to the status quo could spark wider religious conflict. US-Iran Tensions and Shipping: A US official said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached “today or tomorrow,” as attacks in the region continued, including a ship sinking in the Red Sea. Jordan-US Cooperation: Jordan and the US signed a $354.6 million cooperation deal, adding to broader strategic coordination.

FIFA Crisis in Focus: Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Hussein escalated his feud with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “blackmail” and saying FIFA offered help for Jordan in exchange for endorsement. FIFA Internal Pressure: FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom sent a letter to staff calling the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” push a “sad and reproachable series of events,” after Infantino abandoned the plan to bring private investors into World Cup commercial rights. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan hosted a push to align Arab and Islamic positions on Jerusalem, with an emergency Arab-Islamic foreign ministers meeting set to review threats around Temple Mount and the wider West Bank situation. Energy and Food Security: King Abdullah chaired a review of government measures to strengthen Jordan’s energy and food security, including diversifying energy sources, boosting reserves, and expanding private partnerships in storage and transport. Local Economy: The U.S.-Jordan strategic objective agreement was signed, outlining $354.6m in U.S. foreign assistance over four years.

Iran-US Tensions: President Donald Trump said talks with Iran are ongoing and claimed the Strait of Hormuz could reopen “literally by tomorrow,” while Iran’s foreign ministry denies any direct negotiations and says only Oman talks are under way—leaving shipping and energy routes in limbo. Regional Security & Travel: The U.S. Embassy in Amman urged Americans to stay cautious as the regional situation remains “complex,” warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and wider disruptions, with heightened risk to airports, civilian sites, and energy infrastructure. Jordan’s Economic Pulse: Amman Stock Exchange trading volume hit about JOD 16.4 million, while listed companies’ first-half net profit rose 14.3%, alongside reports of IMF support of $188 million after Jordan completed two reviews. Local Policy: Jordan’s Lower House approved 20 additional articles in amended real property law, and a one-stop platform was launched to streamline procedures for the National Water Carrier Project.