AGP Executive Report

IMF Support for Jordan: The IMF transferred $188m to Jordan after completing the fifth EFF review and second RSF review, citing continued macro stability and progress on reforms. Digital Public Services: Jordan’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department fully moved licensing transactions online, rolling out digital vehicle registration cards via QR/SMS and electronic payments. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held calls with Qatar’s leadership, stressing dialogue and implementing the US-Iran understanding to keep freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. ASE Market Update: Amman Stock Exchange listed companies’ net profit rose 14.3% in H1 2026 to 1.2bn JOD, with services and industrial sectors showing strong gains. Regional Security Pressure: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait are reportedly increasing pressure on Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Energy & Shipping Tensions: Iran rejected claims of an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the waterway closed unless conditions are met, as US-Iran talks and warnings continue.

Middle-East Security Alert: US embassies across the region, including in Jordan, urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready for rapid departure as tensions with Iran rise, warning of possible flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures. Trump-Iran Deal Talk: Trump said Mideast allies have outlined parameters for a deal that would mean the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, prompting him to pause planned strikes “subject to” rapid deal-making. Regional Pressure on Escalation: Saudi leadership reportedly pressed Trump for clarity and urged de-escalation, fearing retaliation that could hit Gulf energy infrastructure. Local Impact Watch: With Jordan named among the countries issuing advisories, the focus for residents is on monitoring official instructions and travel disruptions as the situation remains fluid.

US-Iran Escalation Watch: US embassies across West Asia, including in Jordan, urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready to depart amid “unforeseen escalation,” warning of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures and advising people to avoid US military bases in Jordan. Regional Shipping & Energy: The alerts come as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and wider shipping routes intensify, with reports of drone activity and tanker strikes raising oil-price concerns. Jordan Digital Services: Jordan’s DVLD announced full adoption of electronic payments for all licensing transactions, ending cash payments in centers nationwide from Aug 2. Economy & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange reported weekly trading volume of about 86.0m JOD (up from the prior week) and a rise in the general index. Trade & Industry: JSMO said 151 companies joined its Committed Trader Program in H1, up from 143 a year earlier. Tourism & Local Development: ASEZA inaugurated a cycling trail in Wadi Rum to boost eco and sports tourism.

Gaza Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait welcomed a new phase of the “Board of Peace” Gaza plan, urging Israel to fully implement the deal, withdraw forces and keep humanitarian aid flowing. Regional Security: The US says it has redirected 30 commercial vessels and boarded/disabled several to enforce a blockade amid Iran tensions, while Trump signals more pressure on Tehran. Iran Escalation: Reports say Trump is weighing fresh strikes on Iran as early as this weekend, with markets reacting as fears of wider conflict grow. Maritime Defense: Saudi-led talks backed a 14-nation maritime defense alliance for Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb security, with Jordan among signatories. Local Impact: Jordan Valley activists say an Israeli court order has frozen demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures in the northern Jordan Valley. Sports & Culture: FIFA is consulting on a possible 64-team World Cup decision by Aug. 14, and Amman-area readers also saw coverage of major entertainment and community events.

Middle East Crisis: Hamas says it will hand over its weapons to a new Gaza administration body under the “Board of Peace” framework, but disarmament is tied to Israeli troop withdrawal and an international force entering Gaza. Jordan-Linked Security: Jordan condemned an Iranian strike on vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port and reported intercepting missiles amid the wider US-Iran escalation. Diplomacy at the Top: Canada’s PM Mark Carney spoke with King Abdullah II, condemning Iran’s attacks and stressing civilian protection, stability, and humanitarian support for Gaza. Regional Shipping: Saudi Arabia unveiled a Red Sea maritime defence coalition backed by 14 countries to protect key waterways as the Strait of Hormuz crisis reshapes trade and raises escalation fears. Cyber Threats: A US cyber defense warning highlighted rising hacking targeting water and wastewater systems, with officials linking recent incidents to Iranian-linked actors.

Gaza Ceasefire Talks: US President Donald Trump says his “Board of Peace” has reached an “historic” deal for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with Israeli forces withdrawing in phases and an international stabilization force working with a new Palestinian police force. Regional Security: The Middle East conflict keeps widening as the US and Iran trade missile barrages; Jordan says it intercepted Iranian missiles again, while Kuwait reported a strike that killed one person. Jordan in the Crosshairs: Iran’s IRGC claims it struck US assets in Jordan and Kuwait, while the US denies damage claims and says intercepts failed or were stopped. Maritime Risks: A drone strike hit gas vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port, raising fears for navigation near the Suez Canal as authorities analyze drone fragments. Red Sea Defense: Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect shipping lanes around Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with Jordan listed among founding members.

Jordan-Iran Escalation: Jordan says it intercepted and shot down five Iranian missiles as the U.S. and Iran traded “heavy wave” strikes, with Iran also claiming attacks on U.S. assets and the IRGC reporting casualties. Regional Shipping Risk: A drone attack near Egypt’s Damietta port sparked fires on gas vessels, raising fresh worries for navigation around the Suez Canal as the wider conflict spreads. Diplomacy Under Strain: Pakistan says U.S.-Iran talks are ongoing, but Iran rejected proposals tied to Strait of Hormuz management, while Qatar condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan and Kuwait. Local Impact: Royal Jordanian reported a JD 1.4m net profit in the first half of 2026, blaming higher fuel costs and regional disruptions, though government aid helped cushion losses. Cybersecurity Capacity: Canada’s Willis College announced a DND-funded cybersecurity training partnership for Jordan’s Armed Forces, building a self-sustaining defence training hub at Al-Hussein Technical University. Aviation/Defense Claims: The U.S. denied Iranian media claims that F-35 jets were destroyed at Jordan’s Al-Azraq base.

US-Iran Escalation: The US launched a “heavy wave” of strikes on Iran after Iran’s missile attack on a US base in Jordan, with CENTCOM saying it hit dozens of IRGC targets including command centres, missile/drone sites and coastal defence capabilities; Jordan Security: Jordan said it intercepted five Iranian missiles with no casualties, while Amman’s diplomacy continued as Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called Bahrain and Kuwait to stress restoring calm, maintaining the US-Iran ceasefire and coordinating against Iranian attacks; Regional Spillover: The conflict also widened through joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and drone-related fires reported at Egypt’s Damietta port involving US-linked shipping; Markets & Travel: Oil prices swung sharply on renewed Gulf tensions, and airlines kept suspending or rerouting flights across the region; Local Life: Separate from the war, Jordan-linked readers also saw practical updates like closures from a water outage in Forsyth County and ongoing regional planning efforts.

Middle East Escalation: Iran launched ballistic missiles toward U.S. forces in Jordan, and CENTCOM said all were intercepted; Trump vowed a “hard” response, while U.S.-Saudi strikes hit Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and raising fears the fragile lull is over. Energy & Markets: Oil jumped sharply above $90 a barrel as the renewed fighting flared, with Strait of Hormuz tensions also in focus. Jordan’s Role in the Conflict: Multiple reports point to Jordan as a frontline in the wider U.S.-Iran confrontation, with Iran claiming attacks on U.S. bases and Washington warning of further action. Local Economy Watch: Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company said it is still working with ministries to settle government gas subsidy amounts, including about JOD 80 million allocated in the 2026 budget. Industrial Policy: Jordan’s Ministry of Industry said it is pushing ahead with industrial policy projects 2024–2028, including energy-efficiency steps for major plants. Trade & Investment: Jordan was listed among participants in METAS 2026 in Sharjah, with 51 companies from China, UAE and Jordan set to exhibit August 3–5.

US-Iran Escalation in the Region: Jordan says its air defences intercepted and destroyed five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, as the US Central Command reported all Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted in an “attempted surprise attack” aimed at US forces. US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq: The US and Saudi Arabia carried out coordinated air strikes on Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq, citing drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and warning proxies to stop. Hormuz Diplomacy Under Strain: Oman is pushing a new Strait of Hormuz arrangement, including a voluntary fee idea, but Iran has rejected the latest proposal to share control, keeping shipping and oil-route risks in focus. Jordan Diplomacy: Qatar and Jordan’s top diplomats discussed bilateral ties and regional de-escalation, stressing adherence to the US-Iran understandings and freedom of navigation through Hormuz. Local Angle: Jordan’s airspace and security remain central as regional missile and drone activity continues, with Jordan repeatedly named in the latest exchange.

Jordan Digital Health: Crown Prince Hussein chaired the National Council for Future Technology, urging deeper integration of hospitals and health centres into the Jordan Digital Health Centre network, as the Ministry of Health highlighted telemedicine links to hospitals and centres and tens of thousands of teleradiology reports. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar condemned renewed attacks on Jordan as a breach of sovereignty and UN law, while Jordan and Qatar also discussed regional efforts to reduce escalation and back dialogue tied to US-Iran understandings on Hormuz. UNRWA Raid: Jordan condemned an Israeli raid on the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem as a “flagrant” violation of international law and UN agency immunities. Security Tensions: Iraq ordered an investigation into Saudi claims that drones were launched from Iraqi territory, stressing it will not allow its land to be used for attacks. Local Economy & Culture: Amman promoted school-based waste management in West Sumbawa under a circular-economy program, and Jordan’s tourism community initiative in Al-Shoubak highlighted heritage revival through a restored heritage house.

US-Iran Diplomacy Watch: Trump says the US is having “good talks” with Tehran and a deal is possible, but warns strikes could resume if negotiations fail; Iran says messages are still moving via mediators and denies direct talks. Regional Security: Despite the pause, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq reported drone attacks, with Riyadh blaming Iran-backed militias and Jordan reporting an intercepted drone near the border. Hormuz Tensions: Yemen’s Houthis say they’re targeting Saudi oil logistics, while Iran insists it controls Strait of Hormuz—raising fears of a wider maritime chokehold. Jordan-Iraq Trade: Iraq’s trade minister met the Jordanian ambassador to discuss convening an Iraqi-Jordanian economic committee in Baghdad and boosting Jordan’s role in the Baghdad International Fair. Road Safety in Jordan: UNITAR and FIA launched the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for MENA, including Jordan, to support local road-safety projects and training. Local Tech & Alerts: Jordan began testing a national mobile emergency alert system, as drones and regional tensions keep security on the agenda.

West Bank Violence: Israel’s raids and settler attacks intensified across the occupied West Bank, with UN figures citing 1,111 Palestinian deaths (including 243 children) since the start of 2026 and record settler violence; in Nablus and nearby areas, mass arrests and road closures left families trapped and medics obstructed. Jordan Security & Diplomacy: Jordan condemned attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory, stressing sovereignty and backing Saudi measures; separately, Jordan said it shot down two drones amid the wider US-Iran pause and regional drone activity. US-Iran Tensions: Trump warned strikes could resume with “very strong military action” if diplomacy fails, while mediators reported progress toward renewed talks as attacks remained paused. Jordan Digital Services: Crown Prince Hussein urged faster completion of the Civil Status and Passports digital transition, noting a sharp rise in e-service use. Transport Planning: Government reviewed plans for a 1,000-space electronic “park and ride” linked to Jordan Street, Airport Road and future BRT lines. Tourism & Culture: Jordan saw overnight tourist arrivals rise to 491,788 in June, and Jerash’s 40th festival expanded with tech-driven sound-and-light and a week of poetry evenings. Economy: Industrial exports grew 8.2% in the first five months, reaching JD 3.668 billion.

Jordan Emergency Alerts: Jordan’s National Centre for Security and Crisis Management will run tests starting Monday on a national emergency mobile alert system across most governorates, in Arabic and English, with a distinctive warning tone; officials say the public should not be alarmed. UNESCO Spotlight on Aqaba: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, praised for its coral reefs, marine biodiversity and heat-resilient ecosystems. US-Iran Pause, Diplomacy in Focus: The US and Iran have paused strikes for a second straight day, with both sides saying talks are getting “room” for an interim ceasefire, while Iran says conditions for negotiations are still missing. Strait of Hormuz Pressure on Markets: The lull has eased oil prices, with investors watching potential Hormuz management talks and the risk of renewed disruption to shipping routes. Pentagon Casualty Counting Row: US officials face new criticism after four troops killed in renewed fighting were moved out of the official Iran war death toll into a separate “Overseas Operations” category. Regional Security Signals: Iran says it is exchanging messages with Washington but prioritizes defending sovereignty, while also warning against threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

Middle East De-escalation: The U.S. paused attacks on Iran for a second straight day, and Tehran said it also halted strikes, as talks continue toward an interim ceasefire and Oman–Iran discussions focus on safe shipping management in the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan Energy Push: Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh said Risha gas output is expected to reach about 418 million cubic feet per day by 2029, exceeding Jordan’s grid demand, while the ministry plans to connect natural gas to industrial clusters within three years via pipelines and CNG supply. Trade & Investment Links: Jordan’s Chamber of Commerce chief Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq met ABCC Secretary General Rita Massoud to map a joint work program with the UK, aiming to move from meetings to execution and boost Jordanian firms’ presence in Britain. Refugee Aid Pressure: WFP says food assistance for about 83,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities has been cut due to a funding shortage, with reduced support continuing for camp residents. Local Digital Services: The Digital Economy Ministry rolled out new updates to the “Sanad” app, adding features like smart passport photo verification and expanded government services.

Jordan-Iraq Trade: Jordan’s imports from Iraq plunged over 60% in the first five months of 2026, falling to JD 32 million (from JD 81 million in 2025), while exports to Iraq stayed almost flat at about JD 381 million. UNESCO & Environment: Jordan celebrated the Aqaba Marine Reserve’s UNESCO World Heritage inscription, highlighting its coral biodiversity and climate resilience. US-Iran Tensions: Reports say Trump paused plans for a wider Iran strike after Pentagon warnings that Patriot interceptor shortages could endanger US troops and Gulf partners. Regional Security Claims: Iran says its strikes have hit about 150 US-linked military sites in the Persian Gulf, while Ukraine alleges Russia provided satellite imagery of US bases to Iran. Local Spotlight: Amman also saw coverage of Jordanian efforts and updates ranging from trade cooperation to travel advisories amid Middle East disruption.