AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Iran Shipping Crisis: Trump says the U.S. has “taken out about nine” Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf, warning more are coming as Brent climbs back above $100 and diesel prices surge. Middle East Security: Iran says it fired ballistic missiles at a U.S.-used base in Jordan, while reports also link Chinese satellite imagery to the strike. Jordan-UAE Diplomacy: King Abdullah II met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, with both sides stressing deeper economic and trade cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and discussing regional developments. Public Trust Snapshot: A Jordan Strategy Forum brief finds 96% trust in the armed forces and 68% in courts, while government trust rises to 49% and parliament trails at 27%. Anti-Money Laundering Push: Jordan reaffirmed political commitment to the 2027–2029 mutual evaluation process with MENAFATF, alongside Senate remarks praising internationally recognised AML steps. Regional Trade/Policy: France and other countries move to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, following the UK’s lead. Local Economy & Prices: Gold in Jordan held steady at JOD 88.30 per gram (21-karat) on Sunday.

Jordan-EU Economic Push: Jordan’s Chamber leadership says the Nov. 19 Jordan-EU Investment Forum is a key chance to boost exports, attract investment, and link local firms to European value chains, with priority sectors including renewables, digital, logistics and infrastructure. Jordan-Russia Trade Talks: Jordan and Russia wrapped up their 7th joint commission in Moscow, agreeing practical steps to deepen trade and investment and expand cooperation in areas like pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure and joint manufacturing. Regional Security & Energy Shock: As US-Iran tanker strikes and missile exchanges escalate around the Gulf, Trump says more tankers will be “taken out,” while reports also cite Iran firing ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan and Jordan intercepting most incoming missiles. West Bank Policy Pressure: The UK, followed by France and others, moves to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements, with sanctions targeting services tied to settlement expansion—raising new diplomatic and economic pressure across the region.

US-Iran Maritime Escalation: The US says it has destroyed multiple Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump warns more strikes are coming; the moves are pushing Brent back above $100 and raise fresh fears for global energy flows. Jordan in the Middle: Reports say Iran used Chinese-supplied high-resolution satellite imagery to target the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan in July, killing three US troops—Washington links the data to the strike while China denies wrongdoing. Regional Condemnations: Arab and Islamic states, including Jordan, condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, calling them violations of sovereignty and international law, as Iraq investigates and dismisses a local commander. Legal Modernisation in Jordan: Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni says Jordan is pursuing an integrated overhaul of legislation and judicial services to improve implementation and public trust. Trade & Economy: Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply invited tenders for barley, while Amman Chamber reported exports rising 9.2%.

US-Iran Escalation in Jordan: The Wall Street Journal reports US officials linked Chinese commercial satellite imagery to Iran’s July 17 missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which killed three US service members, with China denying any role and US officials seeking evidence ahead of a Trump-Xi meeting on Sept. 24. Energy Route Shock: Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West pipeline after drones launched from Iraq caused injuries and damage, while Riyadh said it held back retaliation at Baghdad’s request—raising fears for oil flows as Houthis push closer to Bab el-Mandeb. Settlement Trade Sanctions: The UK, followed by France, announced bans on goods and services tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and individuals and expanding a wider coalition approach. Local Education Spotlight: Al-Ittihad Schools in Amman honored 70 top Grade 12 students (90%+ averages) at Applied Science Private University, highlighting continued academic performance and school-university partnership.

US-Iran Maritime Escalation: The US says it has destroyed multiple Iranian crude carriers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claims retaliatory attacks including missiles at a US base in Jordan; with Brent back above $100 and diesel hitting record highs, the shipping squeeze is raising fears of a wider regional economic shock. Red Sea Pressure: As Houthis push along Yemen’s coast and threaten key chokepoints, analysts warn a second bottleneck could make commercial operators avoid the route even if ships still pass. Jordan in the Crossfire: Reports say Iranian strikes damaged US aircraft at a Jordan air base, while the US denies some claims—keeping Amman watching closely as regional tensions spill over. Settlement Trade Sanctions: UK, France and others move to ban trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting companies and services linked to settlement expansion. Assisted Dying Vote: England and Wales MPs reject an assisted dying bill in a Commons vote, a reminder of how moral policy battles keep reshaping regional politics.

West Bank Trade Sanctions: The UK says it will ban goods linked to illegal Israeli settlements and target specific companies and individuals tied to settlement expansion, while France confirms it will end trade with settlements alongside 11 other countries, citing security risks for both Israelis and Palestinians. US-Iran Tensions in Jordan: Reports say Iranian strikes hit the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, damaging a US A-10 (losing a wing) and lightly affecting several F-15s, with Jordan saying most missiles were intercepted and no American casualties were reported. Maritime Pressure in the Red Sea: Analysts say Houthi advances near Bab al-Mandab and control of Mokha Port align with wider Iranian goals to disrupt regional shipping, raising stakes for passage routes. Jordan-EU Finance: The EU Commission announced €150 million in macro-financial assistance to Jordan, as regional instability continues to shape funding needs. Local Economy Watch: Amman Stock Exchange trading reached JD10.7m, offering a quick pulse check for investors.

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.