AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on civilian and vital facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them a “flagrant” breach of sovereignty and the UN Charter, and reiterated Amman’s solidarity with the Gulf states. World Cup logistics: Jordan’s government ordered a 90-minute later work start for institutions on FIFA match days (June 17, 23 and 28) to let citizens watch the national team’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Industry & investment: Jordan plans to expand the Chinese industrial complex in Al-Qatrana by 3 million sqm, with the area set to become a development zone offering incentives to attract new investment. Trade & transport: Jordan’s pharmaceutical exports rose 17.6% in Q1 2026 to JD147m, while vehicle clearance at Zarqa Free Zone fell 65.3% in the first five months, with EV clearances down sharply after import restrictions. Labor rights: Jordan’s Labor Watch urged changes to smart transport app rules so drivers are treated as employees with minimum labor and social protections, noting around 90,000 app-based drivers, most without social security. Regional economy: The EBRD said Jordan is tackling higher energy costs by rationalizing consumption and supporting agriculture and tourism, projecting 2.8% growth in 2027.

Jordan Politics & Industry: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met the Jordan Engineers Association to discuss ways to support the engineering sector and help deliver major water, energy, transport and infrastructure projects. Regional Holy Sites: The Arab League condemned extremist Israeli settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, saying they violate international law and threaten the historical status quo under Hashemite custodianship. Jordan-Economy & Trade: Jordan and the UAE-linked Tabadul platform continues to strengthen financial integration, while AD Ports Group agreed to acquire Brazil’s agri-bulk terminal operator CLI in a deal worth about AED 3.1 billion. World Cup Update: FIFA confirmed all 2026 World Cup squads: 1,248 players from 48 teams, with Jordan listed among first-time participants. Local Governance: Amman readers may also note a broader governance theme this week—officials and stakeholders are pushing for more flexibility in budgets and services, as seen in a county mill-levy proposal in North Dakota.

Industrial Push in Karak: Jordan’s PM Jafar Hassan inaugurated six new Chinese-operated factories in Qatraneh, Karak, aiming to build an integrated industrial complex and create about 700 jobs, with steps underway to designate the area as a development zone. Digital Entrepreneurship Boost: The King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) and intaj signed an agreement to support the Virtual King Hussein Business Park, a smart virtual platform planned for launch later this year to help startups and companies manage operations online. Maan Development Incentives: Hassan also announced new incentives for the Rawda Industrial Area, including reduced electricity and land costs and operational support until it connects to the Arab Gas Pipeline, alongside plans for the Aqaba-Maan land port and rail link. Tourism Outlook: Low-cost flights to Jordan are set to resume July 1, with the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry saying this should lift arrivals, especially from Europe, after earlier regional disruptions. Humanitarian Aid for Eid: JHCO reported Eid Al Adha relief in Jordan and Gaza, including meat, clothing, meals, and healthcare support for thousands of families. Transport Upgrade in Amman: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing will start maintenance on damaged sections of Queen Alia International Airport Road, from Madaba Bridge to 7th Circle, under a JOD 5.9 million loan-funded project.

Jordan-UAE Markets: Jordan’s capital market institutions and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange launched an electronic trading link via the TABADUL platform, letting investors trade across both markets through licensed brokers to boost liquidity and regional integration. World Cup Work Hours: Jordan’s Labour Minister urged private employers to delay official working hours on days of the national team’s World Cup final matches, with government institutions starting at 10am on June 17, 23 and 28. Border Security Upgrade: Jordan announced the operationalization of advanced military facilities to strengthen land border security, improve 24/7 monitoring, and support rapid response against smuggling and unauthorized infiltrations. Middle East Tensions: Israel prepared to resume strikes on Beirut, prompting flight cancellations, while Iran hit back at the EU over its condemnation of Iranian strikes. Holy Land & Lebanon: UN experts warned of escalating settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, and reports said Christians in the Holy Land face mounting pressure amid the wider conflict.

Jordan Economy & Trade: Jordan’s exports rose 1.6% in Q1 2026 to JD 2.129 billion, led by garments, crude potash and pharmaceuticals, with gains to Syria, China and EU markets. Regional Markets: Jordan and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange launched an electronic trading link via Tabadul, aiming to boost liquidity and cross-market access. Fuel Prices: Jordan kept most fuel prices for June at May levels, while adjusting diesel and continuing subsidies to cushion global increases. Energy & Industry: The government is pushing incentives for industrial zones including al-Rawdah and Karak’s new factories, as it works to turn policy into investment. Amman & Public Services: Zarqa Government Hospital carried out its first open-heart surgery after opening a new department, easing pressure on Amman referrals. Media Freedom: A watchdog warned that opaque web-scraping systems are draining resources from Jordan-based investigative journalism. Middle East Security: Lebanon’s ceasefire efforts took a hit as Israel expanded operations; Jordan’s King Abdullah II reiterated solidarity with Lebanon amid strikes.

Jordan–Israel Tensions: Jordan condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and warned they violate Lebanon’s sovereignty and international law, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and full UN Security Council Resolution 1701 implementation. Holy Sites: Jordan also denounced Israeli settlers’ storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of an Israeli flag, stressing the need to preserve the site’s historical and legal status quo and reiterating Jordan’s custodial role. Regional Diplomacy: European and Muslim countries, including France, urged a rapid path to de-escalation in south Lebanon and pushed for renewed US–Iran efforts, as the escalation drew wider international condemnation. Trade & Food Security: A shipment of 44,000 tons of US rice arrived at Aqaba Port for Iraq despite regional shipping disruptions, with Jordan monitoring unloading and delivery to Iraqi warehouses. Industry in Jordan: A Chinese-invested sanitary ware factory was inaugurated in southern Jordan with $80m investment, aiming to strengthen local manufacturing and exports. Local Economy/Jobs: A World Bank-backed programme reported creating 61,000+ job opportunities in Jordan, supporting employment goals.

World Cup fan access: Jordan will let public sector employees start work late on World Cup matchdays, with official hours pushed to 10 a.m. (from 8:30 a.m.) for Group J games against Austria, Algeria and Argentina so fans can watch the national team’s debut. Industrial push in Ma’an and Karak: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered expanded incentives for the Al-Rawdah Industrial Zone in Ma’an and urged faster work on the Aqaba-Ma’an Dry Port master plan and studies before year-end; separately, he inaugurated six Jinsheng factories in Qatrana, Karak, and directed steps to convert the complex into a development zone, targeting 700 jobs. Eid al-Adha traffic management: Jordan’s Central Traffic Department reported 21,656 traffic reports handled during the holiday, with no unusual congestion, supported by 1,254 officers and 485 vehicles. Gold prices: 21-karat gold sold at JD 92.3 per gram and bought at JD 87.9, according to the Jordan Jewelers Association. Social recognition: King Abdullah II awarded the Order of Al Istiqlal (First Degree) to Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans for its two decades of support for orphaned youth.

Tourism Recovery Push: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says the sector is stabilizing, with improved bookings and hotel occupancy, new projects including the Dead Sea Corniche, Crowne Plaza Petra, Yarmouk Lodge and Tal Al-Rumman Hotel, and Aqaba Port welcoming a cruise ship again. Flights to Boost Arrivals: Budget airline flights to Jordan will resume from July 1, expected to lift tourist numbers, especially from Europe, alongside stronger presence at border crossings and promotion of the “Ahlan Jordan/Bel-Urdun” platform. Public Health Warning on Tobacco: Jordan’s Higher Population Council marks World No Tobacco Day with data showing over half of Jordanians aged 15+ use tobacco; it highlights a gender gap (men 71%), early smoking starts (83% before 24), and heavy financial strain on low-income families, with average monthly spending reaching 78 dinars per smoker. Green Hydrogen Opportunity: Experts say Jordan can capitalize on green hydrogen thanks to growing solar and wind capacity and Aqaba’s role as an export hub, supported by developing regulations for the sector. Ajloun Agri-Tourism Calls: Local stakeholders in Ajloun are urging new agri-tourism trails linking farms, rural products and natural sites to create jobs and attract investment.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordan is again in the spotlight as reports say the US and Israel are “actively working” to strip the Kingdom of its role over Al-Aqsa Mosque, raising fresh alarm in Amman. West Asia Diplomacy: The EU condemned Iran’s missile and drone attack on Kuwait, stressing full respect for international law and urging de-escalation, while Jordan reiterated solidarity with Kuwait. Gaza and West Bank Developments: Israeli authorities approved a major settlement expansion plan in the Jordan Valley, and Gaza-related reporting says Israel is pushing to expand control—fueling renewed regional anger. Jordan’s Regional Role: Syria’s reconstruction pitch is drawing investors after renewed diplomatic engagement that includes Jordan, but analysts warn sanctions and political risk remain high. Local Governance: Jordan’s Minister Jordan backed a Criminal Gangs Bill, signaling a tougher approach to organized crime.

Jordan-Iran diplomacy: Iran’s UN envoy said Tehran’s Strait of Hormuz actions are lawful under international law, as the UN debate continues and regional tensions stay high. Middle East peace talks: US President Trump again linked any Iran deal to wider Abraham Accords normalization, but regional experts say the demand is met with bemusement and little public support. Gaza war update: Netanyahu said Israel is expanding control in Gaza from 60% to a goal of 70%, while Eid al-Adha strikes killed at least 10 Palestinians, according to local sources. Local relevance—Al-Aqsa custodianship: Reports claim Israel and the US are working to end Jordan’s custodianship over Al-Aqsa, adding pressure to Jordan’s role in Jerusalem’s holy sites. Public health watch: The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has escalated into a global emergency, with guidance on what to do if suspected cases are encountered and warnings that North Africa should stay alert. Climate and resilience: A new study highlights “cooling poverty,” noting Jordan’s relative performance is better than some countries, but heat risk still threatens vulnerable communities.

Jordan-Azerbaijan Ties: King Abdullah II sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, reaffirming friendly relations. Regional Security & Diplomacy: A commentary on the Iran peace push says hopes for a Strait of Hormuz reopening and Lebanon ceasefire collapsed within 24 hours after US strikes on Iran, with the fallout hitting the region’s poorest hardest. Gaza Climate Fallout: Research warns Israel-Gaza war impacts are pushing Gaza’s fragile systems “closer to collapse,” with emissions from military operations and rebuilding adding major climate strain. EU Sanctions: The EU imposed sanctions on seven Israeli settlers and affiliated entities over “systematic violence” and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including travel bans and asset freezes. Local Governance (Jordan-linked coverage): Jordan’s King also appears in broader regional coverage, while separate items note ongoing debates on oversight and accountability in public institutions.

Jordan-Syria diplomacy: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam’s Damascus visit signals a potential reset after decades of mistrust, with both sides now broadly aligned and looking at Levant-wide stability and connectivity. Regional security & Iran: Fresh US-Iran clashes around the Strait of Hormuz include US strikes in southern Iran after drone and ship incidents, raising fears the fragile ceasefire could unravel. Abraham Accords pressure: US President Donald Trump is again tying any Iran deal to Gulf states joining/expanding the Abraham Accords, a move drawing criticism and concern across the region. Saudi aid for Syria: Saudi Arabia pledged $1.5B to support Syrians returning from camps, backing housing, utilities and small businesses as Damascus tries to restart the economy. Local justice spotlight: A report says Jordan applications led to at least 24 criminal cases being dropped in Newfoundland and Labrador, prompting calls for faster court fixes. Jordan Valley access case: Israel’s state says Bedouin Palestinians in Ras Ein al-Auja may return in coordination with the army, but rejects permanent security or private security arrangements.

Jordan-EU/Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s ties with Qatar were highlighted by a Jordanian minister, stressing “robust and longstanding” relations as regional de-escalation efforts continue. Al-Aqsa Custodianship: The Palestinian Authority warned against a “dangerous” plan to strip Jordan of Al-Aqsa Mosque custodianship, as tensions around the site keep rising. West Bank Developments: Israel launched an online system to register land and settlement rights in the occupied West Bank, with critics calling it a step toward de-facto annexation. US-Iran Strait of Hormuz: The US carried out fresh strikes on Iran after Trump dismissed reports of an Iran-Oman shipping deal, while Trump reiterated no single country should control the strait—raising fears the ceasefire framework remains fragile. Local/Community: Jordanian school textbooks were flagged by a watchdog for antisemitic and violent jihad themes, renewing debate over education content. Women & Tech: An Arab women’s leader warned that AI development without women’s voices could lock in past biases, urging policy action and access to AI roles.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordan’s Islamic Waqf may lose its role at Al-Aqsa as the US and Israel reportedly prepare a new management system aligned with Israeli interests, including changes to imams, sermons and access rules. Eid at Al-Aqsa: Around 140,000 worshippers attended Eid al-Adha prayers at Al-Aqsa under tight Israeli security, with day-to-day administration still handled by the Jordanian-run Waqf. Jordan Diplomacy: The Foreign Ministry extended condolences to Belgium after a deadly school bus-train collision in Flanders. Tourism Push: Jordan’s tourism sector is looking to faith-based travel and church pilgrimages to biblical sites as a way to rebuild confidence and recover visitor numbers amid regional instability. Regional Tech & Finance: Jordan is mentioned alongside Gulf states in broader regional moves tied to the Abraham Accords and US-Iran diplomacy, while a separate Kenya tech-finance deal highlights “Banking as a Service” partnerships across the region. Health & Travel Rules: As Ebola risk rises in the DRC, countries including the US and Canada tightened entry and screening measures.

US-Iran Tensions: Wall Street is set for another record open as US futures climb and oil slips on hopes of de-escalation, but the optimism is shaky: the US carried out “self-defense” strikes on southern Iran hours after Trump said talks were “proceeding nicely,” and Iran called it a ceasefire violation. Iran Deal Politics: Trump is also pushing a bigger Middle East bargain by urging Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain to “mandatorily” join the Abraham Accords as part of any Iran agreement—an idea Pakistan has rejected, while mediators and critics warn it could derail progress. Texas Elections: In Texas, Trump-backed Ken Paxton beat John Cornyn in the GOP Senate runoff, while Democrats saw Christian Menefee defeat Al Green in a rare incumbent-on-incumbent House primary runoff. Local Watch: In New Jersey, residents protested a planned AI data center, but a planning board meeting was canceled, angering locals. Jordan-Qatar Ties: Jordan’s government communications minister reaffirmed “robust and longstanding” relations with Qatar ahead of Jordan’s Independence Day.

Middle East Tensions: The US says it carried out “self-defence” strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats laying mines, while Iran calls it a ceasefire violation and warns of consequences. Diplomacy Under Strain: Talks continue in Qatar as US officials push for a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the latest strikes have raised fresh doubts. Abraham Accords Pressure: Trump says any Iran agreement must also require several Muslim countries—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan—to sign the Abraham Accords, a move Pakistan rejects as clashing with its ideology. Regional Backlash: Iran condemns the strikes as “bad faith,” and regional anger grows over Israel-linked diplomatic moves, including Somaliland’s embassy opening in Jerusalem. Jordan in the Mix: A Jordanian minister reiterates strong, longstanding Jordan–Qatar ties as the region wrestles with the next steps of the Iran talks. Other News: In sports, IPL Qualifier 1 is underway as RCB take on GT in Dharamsala.