AGP Executive Report

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.

Middle East Escalation: The US and Iran traded strikes again after a monthlong lull, with Washington hitting Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran retaliating by targeting US-linked bases and allies across the Gulf, including Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain; Iran also claimed a US strike hit a wedding in southern Iran, while the US said it does not target civilians. Regional Condemnations: The UAE and Kuwait both condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty and called for deterrent action and accountability, while Jordan’s air defences reported intercepting most incoming missiles. Jordan Diplomacy & Citizens Abroad: Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi extended condolences to Egypt after a deadly bus crash on the Dahab–Nuweiba highway, with efforts underway to repatriate victims and assist the injured. Markets & Oil: Oil prices jumped toward $95–$97 as investors priced in higher risk of wider conflict, while gold and bonds moved with the renewed tension.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump says the US has “near-total control” of the Strait of Hormuz and warns Iran not to retaliate after a new wave of strikes hit IRGC-linked targets, while Iran fires back across the region, including claims of attacks on US bases in Jordan and Bahrain. Wedding Strike Fallout: Iran and state media accuse the US of bombing a wedding in southern Iran, killing at least five (including a child) and wounding dozens, as both sides trade blame and threats of “stronger” responses. Jordan Air Defences: Jordan reports intercepting 10 of 13 ballistic missiles entering its airspace, with the rest falling in remote areas, amid rising regional alerts. Oil and Markets: Brent surged toward $95 as Hormuz risks return to the spotlight, lifting crude and rattling global risk sentiment. Tech/Business Note: Argo Graphene Solutions appoints Jordan-educated battery scientist Dr. Said Al-Hallaj to its board, while regional banking leaders gear up for MEBIS 2026 in Dubai.

Jordan Census Update: Jordan will launch the 2026 census on Oct. 1, with field counting running Oct. 4-31, after a self-enumeration phase via the Sanad app (Oct. 1-3) for households that previously registered by phone; officials say data will be confidential and residents should verify researchers’ IDs. Royal Engagement in Irbid: Crown Prince Hussein met sector representatives in Irbid to discuss investment, tourism, agriculture, technology and sport, stressing that Jordan’s stability and economy must stay the priority amid regional turmoil. Jordan-Economy & Trade: Reports highlight Jordan’s credit rating support and ongoing export momentum, including industrial exports rising in H1 and trade deficit narrowing, as the kingdom seeks confidence despite geopolitical pressure. Regional Security Shock: The US resumed strikes on Iran, targeting IRGC sites after alleged attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned of retaliation; the renewed escalation is again raising oil and shipping risks that directly affect Jordan and the wider region.

US-Iran Escalation and Jordan Link: The US and Iran traded strikes again after a month-long lull, with Washington hitting Iranian launchers near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran retaliating by firing missiles at US bases in Jordan and drones at the UAE. Regional Fallout: Trump warned he would “hit them hard” and said there would be a response, while Jordan reported intercepting eight missiles. Qatar also condemned the renewed attacks on Jordan and the UAE, urging de-escalation. Energy and Markets: Oil jumped above $91 a barrel as Hormuz risks returned, pushing bond yields higher and weighing on stocks; gold steadied after recent losses. Amman/Local Angle: Jordan’s air defenses and the wider regional security picture remain central for everyday life and economic stability. Trade/Logistics Watch: A separate report flags an Aqaba port bottleneck where container handling is strong but moving goods out fast enough is lagging, with transit and Iraq-bound containers surging. Business in Jordan: LATRO appointed AGI Jordan to support accounting, payroll, and tax services for its expanding Amman operations.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump vowed the US will “hit Iran hard” after Iran fired missiles at US-linked bases in Jordan, with Jordan’s army saying it intercepted eight incoming missiles following US strikes on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz; Regional Reactions: Qatar condemned the renewed attacks on Jordan and the UAE, calling them a breach of sovereignty and urging a return to dialogue; Economic Fallout: the flare-up pushed oil above $90 a barrel and rattled markets as fears grew over shipping through Hormuz; Diplomacy vs. Pressure: Iran’s president said war is not in Tehran’s interest and Iran still seeks a negotiated settlement, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G20 partners to tighten financial pressure on Iran; Local Angle: Jordan also faced renewed security strain as the conflict reignited, with reports of intercepted drones and missiles tied to the wider US-Iran confrontation.

US-Iran Escalation: The Middle East flare-up returned after a US strike on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating by targeting US bases in Jordan and claiming a drone attack on the UAE’s Al Minhad air base; Jordan says it intercepted eight missiles and reported no injuries at the targeted sites. Trump’s Kharg Claim: Trump posted an AI-generated video saying Iran’s Kharg Island was “blown to smithereens,” but Reuters found no independent proof of an attack. Regional Stakes for Jordan: The exchange raises fears of wider disruption to Hormuz shipping and more pressure on Jordan as a key US partner hosting military facilities. Sanctions Push: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled tighter financial pressure on Iran, including new secondary sanctions aimed at banks. Markets Watch: Oil jumped above $90 a barrel as tensions revived supply fears, while Asian stocks slid amid rate-hike expectations.

Business & Finance: Valu Jordan has partnered with Harley-Davidson® Amman to let riders use Valu’s flexible “Buy Now, Pay Later” payments at the dealership, aiming to boost customer experience and support growing motorcycle demand. Tourism & Economy: Wadi Rum is pushing astro-tourism, with officials estimating at least JD3 million in extra annual income tied to stargazing and nighttime activities. Education Governance: Jordan’s Education and Human Resources Development Council recommended Cabinet appointments for chairpersons and board members of public and private university trustees. Labor & Digital Services: The Ministry of Labor recorded 96 child labor cases in the first half of 2026 and says updated electronic systems for non-Jordanian labor services will launch within two months. Water Security: Experts say cutting water loss must become a long-term policy priority, especially as desalinated water projects approach. Regional Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Istanbul ahead of a regional foreign ministers meeting. Sports (Local Interest): Jordan’s handball spotlight continues as Bahrain reached the Asian youth final in Amman after beating Iran.

Jordan Economy & Finance: S&P Global affirmed Jordan’s sovereign credit rating at BB- with a stable outlook, citing economic resilience, reform progress, higher FX reserves, and support from partners, while expecting growth of 2.5% in 2026. Industrial Exports: Jordan’s industrial exports rose 8.9% to JD4.4b in H1 2026, with chemicals/cosmetics leading gains and mining, engineering/IT also expanding. Trade & Partnerships: Reports also point to stronger export momentum and growing regional trade links, including industrial exports and remittances supporting the outlook. Health Licensing: Jordan’s Ministry of Health began accepting applications from intermediate diploma graduates for professional practice permits without the comprehensive exam, aligning licensing with updated higher-education rules. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov said efforts with Astana partners are nearing a Syria constitutional committee, while Jordan’s broader regional role continues to be discussed in the context of stability and cooperation. Sports (Jordan-linked): Gilas Pilipinas’ Carl Tamayo is out vs Iran with a sprained ankle, with Justin Arana set to replace him.

Credit Rating Watch: S&P affirmed Jordan’s sovereign rating at BB- with a stable outlook, citing resilience, reforms, strong FX reserves and support, while economists said it boosts investor confidence. Digital Government: The Sanad app hit 1.1 million activated digital IDs in eight months and is now a top-15 finalist for the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026. Trade & Industry: Jordan’s national exports rose 14.5% in H1 to JOD 6.414b, with industrial exports up 8.9% to JOD 4.4b; growth was seen in chemicals, construction and mining, plus stronger sales to China and the UAE. Local Economy Jobs: Bank al Etihad and the Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation joined the “Guarantee for Employment” program to link financing for MSMEs with job creation. Tourism Spotlight: Dana’s Al-Nawatef trail is being pushed for better visibility, with a mix of springs, caves and Nabataean heritage. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Morocco signed an extradition agreement to strengthen judicial cooperation. Public Works: The housing and public works ministry says it’s preparing roads for the rainy season with more permanent climate-ready fixes.

Jordan Media Case: Women Journalists Without Chains condemned the prosecution of Jordanian-American investigative journalist Ali Younes in Amman, saying charges tied to “undermining national security” and “sedition and hate crimes” over republication of an article about U.S. aid are disproportionate and threaten protected journalistic debate. Judicial Cooperation: Morocco and Jordan signed an extradition agreement to strengthen legal cooperation, set procedures for requests under national laws, and support the fight against crime. Local Accountability: London’s mayor is facing calls to add a billionaire “rogue landlord” to a blacklist after tenants in Hackney were ordered to receive £263,555 in compensation but say they still haven’t been paid. Regional Finance: Al Baraka Group reported higher net income for 1H2026, highlighting growth in banking units including Jordan. Tech & Women Entrepreneurs: Huawei launched a Women in Tech AI skills programme in South Africa aimed at helping women entrepreneurs adopt digital tools to grow businesses.

Jordan–Norway Ties: King Abdullah sent condolences to Norway’s King Haakon VIII after the death of King Harald V, as Norway mourned and Haakon succeeded to the throne. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s foreign policy focus also shows up in wider Middle East moves, including reports on de-escalation efforts and talks involving Syria and Israel. Economy & Trade: Jordan’s business scene continues to draw attention, with coverage highlighting rising remittances into the Kingdom and ongoing trade performance. Education Spotlight: Applied Science Private University’s leadership says its global ranking gains come from long-term work on research, accreditations, and student competitiveness. Local Development: A separate report points to Jordan-linked judicial cooperation, with Morocco and Jordan signing an extradition agreement to strengthen legal coordination. Sports (Jordan Mention): Gilas Pilipinas’ overtime win over Jordan in Asian qualifiers featured Scottie Thompson’s defense and rebounds.

Israel–Syria Escalation: Syria’s UN envoy warned the region is edging toward “regional war” after Israeli strikes on the Abu Al-Duhur airbase in Idlib and continued incursions, with the US urging de-escalation as talks resume in Jordan. Diplomacy in Amman: The renewed Israel–Syria track in Jordan comes as Washington tries to prevent wider spillover amid rising Turkey–Israel tensions and Syria’s push for stability with neighbors. Palestinian Humanitarian Pressure: UN officials told the Security Council that millions of displaced Syrians are returning, but “return does not mean end of humanitarian need,” keeping aid demands high. Jordan Trade Update: Jordan reported exports up 14.5% in H1 2026 and a narrower trade deficit, with imports rising more slowly than exports. Regional Economy & Energy: Jordan’s gas and development deals with partners continue to feature, including UAE-backed natural gas infrastructure funding and broader cooperation themes. Local Spotlight: Amman’s business scene also sees fresh momentum, including new retail openings highlighted in the week’s coverage.

Jordan Diplomacy: Jordan endorsed a joint Türkiye-Qatar-Egypt statement condemning Israeli strikes across Gaza, urging immediate international action to protect civilians and medical facilities. Regional Security: The US urged restraint after Israeli strikes hit Syria’s Abu al-Duhur base, as Israel continues raids and demolitions in Syria and Lebanon despite diplomacy efforts. China-Jordan Ties: King Abdullah met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation, the two-state solution, and keeping Strait of Hormuz navigation open. Amman Tourism & Heritage: Work has started on the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car in downtown Amman, with officials saying affected buildings are outside main heritage areas while pledging protection of historic identity. Labor Rights Gap: Jordan’s Ministry of Labor is stepping up oversight to close the gap between legal rights and real workplace access, highlighting high unemployment—especially for women and persons with disabilities. Environment in Russeifa/Hashemiyah: Residents report worsening pollution and waste problems, with Russeifa generating 400–450 tons daily and recycling below 1%. Humanitarian/Legal: Malaysia rescued Jordanian children allegedly exploited in begging, raising concerns about possible human trafficking under Jordanian and Malaysian law. Economy: Economist Mohammad Al-Bashir warns Jordan’s purchasing power is squeezed by sales tax, debt and bank interest, calling for a rethink of public-finance tools. Business/Tech: Al Bustanji Group announced Lynk & Co’s launch in Jordan as exclusive distributor, unveiling the Lynk & Co 900.

Energy Deal: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backed a $70m Jordan natural gas project, signing contracts to supply gas to the Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities via a pipeline network tied to Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision. Agriculture & Climate: Jordan also signed an agreement with the FAO to promote climate-smart agriculture through farmer field schools, aiming to boost resilience and productivity. Regional Security: Israel carried out artillery attacks and ground raids in southern Syria and strikes across southern Lebanon, despite US-mediated efforts to de-escalate after talks in Jordan. Diplomacy & Travel: The US urged Americans to reconsider travel to the West Bank, citing terrorism and unrest, and reported plans for a phased return of diplomats to Middle East embassies, including Jordan. Maritime Tensions: Iran and Oman discussed a temporary Strait of Hormuz transit corridor and mine-clearing, while Iran warned the waterway would stay shut unless US terms are accepted. Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to an $18bn settlement over child safety on Instagram and Facebook, with Jordan’s region watching closely as US states push for stronger platform rules.