AGP Executive Report

World Cup Focus: Crown Prince Hussein held a video call with Jordan’s “Al-Nashama” ahead of the must-win Group J clash vs Algeria, reiterating King Abdullah’s support and urging the team to learn from mistakes and keep discipline. Sports Stakes: Jordan coach Jamal Sellami said the fear of the opener is gone as Jordan chase their first points after a 3-1 loss to Austria, while Algeria arrive after a 3-0 defeat to Argentina. Local Life & Safety: Two people were injured after a fire broke out in a four-storey building in Amman’s Al-Qweismeh area; firefighters contained it and an investigation is underway. Diplomacy in Amman: Jordan hosts Arab foreign ministers’ consultative meeting and the resumed Arab League Council session, with officials coordinating positions on regional challenges. Jobs & Industry: A deal signed in Ma’an’s Udhruh district will set up a clothing factory creating 400 jobs, with government support for local hiring. Youth & Innovation: JoYS National Exhibition 2026 opens June 27 at Al Hussein Technical University, featuring 230 shortlisted projects from 132 schools. Economy & Trade: Irbid Chamber of Industry certificates of origin in May reached $107m, led by textiles and leather.

Death Penalty Resumes: Jordan executed six men at dawn, ending a nine-year moratorium, after final rulings tied to terrorism and drug cases that killed 10 security officers; officials say more than 100 remain on death row and executions will continue “one by one.” Death Penalty Expansion: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said the government will amend laws to broaden capital punishment, including for major drug traffickers and smugglers. Zarqa Development Push: A JD800m, three-year executive programme was unveiled for Zarqa, targeting water, health, education and transport, with 155 projects planned and 77% completion reported. Arab League Meetings in Amman: Jordan hosts a consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers and the resumed 165th Arab League Council session at ministerial level. World Cup Focus—Jordan vs Algeria: Jordan coach Jamal Sellami says opener nerves are gone as the national team prepares for a must-win Group J clash after a 3-1 loss to Austria; Algeria arrive after Messi’s 3-0 rout of them. Jordan–Algeria Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Ayman Safadi and Ahmed Attaf met in Amman to boost bilateral ties and coordinate on regional stability and Gaza aid.

Death Penalty Expansion: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan says the government will amend the law to broaden the death penalty after Jordan executed six men at dawn, including convictions tied to terrorism and drug cases under the State Security Court. Zarqa Development Push: Hassan also unveiled a JD800 million, three-year development programme for Zarqa, with 155 projects (77% already under way), prioritising healthcare, education and public transport alongside industry and jobs. Public Transport Upgrade: The Land Transport Regulatory Commission will launch direct bus routes linking Jerash and Salt to King Hussein Medical Center, with electronic payment and surveillance, running 7am–7pm. National Service Recruits: A second batch of Khidmat Al-‘Alam recruits has started reporting to Shweir training camps for medical checks and enrolment, followed by military and vocational training. World Refugee Day: Jordan marked the day by reaffirming UNRWA’s role and highlighting continued refugee support, while UNHCR reported over 200,000 voluntary Syrian returns from Jordan since late 2024. World Cup Build-Up: Jordan’s landmarks lit up red ahead of the Algeria clash, as the national team holds a pre-match press conference and training in San Francisco. Economy & Markets: Gold prices stayed stable; the Amman Stock Exchange edged down 0.15% on Sunday.

Syrian Refugee Returns: UNHCR says more than 200,000 Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned from Jordan since late 2024, with 23,150 returning this year so far, including 82,000 children—though many families still hesitate due to security and rebuilding costs. World Refugee Day: A separate report highlights how political shifts in Syria have raised hopes, but life in Jordan remains a hard trade-off for those weighing return. Gaza Ceasefire Under Fire: UNICEF calls the Gaza “ceasefire” a “deadly illusion,” saying 265 Palestinian children have been killed since it was announced in October 2025, with a child dying on average every day for over eight months. Aqaba Logistics Push: AD Ports, Aqaba Development Corporation and Maqta Ayla launched a digital truck control and port community system to cut waiting times and speed permits at Aqaba Port. Public Sector Reform: Minister Badriya Balbeisi says competency frameworks will reshape Jordan’s public HR by linking recruitment, training, promotion and performance under one merit-based model. Amra Convention Centre: JCDCF approved final designs and started engineering works for the Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a JD50m venue aimed at boosting MICE tourism. Parliamentary Visit: Jordan’s House Speaker Mazen Al-Qadi arrived in Azerbaijan for an OIC parliamentary conference, with meetings scheduled through June 26. Jordan Football Build-up: Jordan’s national team continues preparations for the Algeria match, with public World Cup viewing events planned at Amman’s Roman Theatre and other downtown venues.

Gaza Crisis: UNICEF says Gaza’s “ceasefire” is a “deadly illusion,” with 265 Palestinian children killed since it was announced in October 2025, averaging one child death a day for more than eight months, as strikes and shelling continue. Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met US President’s advisor Massad Boulos to review regional developments and ways to restore security and stability. Jerusalem & West Bank: Jordan condemned Israel’s seizure of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate land in Silwan, calling it a “flagrant violation” of international law, and also condemned escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Local Governance & Rights: Jordan’s Cabinet approved amendments letting Christians opt out of male-based Sharia inheritance rules via verified wills and legally adopt Christian children. Sports (Jordan): Jordan’s national team continues preparations for the Algeria clash in the World Cup, with training details and squad names released. World Refugee Day: Events marked June 20, highlighting displacement pressures across the region. Aqaba Economy: AD Ports Group launched the Noatum Ports–Maqta Ayla digital JV to boost Aqaba’s port logistics efficiency.

Gaza Crisis: UNICEF says the Gaza ceasefire has become a “deadly illusion,” with 265 children killed since it was announced in October 2025 and an average of one child death per day for more than eight months, as UN officials renew calls to open all crossings and lift restrictions on aid. Local Law Reform: Jordan’s Cabinet approved amendments letting Christians opt out of male-based Sharia inheritance rules via a verified will through ecclesiastical courts, and to legally adopt Christian children—now headed to Parliament. Aqaba Economy & Tech: AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation launched Noatum Ports’ Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, rolling out a port community system and truck management platform to boost logistics efficiency in Aqaba. Water Security Deal: The Water and Irrigation Ministry and KfW signed agreements for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, including a €102m grant and €25m debt swap, targeting an extra 300 million cubic metres of drinking water annually from 2030. Energy & Investment: Jordan Green Ammonia secured land in Aqaba under a binding ASEZA deal for a $1bn green ammonia facility, aiming for 120,000 tonnes annually. Regional Security: Jordan’s military said it intercepted 20 missiles launched from Iran toward the Azraq area near Amman. IMF Support: Jordan is set to receive $188m in fresh IMF financing after the fifth review of its reform programme.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF calls the Gaza ceasefire a “deadly illusion,” saying 265 children have been killed since it was declared, with UN officials urging all crossings to open and restrictions on aid supplies to be lifted. UNRWA Funding Pressure: An OIC delegation in Amman warned UNRWA’s financial and operational crisis is deepening, calling for sustained political, legal, media and financial support to protect the agency’s mandate. Jordan Economy & IMF: Jordan is set to receive $188m from the IMF after the fifth review of its reform programme, as the country seeks stability amid regional disruption. Central Bank Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan kept its key interest rate at 5.75%, citing stable monetary indicators and strong foreign reserves. Water Security Deal: The Water Ministry and KfW signed an agreement to implement the National Water Carrier Project, including a 127m-euro German package, targeting 300m cubic metres of additional drinking water annually from 2030. Aqaba Green Push: ASEZA and Jordan Green Ammonia signed a land lease for a $1bn green ammonia facility, while Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions began operations to boost Aqaba port logistics efficiency. Christian Legal Reform: Cabinet approved amendments allowing Christians to make legal wills and adopt children, letting them bypass mandatory Sharia inheritance rules. Regional Security: Jordan’s military said it intercepted 20 missiles launched from Iran toward Azraq, with no casualties reported.

Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted and shot down 20 missiles launched from Iran toward Azraq, with no casualties or damage reported. Energy & Trade: Iran’s move to close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping is raising fears of major oil-market disruption. IMF Financing: The IMF approved Jordan’s fifth EFF review and second RSF review, unlocking $188m to back reforms and stability amid regional turmoil. Water Infrastructure: Jordan and Germany signed an agreement to advance the National Water Carrier Project, including a €127m package via grants and a debt-swap. Humanitarian Aid (Lebanon): Jordan dispatched its eighth 19-truck aid convoy to Lebanon, including medicines for hospitals, with transit facilitated through Syria. Diplomacy/Palestine: Foreign ministers from Jordan and several Arab and Islamic states condemned escalating Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, urging accountability and an end to illegal measures. Local Governance: Greater Amman Municipality ratified multiple agreements, including support for children of sanitation workers and steps to improve traffic-violation collection services. Economy/Markets: The Central Bank of Jordan kept its key interest rate unchanged at 5.75%, citing stable monetary indicators. Business & Finance: Jordan Ahli Bank signed a confirming bank agreement with the EBRD to strengthen trade finance for SMEs.

Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles aimed at Azraq early Thursday, with no injuries reported, as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz. Economy & Finance: The IMF approved Jordan’s fifth EFF review and second RSF review, unlocking about $188m, while the Central Bank of Jordan kept its key interest rate unchanged at 5.75%. Water & Energy: Jordan and Germany signed a deal worth 127m euros to advance the National Water Carrier desalination project, and the Cabinet approved land-use feasibility studies for a green hydrogen project with China’s UEG. Humanitarian Aid: JHCO dispatched its 8th 19-truck aid convoy to Lebanon, while Jordan also sent medical supplies and prosthetics to Gaza. Local Life & Environment: A UN study says Amman needs more green spaces despite environmental progress. Sports: Jordan’s historic World Cup debut ended with a 3-1 loss to Austria, but the team’s performance drew praise.

World Affairs & Energy Security: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, escalating tensions after U.S. strikes and raising fears of major oil-market disruption. Jordan Defence: Jordan’s Armed Forces report intercepting 20 missiles launched from Iran toward the Azraq area, with no injuries and debris handled by engineering teams. Palestinian Rights: Jordan condemns escalating settler attacks in the West Bank, including mosque arsons north of Ramallah, urging accountability and a halt to violence. Aid to Gaza: JAF dispatches a 10-truck medical convoy to Jordanian field hospitals in Gaza with medicines and prosthetic equipment. Economy & Reforms: The IMF approves Jordan’s fifth EFF review and second RSF review, unlocking $188m in financing. Green Energy Deal: Cabinet approves a land-use agreement with China’s UEG for green hydrogen feasibility studies. Migration Amnesty: Jordan announces an amnesty for undocumented Bangladeshis under conditions, including returning home and avoiding fines. Sports: Jordan’s historic World Cup debut ends with a 3-1 loss to Austria, but the team’s performance draws praise from Crown Prince Hussein and coach Jamal Sellami.

World Cup, Jordan: Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in the Al-Nashama’s historic 2026 World Cup debut, with Romano Schmid scoring early, Ali Olwan equalising after the break, then an own goal by Yazan Al Arab and Marko Arnautovic’s stoppage-time penalty sealing it. Royal Court & sports diplomacy: Crown Prince Hussein praised the team’s “only the beginning” message and met Austria’s vice-chancellor in California on the sidelines of the match, urging Austria’s role in the UN Security Council and highlighting Jordan-EU investment ties. Connectivity for fans: Zain Jordan partnered with BeIN to offer World Cup streaming packages for its 5G and fibre customers. Digital payments: eFAWATEERcom processed JD6.51bn in transactions since start of 2026, with 33.93m transactions and 5.25m users in May. Security & airspace: Jordan said it intercepted and shot down 20 Iranian missiles launched toward the Azraq area, with no reported injuries. Energy & risk: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of major disruption to global oil flows. Governance: Cabinet approved validating reasons to amend the Christian Denominational Councils Law, a step toward formal legal procedures.

World Cup Fever: King Abdullah urged Al-Nashama to “fight spirit of Al Nashama” as Jordan opens its historic FIFA World Cup debut against Austria in Santa Clara, with players calling for support “until the very end.” Jordan Abroad: In the San Francisco Bay Area, Jordanians marked the debut with road trips, flags and chants, turning the match into a homecoming for the diaspora. Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles aimed at the Azraq area, with no injuries reported, while the Kingdom remains at the highest readiness. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi held calls with Bahrain’s FM and Saudi counterparts, reviewing regional developments and boosting coordination. Jerusalem Status: Jordan condemned Somaliland’s opening of a purported embassy in occupied Jerusalem as a violation of international law. Culture Abroad: Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum acquired Widad Kawar’s nearly 600-piece Arab textiles and heritage collection, with the collector based in Amman. Humanitarian Aid: Jordanian Campaign and JHCO dispatched a 130,000-liter water convoy to northern Gaza amid worsening shortages.

Middle East Security: Jordan says it intercepted and shot down 20 missiles launched from Iran toward the Azraq area, with no injuries reported and engineering teams handling debris while the Armed Forces keep airspace monitoring at the highest readiness. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi held a phone call with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to review regional developments and mutual priorities as Gulf states weigh the latest US-Iran MoU and hopes for stability. Energy & Utilities: Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh inaugurated a fogging system at the Rehab Power Plant to boost gas turbine efficiency in peak summer demand, while NEPCO reported electricity sales up 2.5% in the first five months of 2026 and exports rising 15.3%. Water & Resilience: The Water Ministry, with GIZ, installed 500 two-cubic-metre household tanks in southern villages, benefiting more than 3,000 residents. Jordan Economy & Tech: CliQ instant payment transactions hit nearly JD9.7bn in the first five months of 2026, and JPMC and Uzbekistan discussed joint phosphate fertiliser investments. Sports Spotlight: Jordan’s World Cup debut builds toward the Austria opener as coach Jamal Sellami urges a strong start.

Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles aimed at the Azraq area, with no reported injuries, as air-defense readiness stays at its highest level. Diplomacy & Energy: Jordan welcomed a US-Iran MoU to end military operations and push negotiations, while the wider region watches the Strait of Hormuz risk closely. Local Governance & Economy: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered ministries to cut operating costs by 15% for the 2027 budget cycle, while the Social Security Corporation reduced debt installment interest rates for businesses to as low as 2% to 6.5%. Power & Water Services: NEPCO reported electricity sales up 2.5% through May, and the Water Ministry installed 500 household water tanks in southern villages to ease water shortages. Energy Projects: The Cabinet extended the Risha gas field NPC concession to 2061, and Aqaba’s ADC began designs for a JD45m oil derivatives pier due in early 2029. Infrastructure: Excavation has started for the Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II International Stadium in Amra City, targeting a 46,000-seat venue opening in late 2029. Sports & Culture: Jordan’s World Cup spotlight continues as Arab artists tour North America during the tournament.

Middle East Diplomacy: Jordan welcomed a US-Iran agreement to end military operations and move to talks, with the Foreign Ministry calling it a step toward restoring regional security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Security: Jordan said it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles over the Azraq area, while the wider crisis has also seen Iran announce a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears for global oil markets. Health & Services: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan ordered full use of field hospitals set up during COVID-19, highlighting the re-operation of the Amman Field Hospital next to Prince Hamzah Hospital to expand emergency, ICU and dialysis capacity. Energy & Industry: The Cabinet approved extending the Risha gas field concession until 2061 and set targets to boost production, while the Jordan Chamber of Industry warned imports reached JOD 9 billion in 2025 where local alternatives are missing. Infrastructure & Development: Work has started on Amra City’s Al Hussein bin Abdullah II International Stadium, with preliminary excavation and site prep under way ahead of construction in 2027. Aqaba Energy Logistics: ADC began detailed designs for a new JD45 million oil derivatives pier in Aqaba, aiming to ease pressure on the current facility. Local Economy & Governance: A PM circular directs ministries to cut 2027 operating costs by 15% as budget planning ramps up.

Middle East Energy Shock: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, raising fears of major oil-price spikes and wider regional disruption. Jordan Air Defence: Jordan’s Armed Forces announced intercepting and shooting down 20 Iranian missiles aimed at the Azraq area, with fragments falling but no reported damage or injuries. Diplomacy & Trade Routes: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi led a Jordanian delegation in Damascus, discussing cooperation with Syria and exploring transport links that could reduce reliance on the Hormuz route. Energy Policy: The Cabinet extended the National Petroleum Company’s Risha gas concession until 2061, targeting higher output and a pipeline connection to the Arab Gas Pipeline. Public Spending: The Prime Minister ordered ministries to cut operating costs by 15% in the 2027 draft budget. Security: Jordan’s Southern Military Zone thwarted two drone smuggling attempts carrying large quantities of narcotics. World Cup Build-Up: Jordan’s national team continues preparations in Portland ahead of its World Cup opener against Austria, while Jordan’s historic debut is drawing global attention. Major Infrastructure: Excavation and preliminary works have started for Amra City’s Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II International Stadium, planned for 46,000 seats and a late-2029 opening.