AGP Executive Report

Energy Markets Shock: Brent stayed above $100 after Iran expanded a no-go zone around the Strait of Hormuz, saying it hit more than a dozen vessels, as UKMTO reported “disabling fire” incidents in the Gulf of Oman and Northern Arabian Gulf—pushing Asian stocks lower and reviving inflation and rate-hike fears. Jordan Security & Defense: The escalation also spilled into Jordan, with reports that Iranian strikes damaged US aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base; Jordan said it intercepted 18 of 20 missiles fired toward the Kingdom. Regional Shipping Risk: The US and Iran traded attacks on tankers and warships, while Iran warned it could sanction vessels entering the expanded prohibited corridor without coordination—raising costs and uncertainty for Gulf logistics. Local Development (Irbid): Greater Irbid Municipality says the Irbid City Center redevelopment is ~40% complete, with demolition and utility works started for a Tell Irbid park expected to finish in about six months. Household Finance Watch: Central Bank data shows Jordan household debt at JD14.312bn at end-Q1 2026, with personal loans and credit cards driving the annual rise. Trade & Sanctions: Muslim foreign ministers welcomed the UK ban on imports from Israeli settlements and signaled support for broader restrictions. Business & Retail: Primark/ABF said home delivery is planned for Great Britain but not Northern Ireland, after buying a warehouse in Sheffield to back the push. Culture & Ideas: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby announced details for its Sept. 19-20 gathering in Doha on entrepreneurship, technology and sustainability.

Investment & Industry: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired an Investment Council meeting at the Ministry of Investment, saying Jordan’s development, industrial and free zones are tools to boost growth and jobs, with mega-projects like the Aqaba–Shidiya/Maan railway, Maan–Aqaba land port, National Water Carrier and Risha gas field set to attract more local and foreign capital. Energy & Regional Trade: Jordan approved a plan to supply Lebanon with natural gas via the Arab Gas Pipeline, using LNG regasification at Aqaba Port and transport through Syria to ease Lebanon’s power shortages. Diplomacy & Reconstruction: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa in Damascus, conveying King Abdullah’s greetings and pushing for a broader strategic partnership covering trade, investment, transport, customs, water and energy. Nuclear Oversight: Qatar urged the IAEA Board to remove Syria safeguards from its agenda, citing a “historic breakthrough” in Syria’s cooperation, with Saudi Arabia praising the consensus that included Jordan. Markets Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange saw trading value reach JD 14.3m, while broader regional risk sentiment stayed tied to the US-Iran tanker conflict and oil prices above $100. Security & Supply Chains: Jordan reported intercepting 18 of 20 ballistic missiles aimed at Al-Azraq, as the wider US-Iran shipping fight kept maritime disruption and energy costs in focus.

Trade & Logistics Strategy: A new policy paper urges Jordan to stop being only a transit stop and instead build a national plan to capture value from regional trade through logistics, manufacturing and re-export, warning that any rise in transit traffic could fade if Jordan doesn’t stay competitive. Energy & Shipping Shock: Oil prices jumped for a fourth straight session as renewed Middle East attacks raised supply fears, with Brent nearing $100 and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz thinning. Jordan Security at the Center: Jordan says it intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward the Kingdom, with the rest landing in unpopulated areas, while technical teams secured debris sites. US-Iran Escalation Ripple: The US destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after IRGC missile attacks on a US warship, and Iran retaliated by striking US-linked targets in Jordan and claiming attacks on vessels near Hormuz—keeping regional trade and energy risk premiums elevated. Regional Trade Policy: Egypt and Jordan welcomed UK measures restricting trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements, calling for broader international action to curb settlement expansion.

Aqaba Port Expansion: Aqaba Development Corporation will issue two tenders by month-end to build and operate a new oil port as vessel traffic rises, with about 114 calls expected by end-September—aiming to strengthen Jordan’s port-and-logistics system for regional trade. Trade & Supply Chains: Jordan extended a tax break on higher sea freight costs for six more months, saying it helps keep goods moving and shields consumers from global price pressure. Regional Energy Link: Jordan’s cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba—LNG regasification in Aqaba, then transport through Syria—building on the Arab Gas Pipeline framework to support Lebanon’s power generation. ASE Market Pulse: Amman Stock Exchange trading hit JD15.2m Tuesday (5.6m shares, 4,990 deals); the general index rose 0.47% with services and industry also up. Geopolitics & Risk: Saudi Arabia condemned Houthi attacks that injured 73 civilians and disrupted energy operations, while Iran-linked strikes and missile threats keep regional shipping and investment sentiment on edge. West Bank Construction: Reuters reports Israeli settlers expanding illegal outposts using prefabricated-building factories, a move that could further inflame regional political and economic uncertainty. Caesium Sampling Update: PMET said it collected over 2.5 tonnes of pollucite pegmatite from its Vega Zone (CV13) to support larger-scale downstream caesium chemical testwork and ore-sorting trials in Q4 2026.

Aqaba Port Expansion: Aqaba Development Corporation will issue two tenders by month-end to build and operate a new oil port as vessel calls rise, with traffic expected to reach about 114 vessels by end-September and the port system treated as one network (containers, general cargo, vehicles, phosphate and industrial) to keep imports/exports moving. Shipping Cost Relief: Jordan extended a sea-freight tax break for six more months, renewing exemptions on goods arriving by sea to help sustain supply chains and cushion consumers from global price pressures. Water Jobs Pipeline: The National Water Carrier push is moving toward implementation, and the Ministry of Labor says it’s mapping the engineering and technical trades needed for desalination and conveyance operations, with vocational training planned via VTC programs. Fintech Growth: Egypt-born Valu officially launched in Jordan after Central Bank approval, offering consumer financing and BNPL up to 60 months through local merchant partnerships and digital credit/payment infrastructure. Awqaf Revenue Drive: The Awqaf ministry unveiled a three-year plan to double endowment property revenue, based on a new valuation of about JD516 million and a push to expand investment-ready leasing. Amman Stock Exchange: ASE turnover hit JD13.6m on Monday; the general index rose 0.26% with industrials up 1.68%.

Digital Finance in Jordan: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launched in Jordan in Q2 2026 after Central Bank approval, offering consumer financing and BNPL up to 60 months, with merchant partnerships across retail, e-commerce, education and electronics. Exports & Industry Push: Jordan’s national exports hit JD4.66bn in H1 2026 (+6.2%), and industry leaders are calling for more export-focused investment and public-private partnerships to lift production and jobs. Education Funding: The government fully settled accumulated debt to the University Student Support Fund, covering about JD80m, plus JD40m in direct support and nearly JD100m in arrears relief for public universities. Awqaf Revenue Plan: The Awqaf ministry valued endowment properties at about JD516m and unveiled a three-year plan to double revenue, supported by a new investment-ready database. Consumer Safety Action: Jordan’s Consumer Protection Directorate ordered a corrective programme for 188 JAC E10X vehicles after reports of sudden stops, including halting sales of stock until inspections are completed. Aqaba Inclusion Event: Aqaba hosted the “Peace Beach Bazaar” to empower people with disabilities through sales of their products, with proceeds dedicated to skills development. Energy & Trade Context: Jordan PM reviewed supply chain resilience at Aqaba ports as regional tensions continue to reshape routes and costs. Capital Markets: Amman Stock Exchange turnover reached JD13.6m on Monday; the general index rose 0.26% with the industrial sector up 1.68%.

Aqaba as Regional Logistics Hub: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired talks on keeping supply chains moving through the Port of Aqaba and Jordan’s border crossings, citing full-capacity operations, competitive handling times, and contingency plans to protect essential goods. Export Push: Jordan’s exports hit JD4.66bn in the first half, up 6.2%, with industry leaders calling for the next investment wave to be export-focused and backed by public-private partnerships. Energy Cooperation via Aqaba: Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas through Aqaba’s floating unit, regasifying LNG in Jordan and transporting it via Syria—reinforcing Jordan’s role as a regional energy hub. Water Crackdown: The Water Ministry detected and shut down multiple illegal pipelines and wells used to supply tankers, chalets, farms and car washes, with teams disconnecting lines and preparing cases for court. Fintech in Jordan: Valu’s Jordan unit officially launched its flexible payments and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Tourism Development in Ajloun: A local study urges Ajloun to upgrade infrastructure, boost tourism and antiquities budgets, ease licensing, and support youth-led projects to diversify beyond current limits.

Aqaba Energy & Trade: Jordan’s Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba, using existing regasification infrastructure and transport through Syria, reinforcing Amman’s role as a regional energy hub. Supply Chains at Ports: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan reviewed measures to keep goods moving smoothly through the Port of Aqaba and border crossings, citing full-capacity operations and logistics alternatives to protect availability of essential commodities. Water Crackdown: The Water Authority detected new violations nationwide, including illegal pipelines used to fill tankers, sealed illegal wells selling water to farms and chalets, and illegal connections supplying agricultural ponds, a car-wash station, and homes—teams began removal and legal referrals. Fintech Milestone: Valu (via Valu Jordan) officially launched the first phase of its flexible digital payments and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Exports to Iraq: Amman Chamber data showed Iraq became the top export destination, with JD585.2m in certified exports in the first eight months of 2026, while total certified exports rose to JD1.031bn. GCC Health Cooperation: GCC health ministers met in Bahrain to strengthen joint preparedness and medicine supply chains, while condemning Iranian attacks over impacts on lives, infrastructure, and maritime navigation. ASE Trading: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.36% Sunday as turnover reached JD13.4m.

Jordan’s Growth Roadmap: Crown Prince Al Hussein urged protecting stability while steering investment toward jobs, technology, exports and productivity, using Jordan’s skills as the key resource. Digital Government: A policy piece argues Jordan’s digital transformation must close a “capability gap,” saying platforms fail without staff digital literacy, cybersecurity habits, data stewardship and inclusive service delivery. Trade & Logistics: Jordan Customs Chief Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Akaleek inspected the Jaber Border Customs Center to speed cargo movement and push contingency plans amid the shipping crisis. Exports Watch: Amman Chamber reported certificates of origin for exports hit JD1.031bn in Jan–Aug, up 20.7%, with Iraq the top importer by value. Tourism & Environment: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” site and Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation, launching a project to develop eastern Jordan’s tourist, ecological and historical destinations. Regional Security: Jordan faces continued Iranian missile and drone pressure tied to its US alliance, with analysts noting the kingdom’s careful stance to avoid escalation.

Customs & Trade Flow: Jordan Customs Chief Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Akaleek made an unannounced visit to the Jaber Border Customs Center to assess the shipping crisis, pushing for practical, fast fixes and contingency plans to keep cargo moving smoothly. Exports & Business Activity: The Amman Chamber of Commerce reported export certificates of origin rising 20.7% in Jan–Aug to JD1.031 billion, with 30,154 certificates issued (+12.9%), led by Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. Tourism Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” site and the Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation project, ordering a broader eastern Jordan plan to build integrated tourist destinations and boost local economic benefits. Regional Risk for Industry: Jordan’s US alliance is again in the spotlight as Iranian strikes target military sites, raising uncertainty for logistics and cross-border trade planning. Energy & Shipping Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and tanker traffic down sharply, the region’s oil and gas supply chain remains under strain, keeping costs and routing decisions front and center.

Trade & Industry: Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) says the value of certificates of origin for exports rose 20.7% in Jan–Aug 2026 to JD1.031bn, up from JD854m last year, with 30,154 certificates issued (+12.9%). Water Security: Jordan’s water-sector debate is shifting from “finding more water” to building resilient systems, with experts pointing to new financing models, tech adoption, and basin-level partnerships as the key to closing the investment gap. Energy & Logistics Risk: A new focus on Middle East energy-security redundancy follows renewed talk of alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how quickly shipping disruption can hit global oil flows. Regional Security Impact on Business: Reports say Jordan’s US alliance is drawing more risk as Iranian drones and missiles target the kingdom, adding pressure to an already strained economy and cross-border stability. Green Finance & Renewables: Jordan’s Green Finance Forum highlighted renewable energy targets and up to $1bn in potential green hydrogen financing.

Jordan–US Security Strain: Jordan’s decades-long alliance with the United States is being tested as Iranian drones and missiles keep targeting Jordanian military bases, raising costs for Amman while leaders signal they won’t step back from Washington ties. Sanctions Pressure on Iran: The U.S. launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” adding sanctions on a Turkish bank it says is a key financial lifeline for Iran, while also tightening the financial squeeze through wider partner pressure. Energy and Transport Costs: The Iran conflict is feeding into higher fuel costs, with diesel hitting a record in the U.S., a reminder that shipping and logistics prices can jump fast when regional security worsens. Local Business/Trade Signals: Jordan’s push toward modernization and investment continues to surface in coverage, including moves tied to transport upgrades and new infrastructure planning that could support trade and industrial activity.

US-Iran Tensions Hit Jordan’s Economy and Security: Iran’s strikes on Jordan—where US forces are based—are again putting Amman in the firing line, raising costs and adding pressure to an already weak economy and a volatile West Bank. Energy and Shipping Watch: The wider US-Iran flare-up is keeping oil prices elevated and disrupting Strait of Hormuz traffic, with fewer vessels moving than before the conflict. Local Infrastructure Moves: Greater Amman Municipality plans a steel pedestrian bridge on Jordan Street near Al-Sarh Schools, with lane closures and temporary diversions from midnight to 8 a.m. for one day. Diplomacy for Stability: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met Austria’s top minister in Vienna to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, including restarting Amman–Vienna direct flights. Nuclear Cooperation: Safadi also met IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Vienna, underscoring ongoing coordination on nuclear matters. Business/Finance Governance: CFI Financial Group named Federico Cirulli chairman as it scales international operations.

Transport Upgrade: Jordan’s Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin met Senate Public Services Committee members to review plans to develop the Kingdom’s land, sea and air transport system under the Economic Modernization Vision. Infrastructure Safety: Greater Amman Municipality will install a steel pedestrian bridge on Jordan Street near Al-Sarh Schools, with lane closures and temporary diversions from midnight to 8 a.m. for one day. Energy & Industry Risk: Iran warned the U.S. of “dark months” and possible fuel shortages as Strait of Hormuz tensions flare, raising shipping and supply concerns. Agriculture Processing Setback: An Irbid almond processing project remains idle for years after faulty equipment failed required specifications, with rust now appearing on unused machinery—prompting calls for a full review and accountability. Nuclear Cooperation: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Vienna to discuss cooperation. Trade & Tourism Links: Safadi and Austria’s foreign minister discussed expanding cooperation in economic, trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, including resuming direct Amman–Vienna flights. Shipping Security: Saudi firm Bahri said two Filipino crew members were killed in an attack on its Sidr tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi officials condemned Iran and urged de-escalation.

Jordan–China Connectivity: King Abdullah’s China visit produced a new Royal Jordanian–Air China MoU, with talks on a possible direct Amman–Beijing route plus codesharing, cargo cooperation and training. Regional Energy & Shipping Risk: The Strait of Hormuz remains tense as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes, with reports of tanker attacks and shipping disruptions that keep oil prices volatile. Jordan’s Air Defense Spotlight: Jordan says it intercepted 10 of 13 Iranian ballistic missiles aimed toward the kingdom, underscoring the direct security spillover into local business continuity. Fuel Standards Watch: Jordan’s Parliamentary Energy Committee pushed for tighter inspections at fuel stations, more sampling and lab testing, and action against any manipulation—especially amid ethanol concerns. Climate Pressure on Industry: A new UN-linked warning frames Jordan’s rising temperatures as a direct hit to water, agriculture, health and energy—raising adaptation costs for the economy. Local Business & Media: King Abdullah inaugurated National Press’s new printing and packaging unit, targeting growth for food and pharmaceutical sectors. Transport Safety: Egypt’s Sinai bus crash killed 22, including 10 Jordanians, renewing attention on cross-border travel risks.

Middle East Shipping Shock: The U.S. launched strikes on Iranian government tankers in the Strait of Hormuz under a new “tanker for tanker” policy, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks hitting U.S. and allied positions across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq—keeping regional energy and logistics risk front and center. Jordan Security & Airspace: Reports say Jordan intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles, with regional partners also condemning the escalation and urging de-escalation. Jordanian Human Impact: A deadly bus crash in Egypt’s Sinai killed 22 people, including up to 10 Jordanians, underlining ongoing transport safety concerns for cross-border travelers. King & Media/Printing Capacity: King Abdullah visited National Press in Amman and inaugurated an expansion printing and packaging unit aimed at boosting output for sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. Agriculture Finance: Jordan’s Agricultural Credit Corporation provided JD45m in 2026 financing to 8,278 borrowers, with a push toward smarter, faster, tech-enabled lending for modern farming and value-added food processing. Energy Prices Watch: Oil prices jumped as Hormuz tensions returned, with Brent nearing the mid-$90s and volatility rising for regional markets.