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AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday reiterated that Jordan's strength and sovereignty cannot be challenged, warning that the state will not tolerate populist rhetoric or reckless actions that threaten public security.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting in Ajloun, Hassan stressed that Jordan's first concern is the nation itself. "Nothing comes before Jordan," he said. "There is no sovereignty except the rule of law, no power outside the state and our independent judiciary, and no room for foreign loyalties or efforts to sow chaos."

He stressed that Jordan will remain a country of construction and achievement, with the Jordanian flag flying high under the leadership of the Hashemite monarchy and the dedication of its people.

"Our national unity is the foundation of our strength and we will not allow anyone to jeopardise it," he said, stressing that Jordanian identity is rooted in service, achievement and loyalty to the nation and its leadership.

The Prime Minister reiterated that national unity is a red line and warned that any attempt to undermine it - regardless of the context - will be considered an act against the state and its citizens.

Addressing public concerns over the Buildings and Land Bill, Hassan confirmed that there are no plans to increase taxes. He clarified that the legislation is designed to resolve long-standing legal issues and streamline procedures - not to increase the financial burden on citizens.

"This law is about simplifying procedures for citizens, correcting outdated assessment systems and ensuring fairness," he said, noting that the original law dates back 71 years. The government, he added, will work closely with the Lower House to address misconceptions and refine the draft for the public good.

Since taking office seven months ago, the government has issued more than 90 economic decisions aimed at reducing burdens on citizens, stimulating growth and supporting key sectors. 

These measures include support for industrial and productive projects, expanded investment incentives in development zones, tax settlements, exemptions on residential units and the payment of long-delayed tax refunds.

"This is our approach and our responsibility, and we are committed to continue until we achieve the goals outlined in the modernisationprogramme," Hassan said.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the economic modernisationvision. "We will not stand idle or delay necessary decisions. Solving citizens' problems and securing the Kingdom's economic future is our duty - not a matter for populism," he added.

Hassan also reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting development throughout Ajloun, using the governorate's environmental, historical and natural assets to boost economic activity and local industry.

Highlighting several key development initiatives, including healthcare, he said that the third phase of the JD 2 million Princess Iman Government Hospital project, which includes training facilities and a helipad, is underway and expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A new JD 1 million comprehensive health centre in Ajloun is scheduled for completion in 2026. Three additional health centres will be built in Baoun, Snair and Halawah at a total cost of JD 2.5 million.

Regarding infrastructure, he noted that ongoing water access improvements include the construction of a new transmission line from the Kufranjah Dam to the Anjara Reservoir, and upgrades to networks in Anjara, Ain Janna, and other areas to reduce water losses.

 The premier added that the government will complete the commissioning of a garment factory in Junaid, which is expected to create 182 jobs for local youth.

In transport sector, key road projects, including the rehabilitation of the new Ajloun road and the Wadi Al Tawahin route, designated to enhancemobility and boost tourism, were cited as well.

On education, Hassan highlighted plans to construct nine new schools over the next two years, as well as a vocational school geared towards future job markets.

He added that reforestation of 20,000 dunums is planned as part of the national reforestation project, and that a new government services centre will be established in Ajloun this year.

Other initiatives will focus on social protection, youth and women empowerment, sports and local investment, he noted.

Hassan began his remarks by offering his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Jerash-Ajloun road. He said that the government had instructed the Minister of Health to ensure that all the injured receive full medical attention.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications Mohammed Momani said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Interior will “soon” reveal new details and measures related to the “terrorist cell” recently dismantled by the General Intelligence Department (GID).

Speaking at a press conference following a Cabinet session in Ajloun Governorate, Momani emphasised that Jordan’s internal front remains united in the face of ongoing threats. He praised the efforts of security agencies, describing them as a “formidable barrier” against attempts to destabilise the country, the government-owned Al Mamlakah TV reported. 

“The homeland is our top priority, and nothing comes before Jordan,” Momani said, saying that national unity will remain the driving force behind the nation’s progress.

Last week, GID announced it had thwarted plans aimed at undermining national security, spreading chaos, and causing material damage across the Kingdom.

Authorities have arrested 16 suspects in connection with the plots, which GID said it had been monitoring since 2021. According to the GID, the cell was involved in the production of missiles using both local and illegally imported components, possession of explosives and firearms, and the concealment of a ready-to-launch missile.

The suspects also planned to manufacture drones and were reportedly engaged in the recruitment and training of individuals both inside Jordan and abroad.

The case has been referred to the State Security Court for legal proceedings.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has sent a letter to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals at the Vatican, expressing condolences on the passing of Pope Francis.

In the letter, His Majesty offered his condolences to the College of Cardinals, the Holy See, and the global Catholic community, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King paid tribute to Pope Francis’s life, which was dedicated to justice and the pursuit of peace, working with humility and love for the benefit of all humanity.

In the letter, His Majesty said Pope Francis’ legacy will remain etched in the hearts of millions across the world, the statement said.

After the Argentine pontiff's death on Monday, the King said in a post on X platform that Francis "brought people together, leading with kindness, humility, and compassion".

“Deepest condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Pope Francis was admired by all as the Pope of the People. He brought people together, leading with kindness, humility, and compassion. His legacy will live on in his good deeds and teachings,” His Majesty wrote.

Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88. He spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before leaving the facility on March 23.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

- 'Jordanian unity woven by sacrifice, not slogans'

AMMAN — Members of the Lower House on Monday stressed Jordan’s sovereignty and unity, underscoring that the Kingdom is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and a national, Arab, Islamic, and moral legacy.

In a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by members of the government team, MPs delivered firm messages in support of national unity and the Hashemite leadership, emphasising that Jordan’s stability is non-negotiable, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“Jordan is not a playground for the reckless or the lawless,” the lawmakers said, warning against any attempt to undermine the country’s security or disrupt its social fabric.

They also asserted that Jordanian unity is not rooted in slogans but in “the sacrifices of martyrs, the dedication of soldiers, the dreams of mothers, and the struggles of fathers.”

“Anyone who thinks they can tamper with our national security is delusional,” they said. “Jordanians, of all origins and backgrounds, stand united behind their Hashemite leadership.”

The session included a screening of video excerpts from speeches by His Majesty King Abdullah, which highlighted national principles and warned against individuals “taking orders from abroad”. The footage also paid tribute to the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) and Jordan’s security agencies.

MPs expressed their full support for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein, and the Kingdom’s security agencies, particularly praising the General Intelligence Directorate for its role in thwarting a “cowardly” terrorist plot aimed at destabilising the country and threatening civil peace, according to Petra.

The remarks followed the recent announcement by the General Intelligence Department (GID), which revealed that it had foiled a series of coordinated plots targeting Jordan’s national security. The GID said that 16 suspects were arrested after close surveillance since 2021, involving attempts to manufacture rockets and drones, stockpile explosives and firearms, and recruit operatives for militant activities both locally and abroad.

At the time, Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani described the efforts as part of four major security cases, all of which have been referred to the State Security Court. Among the most alarming discoveries were covert facilities in Amman and Zarqa used to assemble rockets and drones with external support. One suspect was found hiding a Katyusha rocket in a residential area near the capital.

Authorities also uncovered plans to store high-grade explosives such as TNT, C4 and SEMTEX-H. Investigations revealed that the suspects were affiliated with an unlicensed political organisation dissolved under Jordanian law.

“This was a deliberate attempt to undermine Jordanian sovereignty,” Momani said, emphasising that the plots had no justification and were rooted in ideological extremism. A televised report, including confessions and footage from the investigation, was later broadcast to inform the public.

The lawmakers also issued a strong condemnation of what they described as attempts to hijack the Palestinian cause for subversive agendas. “True resistance does not mean dragging Jordan into chaos,” they said.

They also warned against populist tactics aimed at stirring unrest and manipulating public opinion, calling such efforts irresponsible and damaging to the national interest.

MPs demanded the disclosure of any foreign affiliations of political parties and called for the strict enforcement of the Political Parties Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law. They urged legal action against anyone found to have participated in, supported, justified, or facilitated the foiled terrorist plot.

They also stressed the importance of enforcing Article 127 of the Constitution, which confines the use of armed force to state institutions and prohibits the creation of any paramilitary groups outside that framework.

Lawmakers also called on political parties to pledge full loyalty to the Hashemite monarchy and Jordanian identity, insisting that all party funding, both financial and intellectual, must be free from foreign influence or interference.

Condemning the terrorist plot as “a crime against national security,” they said Jordan’s peace must be safeguarded at all costs. “Loyalty to the leadership is the foundation of stability,” they noted, citing Islamic teachings that promote unity, prevent division and protect nations. They added that ensuring national security is a shared responsibility between the state and its citizens.

Lawmakers also said that the suspects behind the foiled terrorist plot were affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, citing confessions made by the accused.

They described such actions as a betrayal of the nation, aimed at targeting young minds, distorting Jordan’s identity, and destabilising the country.

“This land is no place for mercenaries or chaos,” they declared. “It belongs to those who have kept their oath and never betrayed the flag.”

AMMAN — Medical personnel at the Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza on Monday began receiving patients and delivering medical and humanitarian services in the war-torn Strip.

The hospital's commander said the teams launched operations early Monday, beginning treatment and monitoring of various medical cases, according to a Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) statement.

He noted that the facility is equipped with a wide range of specialised clinics, including general surgery, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, plastic and burn surgery, orthopaedic surgery, paediatrics, maxillofacial surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatal care, anaesthesia, and intensive care.

The hospital also includes a mobile prosthetic limb support unit as part of the “Restoring Hope” initiative, he added.

Launched in the autumn of 2024 upon directives by His Majesty King Abdullah, the “Restoring Hope” initiative has transformed hundreds of lives in Gaza through the medical cadres of the Royal Medical Services of Jordan, working currently at the Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza.

The initiative's Mobile Amputee Support Units (MASUs) bring "high-quality" prosthetic care directly to patients in challenging environments, "dramatically" reducing the time from injury to mobility.

The Restoring Hope initiative has achieved remarkable results in its initial phase, with nearly 415 patients fitted with prosthetics in the first six months. Some patients have averaged 4,000 steps within one week of fitting. This has been part of ongoing patient monitoring and support.

In addition, more than 40 prosthetists have been trained in rapid-fitting techniques and smart monitoring. Integration with electronic patient records has enhanced follow-up care across the discipline and enabled e-consultations with Jordan specialist centres for trauma and rehabilitation.

Residents and patients expressed deep appreciation for the humanitarian efforts, praising His Majesty King Abdullah’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

They also commended the JAF for their dedication and the vital medical and humanitarian services provided on the ground.

Jordan runs two military field hospitals in Gaza, one in the Strip's north, which was established in 2009 following the war in 2008.

The second was established in Khan Younis in the south in November 2023 at the peak of the Israeli war of aggression on the coastal enclave that erupted on October 7, 2023.

Besides the field hospitals in Gaza, the JAF established the Jordanian field hospital in Nablus in late November 2023. It has conducted over 900 surgeries and has received more than 83,000 patients ever since.

AMMAN — The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO) handled 47,801 customs declarations and conducted 1,368 inspection tours nationwide during the first quarter of 2025.

These inspections aimed to verify product compliance with technical regulations, national standards and applicable legislation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

JSMO issued 170 orders to destroy non-compliant products deemed hazardous to public health. These included cleaning agents, wet wipes, children's toys, electrical devices and tires.

In the first three months of 2025, the organisation also ordered the closure of three non-compliant economic establishments, including factories and shops.

It also issued 32 warnings, referred 53 violators to the Public Prosecutor, and followed up on 208 complaints, all of which were pursued legally under the Standards and Metrology Law.

The figures revealed that, up to mid-April, JSMO tested and hallmarked 5,400 kilogrammes of locally made and imported gold and silver jewellery, and examined 7,000 kilogrammes of imported gold and silver bullion.

During the same period, JSMO conducted 26,650 laboratory tests and inspected 4,675 fuel flow metres at stations and tankers, 3,150 gas cylinders for weight accuracy, 4,220 taxi metres, 615 types of pre-packaged goods, and 590 scales and weighing instruments.

JSMO also verified 2,689 certificates of conformity to ensure their authenticity and validity, and inspected 1,200 lifts to confirm their safety and public usability.

It also granted the Jordan Quality Mark and certificates of conformity, such as "Halal" and "Organic Product" certifications, to 147 products.

JSMO stressed the importance of public cooperation in reporting violations within its regulatory scope.

The public can report through the direct complaints line at 06-5301243, its Facebook page through @jsmo.gov.jo, or the complaints section on its website http://jsmo.gov.jo/Default/En, noting that all complaints are handled with “utmost confidentiality and objectivity.”

AMMAN — Transport Minister Wissam Tahtamouni and Tunisian Ambassador Mufida Zaribi on Monday discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries in various transport sectors.

During the meeting, Tahtamouni stressed the “deep-rooted and historical” relations between Jordan and Tunisia, highlighting the Kingdom's keenness to enhance cooperation in various sectors, particularly transport, given its “pivotal” role in supporting economic development and facilitating the movement of people and flow of goods.

Zaribi expressed her appreciation for the “strong” relations between the two countries, commending the “advanced” level of economic cooperation and reiterating Tunisia's aspiration to expand areas of cooperation, mainly in the transport sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Talks during the meeting focused on exploring cooperation across various modes of transport, including land, sea, air and railway.

Discussions also reviewed the possibility of leveraging Tunisia's experience in rail transport, and exchanging technical expertise in meteorology.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation between relevant authorities in the two countries, reiterating the role of joint agreements and activating channels of cooperation, which would “positively” reflect on developing the transport sector in Jordan and Tunisia, and enhance pan-Arab efforts in this vital field.

AMMAN — The International Maritime Security Conference is scheduled to kick off in Amman on Wednesday.

The meeting is organised by the Maritime Security Group under the title "Enhancing Maritime Security in the Red Sea, the Straits of Hormuz, and Bab Al Mandab.” 

The conference features a broad international and regional participation with relevant experts, academics and professionals.

This conference comes in “critical” timing with witnessed security challenges and amidst escalating threats to maritime security, global energy security, and international trade in the Red Sea region and the strategic Straits of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, with serious repercussions for the security and stability on the Middle East and world.

According to the Maritime Security Group, the meeting will be divided into several sessions covering several key themes., including boosting the concept of maritime security in the Red Sea, the Straits of Hormuz, and Bab Al Mandab, the need to enhance regional and international coordination and cooperation.

The event will also highlight the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation among all concerned parties to achieve a secure and stable maritime region.

The meeting aims to address key issue including competition/cooperation schemes in the maritime domain. 

It is also expected to discuss the legislative and legal dimensions of maritime security issues, the practical applications of international maritime law, and the reservations of some regional states regarding certain provisions and articles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Through this meeting, the Maritime Security Group stresses the importance of striving to support regional security dialogue. 

The group serves as a platform for dialogue between parties and actors, building trust, reducing tensions, de-escalating tensions in the region, and mitigating the impact on maritime security.

The Maritime Security Group is an independent initiative launched by the Arab Institute for Security Studies in Jordan, its mandate and scope of work were presented at the Arab League in 2024.