Water Security: Jordan’s Water Minister Raed Abu Saud warned the National Conveyance Project is needed to avoid a worsening water crisis, saying it would cover only about 40% of needs for roughly a decade and that tanker prices could spike during peak shortages. Aqaba Airport Deal: Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority chief Shadi Majali said an agreement is set to be signed with a foreign operator to manage and develop King Hussein International Airport, aiming to boost air connectivity and tourism, alongside new Royal Jordanian routes via Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Trade & Investment: Jordan’s pharmaceutical exports rose 17.6% in Q1 2026, while vehicle clearance at Zarqa Free Zone fell 65.3% in the first five months; separate coverage also points to Jordan’s broader push for industrial growth and investment incentives. Capital Markets Link: Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Exchange launched an electronic trading link through Tabadul to deepen financial integration and liquidity. Forced Labour Tariffs: The US Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, including Jordan, citing failures to enforce forced-labour import prohibitions, with a July 7 comment hearing. Foreign Policy: Jordan condemned Israel’s approval of 2,126 new settler units in the West Bank as a violation of international law and a setback to the two-state solution.