Geopolitical Briefing: Jordan
— 20 June 2025
- Germany provides €35 million to Jordan for women-led entrepreneurship programs.
- Remaining detained Gaza activists deported through Jordan after release from Israeli custody.
- UK advises against travel near Jordan–Syria border amid regional missile and drone threats.
- Jordan bolsters security on northern frontier, intercepting regional drone threats linked to Iran–Israel tensions.
Germany provides €35 million grant to empower women entrepreneurs
On 19 June 2025, Jordan and Germany’s Development Bank (KfW) signed three agreements totaling €35 million aimed at boosting local SMEs and increasing female employment opportunities (jpost.com, en.wikipedia.org, reuters.com, thetimes.co.uk). This external aid reflects Jordan's financial dependency on foreign partners—but by strengthening women’s economic participation, the kingdom seeks to deepen internal resilience while minimizing reliance on U.S. funds, though its autonomy remains constrained.
Jordan facilitates departure of Gaza activists after Israeli release
Earlier this week, three Gaza solidarity activists, recently detained in Israel, were released and evacuated through Jordan en route to their home countries . Jordan's involvement highlights its intermediary role both diplomatically and logistically amid humanitarian crises. However, this positioning underscores ongoing limitations on its independent agency, as it acts within constraints set by Israeli and international frameworks.
UK issues travel advisory against Jordan–Syria border travel
As of 18 June 2025, the UK Foreign Office advised travellers to avoid regions within 3 km of Jordan’s northern border due to potential drone incursions and missile spillover from the Iran–Israel conflict (en.wikipedia.org, thetimes.co.uk). While domestic areas remain largely safe, the northern periphery’s instability illustrates how broader regional wars threaten Jordanian sovereignty and internal control—forcing increased security vigilance.
Jordan enhances border security amid regional missile escalation
In recent days, Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes, with Tehran warning its regional allies that their facilities could be targeted (reuters.com). Jordan’s military has responded by tightening its northern airspace control and coordinating with international partners to detect potential drone threats—a move that illustrates its heavy reliance on external intelligence and security support, evidencing limits on national security autonomy.
