Day: March 8, 2026

Cairo: The ministerial council of the League of Arab States has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on multiple Arab countries. The council has expressed full solidarity with the affected states and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

According to Jordan News Agency, the extraordinary session of the council, conducted via videoconference, was held under the chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates and at the request of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt. The session addressed ongoing Iranian attacks that began on February 28, 2026, targeting nations including Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. The council labeled these actions as blatant and unjustified aggression that violates international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.

The Arab League council emphasized that an attack on any member state is a direct assault on all member states as per the Arab League Charter and the Arab Joint Defense and Economic Cooperation Treaty. It stressed that these attacks endanger regional and international peace, maritime routes, and energy security, and infringe on the freedom of commercial navigation.

The council condemned Iran’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as airports, ports, and energy facilities, which endangers civilian lives and breaches international law. It affirmed the right of Arab states to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and expressed full solidarity with the targeted states.

Furthermore, the council urged Iran to immediately cease all provocative actions against its neighbors and called on the UN Security Council to issue a binding resolution condemning Iran’s aggression. It also called for international accountability for Iran under the UN Charter and international law.

The council reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and welcomed the Lebanese Cabinet’s decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities. It urged international pressure on Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon and to end its occupation of territories, advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The resolution’s content was to be communicated to international bodies, with the Arab League’s Secretary-General tasked with overseeing its implementation and reporting back to the council.

Amman: Total trading volume on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) reached JD 6.3 million on Sunday, as 1.9 million shares were traded through 1,901 transactions. The general share price index edged down to 3,627 points, marking a 0.05 percent decline, compared with the last session.

According to Jordan News Agency, the performance across different sectors was mixed. The industrial index rose by 0.32 percent, while the services index fell by 0.22 percent and the financial index declined by 0.08 percent.

Out of the 85 listed companies whose shares were traded, 23 recorded gains, while 31 posted losses, compared with their previous closing prices.

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi and Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, affirmed full solidarity in confronting Iranian attacks on the two kingdoms.

According to Jordan News Agency, the two ministers condemned the attacks on Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, describing them as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law. Safadi and Prince Faisal stressed the need to take all necessary measures to confront the attacks.

They also discussed the repercussions of the dangerous escalation in the region, the Iranian attacks on Arab states, and prospects for restoring calm and activating diplomacy as a means to consolidate security and stability.

Amman: Rapporteur of the Senate’s Committee on Arab, International, and Expatriate Affairs, Ali Al-Ayed, on Sunday discussed with Australian Ambassador to Jordan Paula Elizabeth Ganly, regional developments and issues of mutual concern. The discussion addressed rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as attacks on some Arab countries and their serious implications for regional security and stability.

According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Ayed highlighted Jordan’s efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to monitor regional developments, urging continued coordination with all relevant parties to support political and diplomatic solutions, contain tensions, and enhance stability. He called for intensified Arab and international efforts to halt escalation, warning continued tension threatens regional peace and security.

Al-Ayed reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to defending its territory, airspace, and sovereignty, emphasizing the Kingdom’s international relations under King Abdullah II. Discussing the Palestinian issue, Al-Ayed urged measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and create conditions for a just and comprehensive peace.

Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening Jordan-Australia relations and expanding cooperation in economy, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchange. Ganly, in turn, praised Jordan’s role, under His Majesty King Abdullah II, in supporting efforts to strengthen regional security and stability, affirming Australia’s commitment to supporting regional security, following developments linked to Iran, and coordinating protective and defense measures to maintain stability.

Amman: Guo Wei, China’s ambassador to Jordan, emphasized on Sunday that China firmly opposes any attempts to undermine Jordan’s sovereignty, security, or safety. He stressed that sovereignty is a cornerstone of the international order, during a press conference on China’s stance regarding regional developments.

According to Jordan News Agency, Guo Wei highlighted that China places great importance on regional stability and aims to bolster security across the region. He announced China’s intention to send an envoy to the Middle East to aid in finding solutions to the ongoing crisis, aiming to calm tensions and prevent the conflict’s expansion while supporting efforts to ease escalation.

Guo mentioned that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had earlier advocated for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, asserting that war does not resolve crises and that political dialogue is the best route to stability. China’s consistent position is grounded in objective and just principles, prioritizing the end of war and the prevention of conflict expansion.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the ambassador reaffirmed China’s support for a just and lasting resolution, underscoring the need for a two-state solution. He urged the international community to ensure the Palestinian issue remains a priority, calling on the United Nations to assume a leading role in advancing the political process. Guo concluded by stating that China will continue to support the Palestinian cause and work as a strategic partner to enhance security, stability, and peace in the region.

Amman: On International Women’s Day, the National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) underscored the constitutional protections afforded to women under Article 6 of the Jordanian Constitution. This article emphasizes equality before the law for all Jordanians, prohibiting discrimination based on race, language, or religion, and mandates the State to empower women in societal roles, guaranteeing equal opportunities and protection from violence and discrimination.

According to Jordan News Agency, the NCHR released a statement recognizing March 8 as International Women’s Day, with the 2026 theme titled “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.” This theme calls for measures to ensure justice for women across various domains. Jordan has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), both reinforcing principles of equality and non-discrimination.

At the national legislative level, the 2024 Social Development Law was enacted, highlighting the Ministry of Social Development’s mission to enhance the quality of life for women affected by domestic violence and those at risk by providing equitable protection and care services. Additionally, the NCHR noted the introduction of the National Social Protection Strategy (2025-2033) and the center’s strategy for 2025-2029, designed to address evolving national, regional, and global challenges in human rights.

The NCHR strategy emphasizes innovative human rights responses, addressing issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the business sector’s impact on human rights. Women’s rights remain a central focus, with efforts to monitor, advocate, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure women’s rights are upheld and recommendations are followed.

The NCHR reiterated its commitment to its role in monitoring, advocacy, and partnership to ensure women’s rights, justice, and the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a society rooted in dignity, equality, and the rule of law. The center also acknowledged Royal directives that emphasize justice and equality, supporting comprehensive social and human development efforts.