Jordan is one of the most stable countries in West Asia, but this week the Arab nation announced arrests on national security charges. Jordan says it foiled a major bomb threat.

Jordan thwarts terror plot

The Queen Rania of Jordan hosted an Iftar banquet at the Al-Husainia Palace in Amman for the female members of the Jordanian military and security services. The event was a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service to the nation. We'll leave you with these images. Thanks for watching.

Queen Rania of Jordan hosts iftar banquet for women in armed forces

A Kerala man, Thomas Gabriel Perera, was allegedly shot dead while attempting to cross the Jordan-Israel border illegally with three others. He had traveled to Jordan on a 3-month tourist visa. Indian officials are working to repatriate his body, and the Indian Embassy in Jordan is in touch with his family.

Indian man shot dead at Jordan-Israel border while crossing

US President Donald Trump asked Jordan's King Abdullah to ensure that Hamas understands the severity of the situation if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages, including Americans by Saturday.&nbsp;
Trump and Abdullah met at the White House on Tuesday (February 11) and held a warm and productive meeting.&nbsp;
While discussing the Gaza situation, Trump said, "Hamas must release all hostages, including all Americans, by Saturday, and asked for the King&rsquo;s assistance in ensuring that Hamas, as well as the leaders of the region, understand the severity of the situation."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-above-that-trump-insists-gaza-takeover-as-jordan-king-opposes-plan-of-displacing-palestinians-at-us-meet-8713211">Trump meets Jordan's King Abdullah, reiterates proposal to take control of Gaza</a>
The Jordan King thanked Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities.&nbsp;
"The President affirmed the strength of relations between the United States and Jordan, and thanked His Majesty for the Kingdom&rsquo;s longstanding commitment to promoting and advancing regional peace," the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders also discussed Trump's goal of ensuring that Gaza is rebuilt beautifully after the conflict ends.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-control-gaza-palestinians-will-be-living-beautifully-elsewhere-says-trump-as-he-meets-jordan-king-8712212">'US will control Gaza, Palestinians will be living beautifully elsewhere,' says Trump as he meets&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;king</a>
They further provided options for the people of Gaza that "allow them to live in security and dignity, and free of Hamas&rsquo;s tyranny."
Moreover, during the meeting, King Abdullah said, &ldquo;One of the things we can do right away&rdquo; is bring 2,000 children who are in a &ldquo;very ill state&rdquo; to Jordan as quickly as possible."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-accept-american-and-israeli-threats-hamas-warns-trump-netanyahu-over-gaza-ceasefire-ultimatum-8715064">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t accept American and Israeli threats&rsquo;: Hamas warns Trump, Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire ultimatum</a>
In response to the offer, Trump said, "That's a really beautiful gesture."
&ldquo;The president is looking at Egypt coming to present their plan, we will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States,&rdquo; the King said.
This comes as Trump pushed his suggestion of relocating all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt to transform Gaza into a luxury destination. The US president had proposed turning the territory into a high-end "Riviera."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-reconstruction-needs-at-least-usd-53-billion-un-says-8712066">Gaza reconstruction needs at least USD 53 billion, UN says</a>
Revealing more about his plan, the US president said that he would not personally develop property in Gaza. "Palestinians will live safely in another location that is not Gaza. We will run Gaza very properly, we&rsquo;re not going to buy it," Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Jordan King Abdullah thanked Donald Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities.

US President Donald Trump asked Jordan's King Abdullah to ensure that Hamas understands the severity of the situation if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages, including Americans by Saturday. Trump and Abdullah met at the White House on Tuesday (February 11) and held a warm and productive meeting. While discussing the Gaza situation, Trump said, "Hamas must release all hostages, including all Americans, by Saturday, and asked for the King’s assistance in ensuring that Hamas, as well as the leaders of the region, understand the severity of the situation." Also read: Trump meets Jordan's King Abdullah, reiterates proposal to take control of Gaza The Jordan King thanked Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and a temporary pause in hostilities. "The President affirmed the strength of relations between the United States and Jordan, and thanked His Majesty for the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to promoting and advancing regional peace," the White House said in a statement. The two leaders also discussed Trump's goal of ensuring that Gaza is rebuilt beautifully after the conflict ends. Also read: 'US will control Gaza, Palestinians will be living beautifully elsewhere,' says Trump as he meets Jordan king They further provided options for the people of Gaza that "allow them to live in security and dignity, and free of Hamas’s tyranny." Moreover, during the meeting, King Abdullah said, “One of the things we can do right away” is bring 2,000 children who are in a “very ill state” to Jordan as quickly as possible." Also read: ‘Won’t accept American and Israeli threats’: Hamas warns Trump, Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire ultimatum In response to the offer, Trump said, "That's a really beautiful gesture." “The president is looking at Egypt coming to present their plan, we will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States,” the King said. This comes as Trump pushed his suggestion of relocating all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighbouring Jordan and Egypt to transform Gaza into a luxury destination. The US president had proposed turning the territory into a high-end "Riviera." Also read: Gaza reconstruction needs at least USD 53 billion, UN says Revealing more about his plan, the US president said that he would not personally develop property in Gaza. "Palestinians will live safely in another location that is not Gaza. We will run Gaza very properly, we’re not going to buy it," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump tells Jordan King to ensure Hamas understands ‘severity of situation’ if hostages not freed

Trump discusses rebuilding Gaza but faces criticism for comments on Palestinian rights and development plans. Jordan and Egypt voice opposition, while Egypt plans to present a vision for Gaza’s future.

US president Trump says would not personally develop property in Gaza

President Donald Trump has suggested withholding aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He also reiterated his idea for the U.S. to "take over" and "own" Gaza, sparking intense debate over his controversial proposal.

US president vows to cut aid if Jordan and Egypt reject Gaza plan

Trump threatens to withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt over Gaza plan

For nine years, the Jordanian athlete Abdul Rahman Makhlouf has been practicing calisthenics in a wheelchair, hoping to one day achieve a Guinness World Record. He says that he is the only calisthenics athlete with a disability in Jordan and has been practicing without any support from clubs or organizations. Watch in for more details!

Jordanian Athlete Abdul Rahman Makhlouf Aspires For Guinness World Record

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory.
His comment comes just a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians saying "it can never be tolerated or allowed".
<h2>Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will take in Gazans</h2>
While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president.
"They're going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they're going to do it," he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575">Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
Last week, just days into his second tenure as POTUS, Trump said that the 15-month war had reduced the Palestinian territory to a "demolition site." He then floated a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip and move Gazans to "safer" locations such as Egypt or Jordan. &nbsp;
<h2>Egypt and Jordan's statement on forced displacements</h2>
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said, Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security."
"The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate," he added.
Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah II insisted that Palestinians must remain on their land.
As per a statement by his royal palace, the king, during meetings in Brussels stressed "Jordan's firm position on the need to keep the Palestinians on their land and to guarantee their legitimate rights, in accordance with the Israeli and Palestinian two-state solution."
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory. His comment comes just a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians saying "it can never be tolerated or allowed". Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will take in Gazans While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president. "They're going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they're going to do it," he said. Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash Last week, just days into his second tenure as POTUS, Trump said that the 15-month war had reduced the Palestinian territory to a "demolition site." He then floated a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip and move Gazans to "safer" locations such as Egypt or Jordan. Egypt and Jordan's statement on forced displacements Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said, Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security." "The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate," he added. Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah II insisted that Palestinians must remain on their land. As per a statement by his royal palace, the king, during meetings in Brussels stressed "Jordan's firm position on the need to keep the Palestinians on their land and to guarantee their legitimate rights, in accordance with the Israeli and Palestinian two-state solution." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it'

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes.

<h2>A massive trade</h2>

According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers.

The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-warns-of-potential-ethnic-cleansing-in-gaza-calls-for-global-intervention-772154">UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention</a>

Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions.

Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region.

Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon.

According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP.

<h2>US and Captagon</h2>

The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks.

Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-demands-un-rapporteur-francesca-albaneses-resignation-over-genocidal-campaign-claims-772168">Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims</a>

The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers.

US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant.

According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment.

Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia.

<h2>What is Captagon?</h2>

Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD.

Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks.

Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry. This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes. A massive trade According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers. The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel. Also read | UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions. Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region. Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon. According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP. US and Captagon The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks. Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling. Also read | Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers. US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant. According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment. Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia. What is Captagon? Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD. Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks. Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Potent drug 'captagon' fueling conflict, crime, and party scenes across the Middle East: Report

Jordan's moderate Islamist opposition has made significant gains in the parliamentary election in the country.

Jordan elections: Changing face of Jordan's politics

Jordan's opposition party IAF has secured majority in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. Watch to know more.

Jordan: IAF Party secures 31 out of 138 seats

Jordan's opposition party IAF has secured majority in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. The Islamic Action Front won 31 out of 138 seats, according to the election commission. Watch in for more details!

Jordan's opposition party IAF secures majority in parliamentary elections

#Gravitas | Will another front open on Israel's longest border, a 300-kilometre stretch with Jordan? Sunday’s attack at the Allenby bridge crossing in which three Israelis were killed in a shooting by a Jordanian gunman has raised fears globally that it may destabilize the relatively cordial three-decades long relationship between the two countries. This issue could not only deepen Israel’s military problems but also its diplomatic ones.

Gravitas: No Israeli Border Safe as Gaza Conflict Takes New Dimension

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi makes rare visit to Iran to discuss regional developments with his Iranian counterpart following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Watch in for more details!

Jordan’s FM makes rare visit to Iran as US allies scramble to prevent escalation

Jordanian Police said on Monday (June 24) that they uncovered and detonated explosives hidden in a commercial warehouse in an industrial area southeast of the capital Amman.

Jordanian Police said on Monday (June 24) that they uncovered and detonated explosives hidden in a commercial warehouse in an industrial area southeast of the capital Amman. Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters early Tuesday said that these explosives were part of an Iran-linked plot to destabilise Jordan. Security forces sealed the Abu Alanda area in a wide-scale security operation two days after authorities announced they had detonated explosives uncovered in another location in Amman. Investigations yet to be completed According to authorities, the explosives found on Monday were hidden by the same group of suspects who stored the explosives uncovered on Saturday in a crowded residential area close to a military airport used by the US Army aircraft. Also read | Dozens of journalists and activists hacked using Pegasus spyware in Jordan: Report Neither the identities of suspects were known, nor there was information of any arrest being made, Reuters reported. Authorities said they would reveal details once the investigations were completed. Over the past year, Jordan said it foiled many attempts to smuggle weapons by infiltrators linked to pro-Iranian militias in Syria. Tehran has denied being behind such attempts. 'Incidents are terror-related' Jordanian security officials said on Monday that the two incidents were terror-related based on the quantities of explosives found. The officials added that the incidents were linked to Iran's clandestine efforts to recruit agents to undertake sabotage acts within the kingdom to destabilise a key ally of Washington in the region. More than 3,500 US troops are stationed in several bases in Jordan. Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October last year, Jordan has been increasingly targeted by Iranian-backed groups operating in neighbouring Syria and Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

An Iran-linked plot to destabilise us: Jordan police detonate explosives hidden in warehouse in Amman

The soldiers participated in anti-terrorism and anti-defence, air defence drills during the Eager Lion military exercise in Jordan. The Jordanian military announced on the 12th of May.

'Eager Lion' military exercises in Jordan

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli tanks seen on Gazan side of Rafah - Tesla layoffs continue - Asian Markets gain - Israel delegation to discuss Hamas proposal - India votes in Phase 3 today - Boeing Starliner launch postponed - Hamas accepts Gaza truce proposal

Jordan King asks Biden to stop Rafah 'massacre' | Indian markets trade lower

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in Jordan the top American Diplomat will discuss ways to boost Aid deliveries into Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: US Secy of State Blinken to Hamas: Take 'Generous offer' by Israel

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken in Saudi - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

'71% disapprove' Biden's handling of Gaza war | China set to launch moon mission

Delhi police has registered an FIR in a complaint over a doctored video of Home Minister Amit Shah. The new video allegedly changes Amit Shah's statement indicating

FIR over Amit Shah's doctored video Russia makes gain in East Ukraine | Blinken to visit Israel

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Hamas: No major issues with truce proposal - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan | Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine

The Iran-Israel conflict threatens to destabilise countries in West Asia, like Jordan, a country that is often called an 'island of stability' in a sea of chaos. Watch this video to find out more.

Gravitas | How Iran-Israel Conflict Threatens 'Island of Stability' Jordan

Iran Attacks Israel: Falling objects seen in Jordan sky after Iran launches retaliatory attack. Bright flashing objects were seen falling in the sky over Jordan's capital city of Amman on April 14. This was after Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel. This was Irans's first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory. This attack risks a major escalation as the United States pledged "ironclad" backing for Israel.

Iran attacks Israel | Jordan's role in West Asia: Explained

Inclusivity challenges faced by persons with disabilities are a global issue but one man in Jordan has made it his mission to improve communication for the hearing impaired in his country using his own lived experience. Our next story tells you all about this Jordanian YouTuber.

Jordanian Youtuber makes shows for hearing impaired

Jordan air-drops aid into Gaza with help of French plane, warns of famine amid raging war. Four C-130 aircraft, one belonging to the French armed forces, carried out the air drops.

Israel War: Jordan sends four relief air drops to Gaza

Israel War: Jordanian army parachutes Gaza aid as hunger grips Palestinians

Former US President Donald Trump commented on the current Supreme Court hearing that could determine his eligibility to run in the Colorado Republican primary. At a news conference on Thursday (February 8), Trump expressed confidence in the arguments presented by his legal team, emphasizing his leading position in polls across various states and the nation and questioning the fairness of potentially disqualifying the most popular candidate from the race.

Mega battle for South Carolina: Haley's last stand in home state | Race To Power

President Joe Biden has again won the South Carolina presidential primary, his first formal primary win of the election season.

US elections: Biden wins South Carolina Democratic primary

Biden wins South Carolina Democratic primary for presidential nomination

US retaliates after deadly drone attack on Jordan base. 'US military forces struck targets in Iraq & Syria,' says US President Joe Biden. Baghdad has condemned the US strikes. Watch to know more!

US retaliates after deadly attack on Jordan base, strikes Iran-backed targets in Iraq & Syria

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