The city of Aqaba in southern Jordan was targeted by missiles and drones launched from Iran. The Jordanian Armed Forces announced that they intercepted the attack with air defense systems, destroying four of the six missiles, while the remaining two fell in uninhabited areas. Military sources reported no casualties or material damage.
This attempted attack once again underscored the strategic position of Aqaba Port, Jordan's only maritime outlet, through which more than two-thirds of its foreign trade passes. Economist Hüsam Ayaş stressed that the port is vital not only for Jordan but also for transit traffic to Iraq, Syria, and Palestine. 'Any attack disrupts maritime transport, raising freight and insurance costs. This feeds into local market prices and reduces the competitiveness of Jordanian exports,' Ayaş said.
Economic Activities Continue to Grow
Despite security concerns, data from the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority shows that economic activity grew in the first half of 2026. The volume of cargo handled at the port and logistics facilities rose 12% compared to the same period last year, reaching 13.3 million tons. At the Aqaba Multi-Purpose Port, cargo handling volume surged 61% to 3.58 million tons. The port set a monthly record in June with 1 million tons.
The Aqaba Port Operations and Management Company stated that operations continue around the clock, with no cancellations or delays in vessel reception or loading and unloading. In June, 65% of the cargo from the 57 ships handled was destined for Iraq. According to Ministry of Transport data, truck trips increased 23% in the March-June period, reaching a daily average of 3,700.
Tourism Sector Hit Hardest
While port and transport activities proceed normally, the tourism sector has been the hardest hit by regional geopolitical tensions. Bilal Rubin, spokesperson for the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents, said recent events have led to a drop in booking requests, with many source markets shifting to a wait-and-see mode.
Osama Abu Talib, Vice President of the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce, noted that travel warnings from the US and European Union countries have led to booking and flight cancellations. Abu Talib said the impact is not limited to Aqaba, with major declines also seen in key tourist sites like Petra and Wadi Rum. He stated that in some areas the drop has exceeded 50%, even reaching 90%, and that Petra is experiencing an 'economic catastrophe' due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gaza war, and the recent Iran-US tensions.
Call for Urgent Government Support
Aqaba MP Lubna Nümur condemned Iran's attempt to target Jordan, particularly Aqaba Port. Nümur said tourism and trade have been negatively affected, and that the city being declared a 'red zone' necessitates urgent government intervention.
MP Nümur called for tax and customs exemptions for affected businesses, the creation of financing facilities, and the preparation of a logistics emergency plan for Aqaba Port. On the humanitarian front, she stressed the need to strengthen the public security system and increase awareness messages to alleviate public anxiety.
