Momani stressed that the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan was legally dissolved following a 2020 court ruling, and that all its activities were formally banned in April 2025. He said Jordan addresses such matters in line with its constitution, laws and what he described as the country’s “supreme national interest”.

“The government’s position is clear and based on judicial decisions and the rule of law,” Momani said, adding that Jordan’s approach to political and security issues remains sovereign and independent.

The US designation was announced earlier on Tuesday, January 13, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X. Rubio said Washington was formally listing the Lebanese, Egyptian and Jordanian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations, citing national security concerns.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that threaten US citizens and our national security,” Rubio wrote.

The designation allows US authorities to impose sanctions, freeze assets under US jurisdiction and criminalise material support linked to the named organisations.

A produced by The World in Maps categorises these nations by their official or constitutionally endorsed faiths — Christianity (in red), Islam (in green), and Buddhism (in dark grey) — pointing to the enduring complexity of how states and religions interact globally.

What a “state religion” means and how it varies

A state religion (also called an official or established religion) is one that a government formally endorses or gives special status, privileges, or constitutional recognition. But this does not necessarily mean the state is a theocracy or that it compels all citizens to follow that faith.

In many nations, religious freedom still exists, albeit within a framework where the “official” religion enjoys preferential treatment , whether in funding, influence over ceremonial functions, or constitutional prominence.

This landscape is diverse in practice. Some states explicitly define their religion in their constitutions, others make public references, or provide institutional support.

For instance, Jordan’s constitution states that “Islam is the religion of the State” while still permitting other faiths to be practised.

Malaysia’s federal constitution similarly affirms Islam as the religion of the federation, though it allows other religions to be practised peacefully.

Where state religions persist, and which ones

The map shows a concentration of state religions in parts of the Middle East, Southeast Asia , and parts of Europe and Africa.

Islamic state religions are particularly frequent: countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Jordan, Kuwait, and others have Islam as the constitutionally recognised religion.

In the sphere of Buddhism, a few nations (such as Bhutan and Cambodia) declare Buddhist identity in their constitutions as a “spiritual heritage” or state faith.

In Europe, some countries maintain established Christian churches (e.g. the Church of Denmark), though the practical role of these churches varies, and secularisation trends are strong.

It’s also worth noting that many more countries, beyond those with formal state religions, still favour one religion through policy, funding or cultural entanglement. According to Pew , over 80 nations give official or unofficial advantages to particular faiths.

Reports from Gaza indicate a devastating escalation in violence, resulting in at least 65 deaths and 153 injuries within a single day. The conflict continues to exact a severe humanitarian toll, with hospitals overwhelmed and infrastructure collapsing under repeated bombardments. Civilian areas have been hit hard, raising concerns among international observers about violations of human rights and the disproportionate impact on non-combatants. Jordan, sharing close geographical and humanitarian ties with Palestine, has expressed deep concern over the situation. The government has reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.

“The battle isn’t over yet,” Israeli army chief tells soldiers in Gaza

The Israeli army chief’s statement that “the battle isn’t over yet” signals a prolongation of the ongoing Gaza conflict, suggesting that Israel’s military operations will continue despite international appeals for restraint. This declaration has fuelled fears of an extended confrontation, with implications for regional stability, including Jordan, which remains a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East. The statement has also intensified public debate across Arab nations about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to halt the violence. Jordanian officials have maintained that lasting peace can only come through a two-state solution and renewed negotiations under international supervision, rather than continued military engagement.

Prime Minister honours teachers, announces expanded support programmes

In domestic developments, Jordan’s Prime Minister honoured educators on World Teachers’ Day, announcing an ambitious set of new programs designed to improve working conditions, salaries, and professional development opportunities for teachers across the kingdom. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector as a cornerstone of national progress. The Prime Minister emphasised that education remains central to Jordan’s socio-economic resilience, especially in the face of regional instability. These new programs are expected to include grants for rural schools, digital learning infrastructure, and teacher training in modern pedagogical methods. The announcement was met with optimism by teachers’ unions and educational institutions, which have long called for increased investment in the profession.

Jordan celebrates World Teachers’ Day, emphasising educators’ role in nation-building

As part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Jordan held nationwide events to celebrate the contribution of educators to the country’s development. Schools, universities, and civil society organisations hosted panels and cultural programs highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of teachers in shaping future generations. Government ministries underscored the importance of education not only as an academic pursuit but also as a moral and civic foundation for nation-building. The theme of the celebration—empowering teachers for sustainable development—resonated strongly with Jordan’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, which aim to modernise curricula and align learning outcomes with the needs of the 21st-century economy. The day concluded with awards recognising outstanding educators for excellence and innovation in teaching.

IEC delegation reviews Syrian parliamentary elections process

A delegation from Jordan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) visited Syria to observe and review the process of the country’s first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The delegation’s participation underscores Jordan’s increasing commitment to supporting democratic governance in the region. According to official statements, the IEC’s involvement was aimed at sharing technical expertise in election monitoring, voter registration systems, and transparency mechanisms. Observers noted that the elections mark a turning point for Syria, though questions remain about inclusivity and fairness. Jordan’s engagement was praised as a gesture of regional solidarity and as part of its broader diplomatic strategy to encourage political stabilisation and reconstruction in neighbouring countries.