Jira

The Jira connector allows AI agents to query projects, search issues using JQL, create and update issues, add comments, and transition issue statuses — all through the Atlassian Cloud REST API using OAuth 2.0. Your credentials are stored encrypted in MCPGate's vault and are never exposed to the AI client.

Atlassian Cloud only

MCPGate connects to Atlassian Cloud instances (e.g. yourcompany.atlassian.net). Self-hosted Jira Data Center is not currently supported.

Tool reference#

The Jira connector exposes 8 tools: 4 read and 4 write.

ToolCategoryDescription
jira_list_projectsreadList Jira projects
jira_search_issuesreadSearch issues with JQL
jira_get_issuereadGet issue details
jira_list_boardsreadList Jira boards
jira_create_issuewriteCreate a new issue
jira_update_issuewriteUpdate issue fields
jira_add_commentwriteAdd comment to issue
jira_transition_issuewriteChange issue status

Common guardrail recipes#

Read-only access#

Enable only jira_list_projects, jira_search_issues, jira_get_issue, and jira_list_boards. Deny all write tools. Useful for reporting agents that summarise sprint progress or surface blocked issues.

Restrict to specific projects#

Apply the allow_values template to jira_create_issue and target the project_key field. Provide a list of allowed project keys (e.g. ENG, OPS). The AI will be denied if it attempts to create issues in any other project.

Block status transitions#

Deny jira_transition_issue while keeping read and comment tools enabled. This prevents the AI from moving issues through the workflow — useful when humans should own status changes.

Troubleshooting#

  • JQL syntax errorsjira_search_issues uses Jira Query Language. Ensure the AI is constructing valid JQL (e.g. project = ENG AND status = "In Progress"). Invalid JQL returns a 400 error.
  • Transition ID requiredjira_transition_issue requires a transition_id, not a status name. Use the Jira REST API or jira_get_issue to discover available transition IDs for an issue first.
  • Permission denied on a project — The connected Atlassian account must have Browse Project permission for the target project. Check project permissions in your Jira instance settings.