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Why Iran and its militias have made Jordan a frontline in broader Mideast conflict

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran and its militias have increasingly targeted Jordan with ballistic missile and drone threats, resulting in American casualties.
  • Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran, which claimed to target a Jordanian air base and a US Central Command site.
  • Jordan has historically maintained close ties with the West and Israel, but its strategic location makes it vulnerable to regional conflict spillover.

Jordan has become a new frontline in the broader Middle East conflict, facing increasing missile and drone attacks from Iran and its allied militias. These assaults, which have claimed American lives, highlight a shift in Iran's strategy, with the Kingdom now a preferred target over more heavily defended nations like Israel.

In a recent incident overnight on July 28-29, Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating they targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and a US Central Command site within Jordan. This follows previous attacks by Iran-backed militias, such as the January 2024 drone strike on Tower 22, which killed three American service members.

Jordan’s air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, the country’s military said, hours after the US military said it had knocked down an Iranian missile barrage launched against American forces in the Middle East, shattering a brief pause in fighting.

— Associated PressReporting on the recent missile threats against Jordan.

Analysts suggest Iran views Jordan as a "soft underbelly" of Western allies in the region, less likely to retaliate forcefully compared to Gulf states. This perception may stem from Jordan's historical ties and its position as a monarchy closely aligned with Britain and the United States since its independence in 1946. Its relationship with Israel, culminating in a peace deal in 1994, further complicates its role in the regional power dynamics.

Jordan's strategic location, situated at a crossroads of regional tensions, leaves it vulnerable to spillover from the wider conflict. The country's historical links to the West, including military training and strategic partnerships, underscore its importance to regional stability. However, these very ties also appear to make it a target for Iranian-backed forces seeking to destabilize the region and challenge Western influence.

Thus, Iran has seen Jordan as a potential frontline for years. It appears that Iran feels Jordan can be attacked and that the Kingdom is less likely to respond than the Gulf. It may see Jordan as a kind of soft underbelly of Western allies in the region.

— Seth J. FrantzmanAnalysis of Iran's strategic targeting of Jordan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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