Jordan, US, UK Collaborate To Thwart Iran’s Israel Attack
During Saturday’s attack launched on Israel by Iran, Jordan joined forces with the United States and the United Kingdom to help intercept several Iranian drones crossing Jordanian airspace. The Arab nation’s decision to assist in Israel’s defense points to a material shift in Middle Eastern political alignment.
Jordan’s air force shot down dozens of drones that had breached its airspace on their way to Israel. The Jordanian military also went on high alert on Saturday as its radar systems were working in conjunction with Israel to monitor ongoing air threats emanating from Iraq and Syria.
The large-scale attack orchestrated by Iran involved 185 drones and 36 cruise missiles, with launches primarily originating from Iranian territory, although a small number were also dispatched from Iraq and Yemen. With assistance from the U.S. and the U.K., Israel’s sophisticated air defenses successfully intercepted most of these threats.
🚨🇮🇷🇯🇴🇮🇱 JORDAN has opened its airspace to ISRAELI Air Force fighters. Together with American aircraft, they will intercept IRANIAN drones. pic.twitter.com/kdXpIYVXfI
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) April 13, 2024
Jordan Joined the U.S. and the U.K. in Intercepting the Iranian Drone Attack on Israel https://t.co/9LyPHXug3S
— Ben Owen (@hrkbenowen) April 14, 2024
Even as tensions eased somewhat by Sunday morning, the diplomatic situation continued to ramp up in difficulty. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel that any “reckless” acts of retaliation would lead to a “stronger response” against it and its allies in the region.
The international community is on high alert, with the United Nations Security Council scheduled to convene an emergency meeting to address what it described as a “serious escalation” in regional tensions. NATO and the G7 have also mobilized emergency meetings to discuss strategies for containing the confrontation.
Jordan’s active participation in defending Israeli territory is particularly noteworthy. It suggests a budding alignment among some Arab states and Israel, possibly driven by mutual concerns over Iran’s regional ambitions. However, the Iranian threat of a more severe response should Israel retaliate raises questions about the stability of any potential ceasefires.
Internationally, the swift condemnation by the U.K. and the U.S.’s reiterated support for Israel’s security reflects a consistent Western stance on Israel’s right to defend itself. Yet, the broader international community, including oil-rich powers like Saudi Arabia and entities like NATO, is urging restraint. Further escalation could have devastating consequences for the entire region and the world.