Jordan’s Balancing Act in the Middle East: Managing Tensions Between Israel and Iran

Last week, tensions between Israel and Iran reached a boiling point as Jordan assisted Israel in defending against Iranian drones and missiles. While this action was celebrated by the West, it led to demonstrations in Jordan as the country found itself in a difficult situation of conflict between two unfriendly neighboring states. Despite being a close partner of the USA, Jordan’s army did not repel the Iranian missiles as a show of support but rather out of its own interest in preventing regional escalation.

The strained relations with both Israel and Iran have never been worse than they are now for Jordan. This complicated geopolitical situation has put the country in a precarious position, navigating between two conflicting parties with differing interests and actions. In the midst of these tensions, Jordan took a strategic stance to defend against Iranian threats while also maintaining its own national security and stability. However, this decision was met with unrest and dissatisfaction among Jordanians who saw it as conflicting with their own interests and values.

As Jordan continues to navigate the complex dynamics of its relationships with neighboring states and international alliances, the events of last week serve as a reminder of the delicate balance the country must strike to protect its own interests while also managing external pressures and threats. Despite facing challenges on all fronts, Jordan remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region through diplomatic means whenever possible.