Why Did Jordan Intercept Iranian Missiles?
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 12:05 am
Jordan's interception of Iranian missiles during the recent regional escalation "Operation Rising Lion" was not a declaration of hostility, but a strategic move driven by national security concerns. As missiles and drones crossed Jordanian airspace en route to Israel, the Kingdom acted to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its population.
Officials in Amman explained that air defense systems were activated following military assessments indicating a high likelihood that missiles or drones could fall within Jordan’s borders, including densely populated areas, potentially resulting in civilian casualties.
The statement reaffirmed that the armed forces are fully committed to defending the nation's land, sea, and airspace, and will not tolerate any breach of Jordanian sovereignty. It also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could create unnecessary fear or unrest.
Jordan, located between major regional powers, often finds itself in a sensitive position. While maintaining a cautious stance in regional conflicts, the Jordanian leadership could not risk allowing foreign projectiles—regardless of their target—to endanger Jordanian territory or civilians. The decision to intercept was based on defense, not alignment with any party.
Allowing hostile missiles to pass unchecked could have had significant geopolitical consequences and threatened internal stability. Thus, the interception was a preventive and defensive action to uphold Jordan’s neutrality and protect its airspace amid rising regional tensions.
In a statement released by the Jordanian Armed Forces, the military clarified that the decision to intercept was based on concerns that drones launched by Iran in retaliation for Israeli strikes might enter Jordanian territory.The Jordanian Armed Forces said the interceptions were made due to fears the drones could fall on Jordanian territory (middleeasteye.net)
Officials in Amman explained that air defense systems were activated following military assessments indicating a high likelihood that missiles or drones could fall within Jordan’s borders, including densely populated areas, potentially resulting in civilian casualties.
The statement reaffirmed that the armed forces are fully committed to defending the nation's land, sea, and airspace, and will not tolerate any breach of Jordanian sovereignty. It also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could create unnecessary fear or unrest.
Jordan, located between major regional powers, often finds itself in a sensitive position. While maintaining a cautious stance in regional conflicts, the Jordanian leadership could not risk allowing foreign projectiles—regardless of their target—to endanger Jordanian territory or civilians. The decision to intercept was based on defense, not alignment with any party.
Allowing hostile missiles to pass unchecked could have had significant geopolitical consequences and threatened internal stability. Thus, the interception was a preventive and defensive action to uphold Jordan’s neutrality and protect its airspace amid rising regional tensions.