Jordan cracks down on opponents as it joins US, Israel in intercepting Iranian strikes: Sources

Jordan is facing growing internal divisions as the country continues coordinating with American and Israeli forces to intercept Iranian missiles and drones, according to sources.

The policy of coordinating with the forces that launched an unprovoked and illegal aggression against a Persian Gulf country has sparked widespread public discontent and prompted a wave of arrests of opponents, Press TV has learned.

While Jordan's ruling establishment has maintained its role in regional air defense coordination, the domestic front has become increasingly polarized.

Some political factions have aligned themselves with the monarchical establishment’s campaign against Iran, but a significant portion of the population is expressing frustration over the damage caused by intercepted debris falling on homes and streets.

According to sources familiar with the situation, a sentiment has taken hold in unofficial circles across the country, with many questioning why Jordan should serve as a "shield for the Zionists" and endure such extensive harm and hardship as a result of its involvement in the war imposed on the Islamic Republic.

The growing discontent has laid bare a sharp divide between the ruling establishment and large segments of the country’s population.

In response to the rising dissent, Jordanian security forces have launched a widespread crackdown, arresting numerous opposition figures and activists in recent days.

Observers note that the arrests reflect the establishment’s determination to suppress mounting criticism of its foreign policy alignment at a time when regional tensions continue to escalate owing to a war imposed by external powers.

The situation highlights the delicate balance Jordan faces between maintaining its longstanding alliances and addressing the grievances of a population increasingly wary of being drawn into broader conflicts.

Earlier this week, Iran criticized Amman for complicity in a sustained war of aggression launched by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday, Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani dismissed a March 19 communication from Jordan’s Permanent Representative as “unfounded and misleading,” while asserting that Jordan bears clear international responsibility for facilitating attacks on Iranian soil.

The war was launched on February 28 – in the middle of indirect nuclear talks – with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and some top-ranking military commanders and government officials.

In response, Iranian armed forces have so far carried out nearly 80 waves of retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli and American military assets across the region.

Iran has, before the war, warned the regional countries that it would target US military bases they host in the event of any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

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