Amman: Jordan has reportedly intercepted Iranian missiles and drones crossing its airspace, while Saudi Arabia is believed to have allowed Israeli aircraft to use its airspace for such operations. This is despite both nations publicly condemning Israel's recent military actions against Iran.

According to Deutsche Welle, the stance of Jordan and Saudi Arabia is in stark contrast to the united front presented by 21 Arab and Muslim-majority countries, which expressed their "categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel's recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran." This joint declaration, issued earlier this week, emphasized the need to halt "Israeli hostilities against Iran" and conveyed "great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region."

The domestic political landscape in Jordan is also fraught with tension, particularly as the nation grapples with its historical antipathy towards Israel. This sentiment is especially pronounced among Jordanians of Palestinian descent, who constitute a significant portion of the population. The Jordanian government has justified its actions as self-defense, a narrative repeated across media channels, according to Edmund Ratka, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's office in Amman.

Ratka notes that Jordan's political scene is currently turbulent, following the government's ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, the largest political opposition movement, due to alleged subversive activities. This move, as noted by Neil Quilliam from Chatham House, appears strategically timed to curb rising support for the movement amid regional tensions.

Stefan Lukas, founder of Middle East Minds, highlights the complexity of Jordan's position, emphasizing that the decision to intercept Iranian missiles further escalates regional tensions. Lukas argues that Jordan's actions are not meant as a gesture of solidarity with Israel but are rather a strategic necessity given its dependency on the US and, to some extent, Israel, for financial and security support.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces its own diplomatic balancing act. Despite signing the joint Arab declaration condemning Israel, Saudi Arabia's actions suggest a different approach. Lukas asserts that Saudi Arabia is unofficially engaging in security cooperation with Israel, providing radar data and allowing Israeli airspace access, particularly in regions where Iranian missiles are likely to pass.

Saudi Arabia's reliance on the US for security remains a critical factor, especially given the kingdom's historically tense relationship with Iran. Although recent diplomatic reconciliations have occurred, the relationship remains fragile, prompting Saudi Arabia to cautiously navigate its role in the regional power dynamics.