Jordan’s decision to shoot down Iranian drones heading towards Israel, despite being a Muslim-majority country, stems from several key factors:
* Protection of its own airspace and sovereignty: The most immediate and publicly stated reason by Jordan is to protect its own territory and citizens. Jordanian officials have repeatedly emphasized that any drones or missiles entering their airspace, regardless of their origin or intended target, will be intercepted if they pose a threat to Jordanian security or are likely to fall within Jordanian territory, including populated areas. They want to avoid their country becoming a “battleground” for regional conflicts.
* Strategic interests and stability: Jordan has a delicate geopolitical position, bordering both Israel and other volatile countries like Syria and Iraq. An escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel directly threatens Jordan’s stability and security. By intercepting the drones, Jordan aims to prevent its own involvement in a wider regional war and protect its national interests, including economic stability (e.g., tourism) and avoiding potential collateral damage.
* Security alliance with the United States and Israel: Jordan is a major security ally of the United States and has a peace treaty with Israel. While Jordan has been critical of Israeli actions in Gaza, it relies on these relationships for military aid, economic support, and water resources. Taking action to defend against threats transiting its airspace aligns with its broader security cooperation.
* Long-standing suspicions of Iran: Jordan has expressed concerns about Iran’s expanding influence in the region for a long time. King Abdullah II has previously warned of a “Shia Crescent” and seen Iranian actions as a threat to regional stability. Intercepting Iranian projectiles also serves to demonstrate Jordan’s capacity to defend its borders and airspace against potential future threats from Iran.
While Jordan’s actions have drawn some criticism from those who view it as assisting Israel and betraying the Palestinian cause, the Jordanian government maintains that its primary motivation is self-defense and the protection of its national security.