Jordan blocks airspace incursions amid Iran-Israel escalation

Amman: The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed that drones and missiles entered the kingdom’s airspace early Friday, prompting immediate action by its Royal Air Force and air defence systems to neutralise the threat.

"Royal Air Force aircraft and air defence systems intercepted on Friday morning a number of missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace," a military statement said.

The incident came shortly after Iran vowed a forceful response to Israeli strikes that targeted nuclear facilities and killed senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. In the aftermath of Israel’s operation, air raid sirens were heard across Amman, with the Public Security Directorate urging citizens to remain indoors. "Adhere to the guidelines and stay in your homes," said loudspeaker announcements in the capital.

Jordan had preemptively stated it would not permit its airspace to be used for conflict and reaffirmed its neutrality in the spiralling Israel-Iran hostilities. In a statement, government spokesperson Mohammad Momani reiterated: "Jordan has not and will not allow any violation of its airspace, reaffirming that the Kingdom will not be a battleground for any conflict."

The Jordanian foreign ministry also condemned Israel’s actions. Spokesperson Sufian Qudah warned of "the consequences of such escalatory actions", describing the Israeli attack as "a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a United Nations member state and a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter".

This is not the first time Jordan has been drawn into the crossfire; in October 2024, the country also intercepted Iranian drones and missiles aimed at Israel.

The kingdom remains on high alert as international actors call for restraint amid fears of a broader regional conflict.
(With AFP inputs)