In a firm diplomatic move reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering stance on protecting its national security, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Amman yesterday (Sunday). During the summons, he was handed a strongly worded letter of protest addressed to his government, regarding the recent attacks targeting Jordanian territory and several other Arab states.

The Ministry, in its official statement, affirmed its absolute condemnation of these blatant violations, emphasizing that any infringement upon the sovereignty of Jordan or any Arab state is a red line that cannot be tolerated. The Ministry clarified that these attacks constitute a flagrant and clear breach of international law and the UN Charter, and represent a dangerous and unacceptable escalation that threatens the safety of innocent civilians and undermines the foundations of security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

In detailing the diplomatic meeting, the Ministry's official spokesperson, Ambassador Fouad Majali, stated that the Ministry informed the Iranian chargé d'affaires of the necessity for an immediate and complete cessation of all attacks and actions targeting Jordan, whether directly or indirectly. Majali emphasized the need for Tehran to respect the Kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and airspace, and to fully adhere to the rules of international law and the principles of good neighborliness that should govern relations between the countries of the region.

This Jordanian diplomatic move comes amid a highly tense regional context, as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan strives to distance itself from regional conflicts and consistently affirms that it will not become a battleground for any party. Amman views with grave concern attempts to drag the region into open conflicts, emphasizing that protecting Jordanian airspace and territory is a top priority for the Jordanian Armed Forces and security services.

Ambassador Majali concluded his remarks by stating that the Ministry had informed the Chargé d'Affaires in a decisive and unequivocal manner that Jordan would not hesitate to take all available steps and measures, including diplomatic, legal and security measures, to ensure the protection of its sovereignty and the security of its citizens, and would not allow its stability to be jeopardized under any pretext whatsoever, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities in stopping the escalation that threatens global peace.

The Ministerial Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf affirmed, in a firm stance reflecting the unity of the Gulf ranks, that the member states of the Council retain their full legal right to respond to any attacks, and to take all necessary measures to ensure the preservation of their sovereignty, security and regional stability.

This came during the 50th extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council, held via video conference yesterday (Sunday), chaired by Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, Bahraini Foreign Minister and current chair of the Council. The meeting witnessed high-level participation, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Regional context and security challenges

This extraordinary meeting comes at a highly sensitive time for the Middle East, where geopolitical tensions are escalating, necessitating joint Gulf coordination at the highest levels. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have consistently emphasized in their previous statements the importance of adhering to the principles of good neighborliness and international law, rejecting foreign interference in the internal affairs of states, and condemning any threats to maritime navigation and global energy security. This statement serves as a strongly worded diplomatic message affirming that legal and political options are available and guaranteed to defend the national and collective interests of the GCC states.

The importance of joint Gulf coordination

This unified stance is of paramount strategic importance, not only domestically but also regionally and internationally. Regionally, this declaration reinforces the principle of "collective security" upon which the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded, which considers any threat to a member state a threat to the entire organization. Internationally, the stability of the Gulf region is a cornerstone of the global economy, given its pivotal role in energy markets. Therefore, the Council's assertion of its right to respond and maintain stability reassures the international community of a wise and decisive leadership capable of managing crises with prudence and competence, while adhering to international law as the fundamental framework for conflict resolution.

In an unprecedented escalation of direct confrontation, US President Donald Trump delivered a strongly worded message to Iranian military forces, giving them a choice between laying down their arms and gaining immunity or facing "certain death." These statements come as the US Central Command announced it had carried out large-scale strikes targeting Tehran's military infrastructure.

Direct message via "Truth Social"

In a speech broadcast on his platform, Truth Social, Trump addressed members of the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian army, and the police directly, urging them to defect from the current regime. In his video message, Trump said, "America stands with you, and I call on the Iranian people to seize this historic moment and reclaim their country from the grip of the regime," adding that the opportunity for change is now greater than ever before.

American losses and vows of revenge

On the ground, the US president affirmed that military operations against Iran would continue until all strategic objectives were achieved. Trump revealed the human cost of these operations, noting the deaths of three US soldiers, with the likelihood of further casualties among American forces. Despite these losses, Trump emphasized in a resolute tone, "America will avenge its dead," asserting that the response would be severe and sustained.

Details of the large-scale military strike

In conjunction with the political threats, the US Central Command revealed the scale of the military strike, with reports indicating that US forces targeted more than a thousand vital sites. The list of targets included facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), advanced air defense systems, and the destruction of nine warships and a major Iranian naval headquarters, suggesting a significant crippling of Tehran's naval and air capabilities.

Context of the conflict and historical background

This dangerous escalation marks the latest chapter in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have included multiple phases of economic sanctions and proxy wars. The United States has long considered the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) the most powerful arm of the Tehran regime, responsible for implementing its expansionist policies in the region. Trump's direct call for the regular forces to lay down their arms represents a shift in US strategy from economic pressure to direct incitement to dismantle the military establishment from within.

Potential regional and international repercussions

This development is expected to cast a long shadow over the regional landscape in the Middle East. Observers believe that targeting more than a thousand Iranian military sites could push the region to the brink of open conflict, directly impacting maritime security in the Arabian Gulf and global energy supplies. Furthermore, the message to the Iranian people could fuel internal unrest, placing the Iranian regime between the hammer of external military pressure and the anvil of internal turmoil.