Amman, March 25 (Petra) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi said that the kingdom is not a party to the ongoing war in the region but has been affected by its repercussions.

Speaking on the "Sawt Al-Mamlaka" program on Al-Mamlaka TV on Wednesday evening, Safadi emphasized that the attack on Iran did not originate from Jordanian territory, noting that Iran has targeted Jordan and other regional countries.

He stressed that Jordan’s top priority is the protection of the kingdom and its citizens and that the country informed Iranian authorities of the need to cease targeting Jordanian territory, "because we are not a party and the war did not start from our land."

Safadi clarified that there are no foreign military bases in Jordan, although military forces from friendly countries are present. He affirmed that Jordan has never concealed the presence of allied and friendly forces on its territory under clear defense agreements, which expanded after the war on terror in the region.

He highlighted that the presence of these forces does not compromise Jordan’s sovereignty or decision-making and falls strictly under defense cooperation agreements.

Safadi reiterated that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan does not host foreign military bases, explaining that such bases imply independent control and operational authority by other countries, which does not exist in Jordan. He added that the forces present are part of defense and training cooperation with allied and friendly nations, under joint programs aimed at sharing expertise and mutual benefit.

He stressed that the deployment of foreign forces in Jordan is governed by defense agreements respecting Jordanian sovereignty, with any military decisions by these forces requiring Jordanian approval.

Safadi noted that Jordan has been subjected to strikes from groups based in Iraq during regional tensions and that the government has repeatedly communicated with Iraq, stressing the need to stop such attacks and prevent recurrence.

He emphasized that Jordan is handling developments prudently and does not seek escalation, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to its security and stability.

Safadi highlighted Jordan’s strong relations with Iraq, describing them as fraternal and actively maintained, while stressing the need for Iraq to prevent factions from targeting Jordan and other regional countries.
He stated that Jordan addresses issues in a way that safeguards its national interests, security, stability, and citizen safety.

Regarding Iran, Safadi confirmed the continued presence of the Iranian embassy in Amman with a chargé d’affaires and diplomats, noting that Jordan rejected the extension of one Iranian diplomat’s stay and denied accreditation to another, signaling its position on Iranian policies.

He emphasized that dealings with embassies are guided by political considerations and that Jordan remains committed to regional security. Jordan had been open to dialogue with Iran before the war to build positive relations, provided that practices threatening Jordan’s and the Arab states’ security ceased.

Safadi stressed that Jordan’s complaint to the United Nations regarding Iranian attacks is aimed at legally securing the kingdom’s rights under international law, noting that documenting attacks with the UN is necessary for any state to preserve its right to respond and claim compensation, as well as to affirm the right to self-defense.

He confirmed that Jordan has documented the attacks it endured, affirming its right to respond under international law and to claim compensation for any damages incurred or that may arise. He criticized Iran’s response to Jordan’s complaint as politically inaccurate and legally unfounded, particularly regarding Jordan’s right to defend itself.

Safadi revealed that Jordan had previously presented Iran with documented evidence concerning actions targeting the kingdom’s security, noting that Iranian-linked entities have been involved in attempts to smuggle drugs and weapons across the Syrian border, posing a direct threat to Jordan’s national security over several years.

He added that Jordanian authorities have repeatedly contacted their Iranian counterparts to halt these practices, calling for their thorough resolution.

Regarding Syria, Safadi stated that bilateral relations are at their best across political, security, military, and economic levels. He noted a recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara, alongside Jordan’s Chief of Joint Staff and the head of the General Intelligence Directorate, as part of a strategic dialogue addressing drug and weapons smuggling, as well as ISIS and terrorist threats.

Discussions also focused on mechanisms to enhance economic relations, positively impacting various sectors, with Safadi emphasizing Jordan’s full support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts under royal guidance.

He affirmed that Syria’s stability is integral to Jordan and regional stability and condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory.

Safadi stressed that Jordan does not seek the expansion of war but aims to end it on foundations preventing the recurrence of previous regional threats. He affirmed that Jordan responds to developments prudently, maintaining the legitimate right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, with timing and scale determined by the level of threat and regional solidarity.

He highlighted the post-war challenges, describing them as the most difficult phase requiring careful management to protect national security and interests.

Safadi noted that Jordan’s border crossings remain open, handling significant movement in March amid regional tensions. Around 7,000 people from nearly 60 countries crossed Jordan by land and air, with 45 evacuation flights conducted for European, African, and Asian nationals.

He stressed that Jordan honors transit and return rights for foreign nationals under international agreements, noting that this is not the first instance of evacuations due to Jordan’s stability and strategic location. Many countries have relied on Jordan for citizen evacuation during regional tensions, coordinated continuously with the kingdom.

Safadi added that Jordan is politically engaging with all parties to halt Israeli aggression in Lebanon and supports Lebanese government efforts to assert full sovereignty, activate institutions, and ensure exclusive state control of arms. He condemned the continuation of hostilities in Lebanon, warning of their consequences, and called for a return to military cessation agreements to allow Lebanon to consolidate sovereignty and address Hezbollah-related issues.

Jordan supports this approach politically and provides humanitarian aid amid approximately one million displaced persons in Lebanon, which strains the Lebanese state. Safadi noted that, under royal directives, Jordan has sent aid to Lebanon and will continue humanitarian support in coordination with the international community, urging global actors to assist Lebanon in facing these challenges.

He affirmed that there is no dispute over Jordan’s right to self-defense and that the kingdom exercises this right in response to unjustified attacks.

Safadi confirmed that Jordan has not been a party to the war and that Iran targeted the kingdom, with around 240 missiles and drones intercepted efficiently by Jordanian forces, limiting damage.

He emphasized Jordan’s ongoing efforts to restore regional security and stability while maintaining the right to self-defense.

Safadi acknowledged the economic impact of the war on the region, including rising energy and fuel prices and disruptions to supply chains, noting that the government is taking clear measures to mitigate effects on citizens.

He concluded by reiterating that Jordan’s priority is to protect its security, stability, national interests, and citizen safety, while striving to end escalation and restore regional stability.

//Petra// AF

25/03/2026 23:44:11