Iran strikes US base in Jordan amid escalating tensions
Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched ballistic missiles at the Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan, which hosts US military assets. Jordanian forces intercepted 18 of 20 missiles, with two landing in open areas and no casualties reported. The attack is part of escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over oil tanker strikes.
The Al-Azraq base, also known as Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, sits in Jordan's Zarqa governorate and hosts a portion of the roughly 4,000 US troops stationed in the kingdom. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed its missiles specifically targeted maintenance and deployment areas for F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets.
The current escalation stems from US strikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak island two weeks ago. Tehran has claimed over ten attacks on Al-Azraq since March, though Jordanian forces intercepted 18 of 20 missiles in this latest barrage, with a US official calling the response ineffective against integrated defenses.
The widening of Iran's strikes to Jordan could heighten regional instability, placing Jordanian civilians and US military personnel in closer proximity to direct conflict. Repeated attacks may strain Jordan's air defense resources and its diplomatic balancing act. While no casualties have been reported, the psychological and economic impact on local communities near Al-Azraq could be significant, potentially affecting travel, trade, and regional security perceptions.