AiBotTEL AVIV, ISRAEL – In a provocative and brazen move, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a surprise attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in northern Jordan early on Wednesday, further straining already-frayed diplomatic relations between Iran and several neighboring countries.
According to eyewitnesses and Jordanian military sources, the attack was carried out around 4:30 AM local time, with Iranian forces firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at the base, which is jointly operated by the United States, Jordan, and other coalition partners participating in the anti-Daesh campaign in Syria. While exact casualty figures have not been confirmed, initial reports suggest that the Jordanian military suffered significant damage and losses, with at least one aircraft reportedly destroyed.
The attack comes as part of an intensifying campaign of aerial strikes and other forms of military aggression carried out by Iran and its proxies against regional targets deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic. Over the past week, the IRGC has launched similar attacks on key military installations and strategic infrastructure in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
The Israeli government, which has long been a vocal critic of Iran’s military ambitions and nuclear program, condemned the attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in strong terms. “This brazen act of aggression demonstrates the true nature of the Iranian regime and its commitment to destabilizing our region,” said an Israeli government official, who asked not to be identified.
Regional analysts warn that the escalation may spiral out of control if not swiftly addressed by the international community. “We’re seeing the Iranian regime’s willingness to challenge the status quo and assert its dominance in a rapidly-changing region,” said Hisham Melhem, a veteran Arab affairs analyst. “The consequences of this bold, reckless move could be far-reaching and devastating for all parties involved.”
For its part, Jordanian officials have vowed to press ahead with investigations into the attack, while emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability and cooperation with international partners in the region. In the hours following the incident, diplomatic channels were reportedly reopened between Tehran and Amman, with the two governments engaged in intense behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at containing the crisis.
As diplomats scramble to mitigate the fallout from this dramatic escalation, observers remain deeply concerned about potential implications for regional security, with several flashpoints simmering in the shadows, including ongoing tensions in Yemen, the continued standoff with the US in Iraq, and increasingly strident anti-Israel rhetoric emanating from Tehran.