Jordan attacks by Iran
Recently, we have read and seen an attack on Jordan by Iran.
Jordan Is Becoming a New Focus in the U.S.-Iran War
Four Iranian attacks in five days have targeted U.S. troops in Jordan, U.S. officials said, including one on Friday that killed two soldiers and left another service member missing.
Why?
Iran began directly targeting Jordan in February 2026, when Tehran launched a series of ballistic missile and drone strikes against the kingdom in retaliation for combined U.S. and Israeli operations. The attacks specifically target military bases hosting American personnel, such as the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Iran, beginning on February 26, 2026, began targeting numerous bases in allied neighboring nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. These bases housed Patriot antimissile batteries, an airfield for F-35 and F-22 fighter aircraft, as well as support structures, ammunition reserves, and personnel. During some attacks, American lives were lost. Iran stated the attacks were in response to American attacks on Iranian military assets near the Persian Gulf.
The multiplicity of American bases allows for flexible planning of attacks on Iran. They also force Iran to expend missiles and drones on multiple targets.
Damage to American Bases has been well documented.
The back-and-forth escalation by the U.S. and Iran is promoted by the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that despite renewed fighting with Iran, oil tankers continue to make it through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to host Jonathan Karl on ABC’s “This Week,” Wright said: “We’re at a little under 14 million barrels a day from the Arabian Gulf region. That’s two-thirds of pre-conflict traffic, dramatically up from where we were back in March when I was last on your show. I mean, not 100% yet, but two-thirds of the flow right now
Different sources give differing accounts about how effective the current blockade of Hormuz is
The Strait handles 20% of global oil transport. America receives no oil from Iran. Despite this, America supplies the military might that protects India and the Pacific countries, which receive the oil. China - One of the largest importers of Iranian oil, despite sanctions.
India - Historically a significant buyer, though imports have fluctuated due to sanctions.
Turkey has continued to import Iranian oil, often circumventing sanctions.
South Korea - Previously a major importer, but imports have decreased due to sanctions.
Japan imported Iranian oil until sanctions were tightened, leading to a decline.
Syria - Receives oil from Iran, often as part of broader economic support.
Venezuela - Engages in oil trade with Iran, including exchanges and shipments.
Iraq - Imports Iranian oil, particularly for its own domestic needs.
Lebanon - Receives oil shipments from Iran, often through Hezbollah.
Afghanistan has received oil supplies from Iran, especially during times of need.