From a strategic standpoint, Jordan remains far from the possibilities of an Iranian ground invasion because the Iranians cannot establish supply lines that reach or even approach the Jordanian border. However, this does not rule out missile and drone threats, nor does the threat to the security and stability of Arab countries and the targeting of their lands and sovereignty mean that Jordan should remain a passive spectator and stand idly by in the face of this.
Historical experience has shown that Jordan expressed its readiness to engage in the 1956 Suez War, participated in major Arab wars against Israel, and was present on the Golan front in 1973. Moreover, the controversy surrounding the Baghdad Pact and Arab crises in the fifties demonstrated the presence of Arab considerations in its political calculations, and everyone remembers that Jordan was a supporting front in the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988.
The combat efficiency of the Jordanian Arab Army has never been far from appreciation, and it has frequently received praise at the regional and global levels. Even though Jordan has not high-profliedly entered into any commitments for regional defense arrangements, this stems from the fact that defending Gulf security is an absolute given at the Jordanian level.
Jordan, like all Arab countries, does not wish for this war, nor does it find any interest in its continuation or expansion. However, the reluctance for war does not mean a lack of preparedness for it. Here, the need arises to build a state of political and social readiness among Jordanians that makes them better understand the positions their state might take if the confrontation expands, as well as the principles, interests, and calculations upon which these positions are based.
Jordanians do not need emotional mobilization or high-pitched rhetoric to realize the importance of Gulf security for their country. The extensive economic, social, and political relations make Gulf stability a part of Jordanian national interests. What is required today is a clear Jordanian discussion on these issues, without exaggeration or preempting the war as if it were inevitable, and without any potential Jordanian stance appearing as a sudden response to pressures or commitments unknown to society. Jordan is not looking for a war with Iran, but it cannot wish for peace to the extent that it remains unprepared to defend its security, principles, and commitments toward its Arab environment.
