politics
Iran Goes Looking for Love in Jordan
Tehran wants the Arab public to balk at the cost of allying with the United States.
TL;DR
- Iran struck a U.S. military base in Jordan, killing three American service members.
- The IRGC is sending messages of solidarity and love to the Jordanian people.
- Tehran aims to convince the Arab public that allying with the U.S. is not worth the cost.
- Iran's strategy exploits Jordanian sympathy for Palestinians and distrust of American influence.
- Jordan's government relies on U.S. protection and patronage, while a segment of the population supports the Palestinian cause.
- Deep-seated sectarian distrust between Sunni Jordan and Shia Iran, and recent Iranian strikes on Arab countries, could hinder Tehran's efforts.
- Jordanian officials and government-aligned journalists have condemned Iranian aggression.
- Arab countries face limited options against Iran, with diplomatic condemnations being their primary tool.