Opinion columns in Jordan have captured a deep sense of compounded anxiety over rapidly unfolding regional developments, particularly amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran and its direct repercussions on the region and Jordan itself. The analyses range from political warnings about open-ended scenarios, to strategic forecasts of the region’s future, alongside economic perspectives focused on crisis management at home, reflecting a keen awareness of the sensitivity and complexity of the current period.

Strategic Dilemma Between Two Competing Projects

In an in-depth analysis, Dr. Rajai Al-Maashar expressed a sense of “existential confusion” gripping the region, noting that Arab states face no clear-cut choice but are caught between two projects that directly threaten their interests. According to Al-Maashar, Iran is no longer just a traditional regional player; it now exerts direct influence over war and peace decisions within Arab countries, leveraging sectarian dynamics to strengthen its sway, which has contributed to the fragmentation of national structures across multiple arenas.

Conversely, Al-Maashar observes that the Israeli right-wing does not conceal its expansionist ambitions, openly advocating the concept of a “Greater Israel,” supported by military and technological superiority and international political backing, notably from the United States. He points out that the similarity between the Iranian and Israeli projects extends beyond political ambition to ideological foundations, with both drawing on narratives of exceptionalism to justify domination.

Al-Maashar emphasizes that Jordanian citizens face a profound paradox: while they aspire to weaken Israel as a step toward establishing an independent Palestinian state, they simultaneously fear repeating the fate of Arab nations that lost parts of their sovereignty under regional alignments. In this context, he stresses Jordan’s steadfast position against becoming a battleground, while continuing diplomatic efforts to pursue political solutions, despite internal skepticism he describes as undermining the state’s sovereign efforts.

Open War and Risks of Escalation

From another perspective, journalist Fahd Al-Khaitan paints a grim picture of the war’s trajectory, suggesting the region is heading toward a prolonged conflict, with no clear signs of imminent resolution. He notes that Washington, despite rhetoric on diplomatic solutions, is allowing itself additional time to achieve its objectives while simultaneously bolstering its military presence, opening the door to serious escalation scenarios, including a limited ground intervention in Iran.

Al-Khaitan adds that Israel does not hide its desire to prolong the war, seeking to expand it to other fronts, such as southern Lebanon, to impose a new regional reality. Meanwhile, Iran retains the military capacity to extend strikes further, threatening international navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, and mobilizing its allies across multiple theaters.

He warns that the region could find itself “trapped between two projects seeking decisive victory,” with each side defining survival as triumph, regardless of widespread destruction. The direct involvement of the United States alongside Israel represents an unprecedented shift that may make de-escalation increasingly difficult over time.

Syria on the Brink of Involvement

Journalist Maher Abu Teir highlights the possibility of the war spreading to Syria, noting field and political indicators suggest this scenario is approaching. Tensions along the Syrian-Lebanese border and mutual accusations with Hezbollah could pave the way for Syrian military involvement in Lebanon, as part of efforts to rebalance influence vis-à-vis Iran.

Abu Teir sees significant risks, not only militarily but in the potential for a broad sectarian conflict within Syria and Lebanon, potentially spilling over into Iraq, especially amid ongoing military and organizational activity in those areas. He also warns that Israel could exploit this involvement to expand its ground operations and establish new buffer zones in southern Syria and Lebanon, effectively enlarging its occupied territories. Jordan is identified as particularly vulnerable, given its proximity to these fronts, raising concerns about security threats and potential refugee flows, further straining economic and political capacities.

Economy Under Pressure: A Crisis of Management, Not Supply

Domestically, journalist Salameh Al-Derawi offers an economic analysis focusing on the war’s impact on the Jordanian market, asserting that the recent market crisis stemmed not from a shortage of goods but from poor market management and delayed government intervention.

He observes that some traders exploited public anxiety to unjustifiably raise prices and hoard goods, creating artificial pressure in the absence of immediate oversight. This behavior reflects a “regulatory crisis” rather than a supply crisis, as strategic stockpiles were adequate.

Al-Derawi commends the Prime Minister’s direct intervention, which restored market discipline through price ceilings and strict penalties, reaffirming the state’s authority. He stresses that crisis management requires rapid response, as delays only fuel artificial inflation, undermine consumer confidence, and generate avoidable economic costs.

Conclusion: Navigating a Critical Moment

These analyses collectively reveal Jordan at a delicate juncture, where regional conflict intersects with domestic pressures. Facing a potential open-ended war capable of reshaping the region and risks of broader escalation, Jordan confronts a dual challenge: preserving political stability and national security while maintaining economic equilibrium.

Despite the complexity of the situation, opinion pieces converge on the view that Jordan’s resilience hinges on clear policy positions, institutional flexibility, and public awareness, all of which serve as vital safeguards in what is described as one of the most sensitive periods in the modern history of the region.