Jordan and Greece’s Role in the Iran-Israel Conflict

The mounting tension between Iran and Israel, teetering on the edge of all-out conflict, brings forth a host of unique challenges for nations such as Jordan and Greece. While maintaining diplomatic caution, both countries are subtly leaning towards supporting Israel amidst the escalating tensions.

The geostrategic rivalry between Israel and Iran is decades old, but the attack on Saturday, April 13, was the first time that Iran directly struck Israeli soil. According to the Israeli military, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles against Israel, but the vast majority of these were intercepted.

“Approximately 99 percent of the drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were intercepted,” said Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman. Nevertheless, at least nine countries were involved either in assisting Israel’s interception efforts or as launch pads for the attack.

Jordan’s Dilemma in the Iran-Israel Conflict

This is the case of Jordan, the only Arab country that participated in the air operation and has historically cooperated with Israel in terms of security and defense. However, the country, located on the route between the two powers, has firmly condemned Israeli military intervention in Gaza.

The Jordanian government explained the interception of Iranian missiles and drones as a way to defend its airspace, essentially to prevent harm to the Jordanian population while avoiding any display of solidarity or sympathy with Israel.

The latest attack in this war, according to information from US investigators, occurred on Friday, April 19, in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Explosions, attributed to Israel, were reported during the early hours in this center of military industry. Iranian authorities have denied any impact from these explosions and quickly announced that the nuclear facilities in the province of Isfahan were “completely safe.”

Israel has not confirmed its participation in the attack, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed to Iran that they possess the capability to retaliate to the missiles, although they have refrained from doing so thus far.

Implications of Iran-Israel tensions on Greece

The government of Greece responded to Iran’s attack against Israel with a strong condemnation, stating that the drone and missile strike was a “significant escalation.” The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis added in a message on Facebook: “I want to start with the clear and unequivocal condemnation of the Greek Government and myself personally against Iran’s attack on Israel,”

In recent years, Greece and Israel have significantly strengthened their bilateral relations, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a strong emphasis on security cooperation. Both nations have collaborated closely on various initiatives, including the establishment of the International Air Force Training Centre in Kalamata, and the 3+1 collaboration with the US in the defense sector. Additionally, they have cooperated with the Republic of Cyprus on energy projects.

On the other hand, Greece’s relations with Iran have been strained due to international sanctions, hindering trade and cooperation despite historical ties. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs singles out the vast array of international sanctions imposed against Iran as being a particularly important impediment to trade between the two countries.

Greece’s maritime trade faces challenges amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, impacting trade volume and port activity. Greece is actively involved in efforts to mitigate insecurity, hosting the EU’s Naval Force Operation Aspides and deploying its frigate to counter Houthi attacks. However, concerns arise over a potential escalation in attacks by Iran-backed groups, posing a heightened risk to Mediterranean shipping lanes.