Jordanian FM to Meet Iranian Counterpart as Tensions Surge

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is set to make a rare diplomatic visit to Iran on Sunday, following a sharp rise in regional tensions. The visit, which is significant given the strained relations between the two countries, aims to address and discuss the current state of affairs with his Iranian counterpart.

The timing of Safadi’s trip is particularly notable, coming in the aftermath of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This event has intensified regional unrest and added to the already volatile situation.

The assassination of Haniyeh on Wednesday is a critical flashpoint, occurring just a day after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut resulted in the death of Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking military commander of Hezbollah.

In response to the escalating situation, diplomatic efforts have intensified, with the United States and its European allies—France, Britain, and Italy—alongside Egypt, engaging in discussions aimed at preventing further regional escalation.

Safadi’s visit to Iran also reflects a mutual desire between Tehran and Amman to repair and improve their bilateral relations. This follows a period of tension involving accusations from Jordan that pro-Iranian militias in Syria were involved in smuggling narcotics into Jordan. Additionally, Jordan played a role in intercepting Iran's first-ever direct attack on Israel last April, further straining relations between the two nations.

* Ynet contributed to this article.