The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ) faces accusations from Iranian-aligned sources of actively undermining normalization efforts between the Assad regime and Arab nations. According to a report by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is known for its ties to Iran and Hezbollah, Jordan has been inciting against the Assad regime, obstructing the work of the Arab Liaison Committee for Syria, and allegedly allowing Israeli aircraft to use its airspace for strikes against the regime and Iranian targets in Syria.
The newspaper claims that Jordan, despite outward diplomatic gestures towards Assad, has been working behind the scenes to derail efforts to reintegrate Assad into the Arab fold. Specifically, the report accuses Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi of leading a campaign to “distort the position of the [Assad regime]” among Arab and European diplomats. Al-Safadi has been accused of spreading narratives that Damascus has failed to uphold its commitments, particularly regarding the control of Captagon smuggling and the refugee crisis, issues threatening Jordan’s national security.
The report further alleges that since the formation of the Arab Liaison Committee for Syria in May 2023, there have been “intensive media campaigns” aimed at weakening the committee’s role by leaking information suggesting that the Assad regime has not adhered to its promises. Al-Akhbar suggests that Jordanian diplomacy has played a prominent role in thwarting both Arab and Western diplomatic openings to Damascus, under various pretexts.
Al-Akhbar’s accusations come amidst Jordan’s ongoing struggles with frequent drug smuggling attempts from Syrian territory, often leading to violent confrontations at the border. The Jordanian military recently announced the thwarting of another smuggling attempt from Syria, underscoring the persistent security challenges Jordan faces.
The Lebanese newspaper also implicated Jordan in alleged efforts to sway European diplomats, including Italy’s special envoy to Syria, Stefano Ravagnan, against re-establishing ties with the Assad regime. According to the report, Jordan’s involvement in the Arab Liaison Committee stems primarily from its concerns over the refugee crisis, rather than a genuine interest in Arab reconciliation with Syria.
The Arab Liaison Committee on Syria, formed to support Syria in addressing post-war challenges, includes the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, and the Assad regime. Its first meeting was held in Cairo in August 2023, but subsequent meetings have faced delays. Al-Akhbar hinted that Jordan was instrumental in postponing the committee’s second meeting, scheduled for May 2024, due to dissatisfaction with Syria’s response to Jordanian demands.
As of now, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry has not responded to the allegations made by Al-Akhbar. These accusations add another layer of complexity to Jordan’s diplomatic positioning in the region, where it has traditionally balanced relations with both Western allies and neighboring Arab states.
The developments highlight the ongoing tensions and competing interests among Middle Eastern countries as they navigate the complicated process of re-engaging with the Assad regime after years of conflict.
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