Fresh Iranian attacks reported in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, prompting calls for de-escalation
Cairo, July 20
Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain reported fresh Iranian attacks as renewed US-Iran hostilities spilled into neighbouring countries, prompting calls for de-escalation across the Middle East.
Jordan's air defenses intercepted three missiles launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory, while a fourth fell in a remote area in southern Jordan without causing casualties or material damage, state broadcaster Jordan Radio and Television Corporation said on X.
The missiles were aimed at US military aircraft stationed in the southern Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba, which directly borders the Israeli city of Eilat, Xinhua news agency reported quoting media reports.
Following the incident, Israel's Channel 13 News reported that the US military evacuated refueling aircraft from Ramon Airport in southern Israel, about 18 km north of Eilat, after the missile launches toward Jordan.
Israel's state-run Kan TV News said commercial passenger flights at the airport were delayed following the incident.
Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in Amman issued a security alert saying Aqaba's airport and seaport had been evacuated because of a "specific and credible threat," urging Americans to avoid the sites until further notice.
Jordanian authorities later rejected the embassy's claim, saying both facilities were operating normally.
Also on Sunday, Kuwait's Armed Forces said air defenses intercepted hostile ballistic missiles and drones over the country, while another attack struck a power generation and water desalination facility, causing fires and extensive damage.
In a statement posted on X, the Kuwaiti Army said the incoming missiles and drones had been detected and engaged since dawn. It did not specify how many projectiles were involved.
The military accused Iran of continuing to target civilian and vital infrastructure, saying facilities operated by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy had been hit.
Bahraini authorities also said the country's air defenses intercepted several Iranian aerial attacks.
The expanding hostilities raised fresh concerns across the region and prompted renewed calls for restraint.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy warned of the serious consequences of the ongoing escalation in the region, urging efforts to avoid a renewed cycle of violence.
In a statement, Fahmy called on the United States and Iran to immediately work to de-escalate tensions, noting that continued escalation would only bring further losses to all sides.
He warned of the risk that the situation could spiral out of control, leading to mutual destruction and worsening economic conditions in the region and beyond.
Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi held separate phone talks with his Turkish and Kuwaiti counterparts on the regional escalation and efforts to restore stability.
During his call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Safadi stressed the need to end the escalation, implement the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and return to negotiations to reach a comprehensive solution addressing the root causes of tensions, according to a foreign ministry statement.
In his call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Safadi expressed Jordan's solidarity with Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the face of Iranian attacks.
The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis, restore calm and achieve lasting security and stability.
The latest developments came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East as the United States and Iran have traded rounds of attacks. The United States has conducted eight waves of strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran has responded by striking US bases and facilities in several regional countries.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Arab League is right to call for de-escalation but actions speak louder than words. Iran attacking power plants in Kuwait and water facilities? That's a war crime targeting civilians. Hope the global community takes a stronger stand. India should use its diplomatic channels with both sides to push for peace. 🤔
The US embassy in Jordan said one thing and Jordanian authorities contradicted it - that shows how chaotic the situation is. No wonder common people are confused. This isn't just about US-Iran anymore; it's affecting the entire Gulf region. I just hope India's large diaspora in those countries stays safe. 🧡
As an Indian, I've always admired how our country maintains good relations with both Iran and the Gulf states. This is exactly the kind of situation where India's non-aligned diplomacy can help. But first, both sides need to stop the provocations. The ceasefire agreement mentioned in the article seems like the only sensible way forward.
Reading this gives me a headache. The US conducts 8 waves of strikes, Iran retaliates, and now Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain are caught in the crossfire. It's like a never-ending cycle of violence. India has dealt with cross-border terrorism for decades - we know that military action alone doesn't solve anything. Dialogue is the only way. Period.
I find it interesting that the article mentions Iran targeting US military assets, but somehow civilian infrastructure gets hit too. Both sides need to be held accountable. India should work with other peace-loving nations to mediate. We've seen what happens when conflicts spiral - ask anyone from the 1990s. Let's hope sense
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