Jordan Says No New Envoy to Tehran; Iran’s Foes Offer Amman $2.5 Billion in Aid

Cynics might suggest a nexus between an announcement in Amman that the Hashemite Kingdom will not be replacing its ambassador to the Islamic Republic and the suggestion of a $2.5 billion aid package for Jordan offered by Iranian opponents Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The story was first reported by the Al Arabiya pan-Arab network. The Jordanians have been warming its ties with the Gulf States of late as the dynamics of the region continue to shift as the Saudis and Iranians face-off for the role of regional powerhouse. Jordan, of course, continues to receive significant aid from the United States. In a statement reported by Al Arabiya, a Jordanian official was quoted as saying that the Jordanian decision was based upon Iran’s “interfering in the affairs of the region’s countries.” Jordan is in the midst of a worsening economic crisis and is highly susceptible to offers of financial assistance. Nevertheless, Jordan is also a long-time US protégée unlikely to abandon the traditional alliance that includes the US, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar, meanwhile, which is being isolated by the above is reportedly planning to invest some $500 million in Jordan.