Jordan Cegat 95 Attacks from Iran, Discusses Defense with France

JAKARTA - Jordan discussed strengthening defense cooperation with France amid rising regional tensions. The talks took place after the country intercepted 95 missiles and drones launched from Iran over 16 days.

Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein was quoted by Arab News, Wednesday, July 29, meeting with the French Minister of Delegation for the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo at the Al-Husseiniya Palace, Tuesday.

Arab News, citing the official Petra news agency, reported that the two discussed strengthening Jordanian-French defense cooperation and the latest developments in the region.

Crown Prince Hussein also warned of the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank. He called for greater international efforts to stop the escalation and promote overall calm in the region.

Rufo then held a separate meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi and the Chief of the Joint Staff, Major General Yousef Huneiti.

The talks covered bilateral relations, regional tensions, as well as the expansion of military cooperation between Jordan and France. Both sides also discussed a number of common interests to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

The meeting took place as Jordan strengthened its air defenses amid increased air threats from Iran.

The Jordanian Armed Forces stated that it had intercepted 95 attacks launched from Iran between July 9 and 25. The number consisted of 70 ballistic missiles and 25 drones.

The military said all the missiles and drones were intercepted over uninhabited territory. A total of 13 of them were shot down on July 24 after repeated air threats over several days.

Jordan has intercepted several missiles and drones that crossed its airspace during the regional conflict. The government insists that it will not allow its territory or civilian population to become a battlefield.