Opinion columns in the Jordanian press have in recent days featured an extensive debate on the repercussions of the US Israeli war on Iran and its political, security and economic implications for Jordan. A number of writers addressed multiple issues, including the need for a national emergency preparedness system, the war’s impact on the economy and energy sector, and strategic readings of the unfolding regional confrontation.

Nidal Mansour, The Need for a Comprehensive National Emergency Plan

Columnist Nidal Mansour focused on the domestic security dimension, arguing that the military developments in the region have exposed an urgent need for a comprehensive national emergency plan. He noted that Jordan managed during the first two weeks of the war to limit the direct threats facing the country, thanks to the readiness of the Jordanian Armed Forces, which intercepted missiles and drones that attempted to breach Jordanian airspace.

Mansour explained that Jordan’s position is based on a clear principle, rejecting the transformation of the country into a battlefield for regional conflicts and refusing any violation of its airspace by any party. At the same time, he pointed out that while the political stance condemns the attack on Iran, it also rejects attempts by Tehran to impose its agenda on the region or on Jordan.

According to Mansour, Jordan’s domestic front remains cohesive despite differing opinions within society regarding the war. Political debate in the country, he said, continues within a national framework that places Jordanian sovereignty as a red line.

However, he stressed that recent military developments have revealed gaps in the country’s emergency infrastructure, questioning the usefulness of air raid sirens in the absence of sufficient public shelters. Mansour therefore called for an urgent government plan to construct shelters in residential neighborhoods, create incentives to convert building parking garages into safe shelters, and establish a broader emergency system capable of handling crises such as power outages or disruptions to essential services.

Ahmad Awad, Jordan’s Economy Under the Pressure of War

Economist Ahmad Awad examined the economic consequences of the conflict, emphasizing that although Jordan is not a direct party to the war, it is clearly affected by its economic fallout, particularly if the conflict continues for a prolonged period.

Awad explained that the first signs of impact appear in the energy sector. Rising global oil prices could add tens of millions of dollars to Jordan’s monthly import bill. These costs gradually translate into higher electricity, transport and production costs, which in turn push up the prices of goods and services in the local market.

He also warned of a more serious scenario involving disruptions to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al Mandab Strait. Such disruptions could significantly increase oil prices, insurance and shipping costs, directly affecting an economy that relies heavily on imported energy and international supply chains.

Awad further highlighted the trade sector, noting that soaring maritime and air freight costs weaken the competitiveness of Jordanian industry and increase production costs. The tourism sector, meanwhile, remains particularly vulnerable, as travel warnings to the region can quickly lead to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals.

The government, he said, has so far managed to contain the initial impact of the crisis by maintaining financial stability and closely monitoring markets. Nevertheless, Awad stressed that the next phase requires a broader economic plan that protects the most vulnerable groups, supports heavily affected sectors such as tourism, transport and industry, and secures external financial support if needed.

Amer Sabaileh, A Multi Phase US Strategy Against Iran

Political analyst Dr Amer Sabaileh offered a strategic reading of the war, arguing that the conflict is not a conventional war but rather a complex military and political campaign designed to gradually weaken the Iranian regime.

Sabaileh explained that the US strategy began with intelligence driven and precision military strikes targeting leadership figures and defensive capabilities. It then moved to establishing aerial dominance and expanding strikes on Iran’s military and economic infrastructure.

He believes the most sensitive phase of the campaign involves targeting the regime’s internal control apparatus, including the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij forces, in an effort to weaken its ability to maintain control inside Iran.

In response, Iran has attempted to escalate regionally by threatening maritime security in the Gulf and activating its regional allies, including Iraqi militias and Hezbollah, in an attempt to raise the cost of war for the United States and its partners.

According to Sabaileh, Washington and Tel Aviv are pursuing a broader strategic victory this time, not only weakening Iran but also reducing the influence of its regional allies, particularly in Iraq and Lebanon.

Hashim Aql, Jordan’s Energy Security Challenges

Columnist Hashim Aql addressed the energy dimension, noting that Jordan is among the countries most sensitive to fluctuations in global energy markets, as it relies on imports to cover about 91 percent of its energy needs.

He explained that recent regional tensions have caused disruptions in natural gas supplies, prompting the government to activate contingency plans by switching to alternative fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil for electricity generation, in addition to importing liquefied natural gas through the LNG terminal in Aqaba.

Aql also noted that Jordan is working to diversify its energy sources, importing gas from multiple suppliers while increasing domestic production from the Risha gas field. At the same time, the country is expanding renewable energy projects with the aim of raising the share of renewables in electricity generation to about 50 percent by 2030.

In his view, long term solutions lie in strengthening energy security through investment in solar and wind power, developing oil shale projects, and expanding regional electricity interconnections.

Issam Qudmani, Fuel Price Liberalization as an Economic Option

Columnist Issam Qudmani discussed fuel pricing in Jordan, noting that domestic fuel prices are likely to rise due to the sharp increase in global oil prices driven by the war in the region.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism, which relies on monthly adjustments, does not reflect the rapid daily fluctuations in global oil markets, making it both burdensome for the state treasury and confusing for consumers.

Qudmani therefore proposed moving toward a liberalized fuel pricing system linked directly to international prices. At the same time, he suggested establishing a hedging fund designed to protect the most vulnerable groups from price volatility, rather than leaving the government to absorb the financial burden or constantly justify price increases.

A Broad Debate in the Jordanian Press

Together, these commentaries reflect the diversity of perspectives in the Jordanian press on the war and its repercussions. Some writers focus on domestic security and the need for stronger emergency preparedness, others analyze economic and energy challenges, while political analysts examine the strategic trajectory of the regional confrontation.

Despite their differing approaches, most agree that Jordan is entering a sensitive period that requires a careful balance between political caution and internal preparedness to deal with the consequences of an increasingly volatile regional crisis.