As Sunni, Shi’ite rift widens, Jordan recalls ambassador from Iran

Jordan will not send a new ambassador to Iran following its “interferences in Arab affairs” and policies “that harm the principle of good neighborliness.”

By: World Israel News Staff

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has withdrawn its ambassador from Iran, Al Arabiya reported Friday.

Jordanian source told Al Arabiya that “there is no intention to name another Jordanian envoy in Tehran at the time.”

According to the report, Jordan made the dramatic diplomatic move in protest of Iran’s belligerent policies in the region, “interferences in Arab affairs” and policies “that harm the principle of good neighborliness.”

Jordan’s move should be viewed within the context of a larger Sunni-Shi’ite conflict, with Iran, the Assad regime and Hezbollah on one side and Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States on the other.

Israel is increasingly aligned with the Sunni side against Iran. Israel is seen by the Sunni states as an important asset against Iran, both militarily and as a lobbyist in America.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stressed that “the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is part of the security and stability of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”

Furthermore, “Jordan’s position is consistent with the rejection of Iranian interference in the affairs of the countries in the region,” Safadi said.

Iran is involved in several conflicts in the region, including Yemen – where it supports the Houthis – Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Iraq.

Most recently, Morocco severed ties with Iran over its provision of funds, training and weapons to the Shi’ite Polisario Front, via Hezbollah.