The IDF confirmed it detected launches from Iran toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba shortly before 11:03 Jerusalem. Unlike earlier fire this week, the military opted not to issue a formal public update. Reports and visual documentation later showed smoke columns near the border between Israel and Jordan, and an Arkia commercial flight was forced to alter its course. The IDF stated there were no impacts in Israeli territory and no Israeli involvement in interceptions.
At 11:03 Jerusalem, the IDF confirmed detecting launches from Iran toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba. Within minutes, at approximately 11:05, reports emerged of smoke columns near the Israel-Jordan border, and an Arkia commercial flight was forced to turn around mid-air. These visual and operational developments provide the first external confirmation of the launches, adding a new dimension to the event that was initially reported solely from the IDF's detection.
The thread of this story began late Monday night, when The Zioneer reported an initial missile launch from Tabriz, Iran, toward Jordan. Subsequent reports indicated additional launches. By 01:06 Jerusalem, the desk reported that the US military had intercepted missiles over Jordan, with no impacts in Israel. At 11:04 Jerusalem today, The Zioneer reported that the IDF confirmed the launches toward Aqaba but chose not to issue a formal public advisory. The corroboration evolved from a single unconfirmed report to multiple newsrooms and official sources, culminating in the IDF's on-record confirmation.
This event is part of a broader pattern of Iranian launches toward Jordan. As The Zioneer reported on June 9, the IDF stated that previous launches were not aimed at Israel and did not cross into Israeli territory. On July 19, the IDF launched interceptors near Eilat following fire toward Jordan, with fragments falling in open areas. Open-source analysts have also suggested that Iranian missiles have hit Jordan in the past, though official confirmation is lacking.
Several details remain unverified. The exact nature of the smoke columns — whether impacts or shrapnel — is unclear. The status of the Arkia flight and its passengers has not been fully disclosed. The IDF has not commented on the visual reports. No official response from Jordanian authorities has been reported.
5 developments
- DevelopingSmoke columns rising from Royal Hussein Airfield in Aqaba after Iranian strike, Jordanian report says
- DevelopingIsrael Hayom: IDF gave Jordan advance warning before Aqaba-area fire
- ConfirmedIDF launches interceptors near Eilat after fire toward Jordan; fragments fall in open area
- DevelopingIDF Chief of Staff: Israel closely monitoring, ready to resume fighting in Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake