Jordan's Role in Establishing a Sunni-Israeli Alliance Against Iran

Abstract

For two decades after Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein was driven from power, Israel, Jordan, and the Gulf states formed a de facto Sunni-Israeli tactical alliance out of shared concerns about the threat from Iran—its nuclear program, promotion of expanding Shiite power, and support for terrorism. This article analyzes leaked documents, reports in the regional press, and secondary literature to demonstrate how Jordan played a central role in building this cooperation, which included intelligence sharing and even discussions about military action against the Islamic Republic. During this period, the conflict with Iran overshadowed the Palestinian issue. However, the October 7 attacks and subsequent Gaza war have fundamentally changed the regional dynamics: The perception that Iran and its network are now diminished has reduced the urgency of the alliance. Critically, the priorities of the Gulf states have shifted. They are focused on economic growth and regional stability, and they increasingly see Israel's aggressive stance as destabilizing. This shift, reflected in President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts since October 2025, suggests that the Gulf states are becoming less cooperative with Israel. The potential weakening of the anti-Iran front threatens to isolate Israel and its strategic ally, Jordan, in the ongoing campaign against Tehran.