Jordan Denies Evacuations Amid US-Iran Tensions Over Nuclear Site Attack

Jordanian authorities clarified on Sunday that the Aqaba international airport and seaport remain fully operational, contradicting earlier US embassy warnings of evacuations due to a "specific and credible threat." Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammed Al-Momani told Reuters there were no known threats and emphasized normal functioning of the facilities. The US embassy in Amman had urged American citizens to avoid these areas and follow security instructions.

Meanwhile, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported that Iran's Atomic Energy Organization accused the US of attacking a nuclear power plant under construction in southwestern Iran, condemning it as a violation of international law. An Israeli security source told Saudi channel Al-Hadath that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not currently in Iran and that Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi and his associates are drafting Khamenei's statements. The source highlighted deep internal divisions within Iran threatening the Revolutionary Guards' existence and claimed Washington does not want Tel Aviv involved in retaliatory actions, despite Iran's plans to target Israeli figures in Tel Aviv in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei.

In a written statement, Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed former US President Trump's signature as invalid, following US officials' remarks about punishing Iran for non-compliance with agreements. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced Tehran's suspension of all commitments under the memorandum of understanding with the US, citing American attacks as the cause.

About ten days ago, Israeli media reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is the central decision-maker in Iran, operating from hiding and effectively acting as Supreme Leader. He has not appeared publicly, reportedly due to plastic surgeries altering his appearance.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced completion of eight consecutive nights of strikes in Iran targeting coastal surveillance, air defense systems, missile and drone storage sites, and Revolutionary Guards forces responsible for launching missiles at US troops in Jordan, which killed two American soldiers. CENTCOM emphasized the readiness and lethality of over 50,000 US military personnel in the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian attack that killed two US soldiers also damaged manned and unmanned aircraft, while the New York Times noted dozens of additional US troops were wounded. US President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the deaths, stating the soldiers died to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to avoid Middle East escalation, calling Iran "bad." Israeli assessments anticipate Trump may escalate the conflict further. Iran continues retaliatory strikes on US bases in the Gulf and Middle East, warning of "decisive response" against any US allies involved.