EU Advises Against Flights Over Jordan After Iranian Missile Strikes Near Aqaba

Following Iran's second missile attack this week targeting Aqaba in Jordan, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a warning on Wednesday advising airlines to avoid operating flights at all altitudes within Jordanian airspace. Concurrently, the EU naval force cautioned vessels from Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia against sailing in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, following a threat from the Houthi rebels. The Greek government also warned its flagged ships of risks in the Red Sea and recommended coordination with the EU.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iran launched six missiles toward Aqaba, with explosions heard in the Israeli city of Eilat. The U.S. military’s air defense intercepted four missiles, while the others fell in open areas. Iran claimed the strikes targeted American forces at Al-Azraq base in Jordan and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran used an advanced ballistic missile called "Khaybar Sheikan" in a recent attack that killed three U.S. soldiers at the Jordanian base. This missile, guided by satellite and capable of reaching approximately 1,500 kilometers, is among Iran’s most effective ballistic weapons.

The report also noted that despite previous Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s missile storage sites, Tehran has restored access to some facilities. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatening to restrict maritime movement in retaliation for Saudi attacks. The Houthis condemned a recent Saudi airstrike on Sanaa airport, aimed at preventing an Iranian plane from landing, and warned that the aggression would provoke a response. Saudi Arabia later reported that the Houthis fired at least six missiles toward a southern Saudi airport. The Houthi Foreign Ministry stated that Saudi Arabia’s actions ended a ceasefire period and declared that Riyadh bears full responsibility for the consequences.