BRUSSELS March 1, 2026– European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today held a telephone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, reaffirming the European Union’s unwavering support for the Hashemite Kingdom following Iranian missile and drone strikes launched in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), von der Leyen said: “I just spoke with @KingAbdullahII of Jordan. We stand in full solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan following yesterday’s Iranian strikes.”
The strikes occurred on February 28, 2026, hours after joint US-Israeli airstrikes killed Khamenei and several top Iranian military and security officials in Tehran and other locations. Jordanian forces reported intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and drones aimed at its territory, with no casualties reported.
Von der Leyen went further, linking the dramatic turn of events in Iran to a potential new chapter for its people. “With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape,” she said.
At the same time, she cautioned against escalating violence: “At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence. We are engaging closely with all key actors, as well as with our regional partners, to safeguard stability and security and to protect civilian lives.”
Jordan, which hosts major U.S. military facilities, has been thrust into the centre of the crisis. Iranian retaliation targeted several countries hosting American bases, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Von der Leyen praised Jordan’s role, stating: “Jordan is a precious partner for Europe in the region and will play a key role in the period ahead. Thank you for your leadership in these challenging times. You can count on our full support.”
The phone call comes as regional leaders scramble to contain fallout from the rapid escalation. Multiple Gulf states have reported intercepting Iranian projectiles, while Iran has declared 40 days of mourning and vowed revenge for the death of its supreme leader, who ruled the Islamic Republic since 1989.
European officials have been in intensive contact with Middle Eastern counterparts. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for instance, held parallel discussions with von der Leyen and other leaders on the same day.
The EU has long viewed Jordan as a pillar of stability in the Middle East, providing substantial financial and technical support for refugee hosting, security cooperation and economic reforms.
As the situation remains fluid, diplomats in Brussels and regional capitals are watching closely for any signs of further Iranian retaliation or internal developments in Tehran that could reshape the region’s power balance.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments.
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