Sirens sound in Aqaba as Jordan warns of possible Iranian retaliation

AMMAN, Jordan — Sirens sounded in the southern Jordanian city of Aqaba on Tuesday evening, coinciding with Iran's announcement of a retaliatory operation in response to U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities. Authorities in Mafraq and Azraq, east of the capital Amman, sent SMS warnings to residents at the same time, urging civilians to move toward shelters and stay in safe areas amid the risk of aerial attacks. Reports from the area said military readiness along the border had been raised. Jordanian officials urged the public to follow official channels for updates and cautioned against relying on unverified information. Diplomatic relations between Jordan and Iran have been tense in recent months. The port of Aqaba, a strategic transit point on the Red Sea, has drawn close regional attention amid fears of escalation, with officials continuing to monitor developments.