For decades, Jordan-Iran relations were described as tepid at best, with Tehran initiating contacts in hopes of improving bilateral ties. Amman has kept its distance, making sure it does not anger its Gulf allies, especially Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and the United States. Throughout the years, a number of Iranian envoys visited Jordan and met with top Jordanian officials. Not much came out of such meetings. Under former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad relations worsened, as Amman recalled its ambassador and refrained from appointing a new one.
But Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's brief visit on Jan. 14 signaled a possible change. There is a new president in Iran, Hassan Rouhani, with whom the West is eager to do business. Rouhani has sent conciliatory messages to the Gulf states expressing willingness to mend fences and overcome problems. The signing of an agreement between the West and Iran on the Islamic Republic’s controversial nuclear program was an important landmark.
