[Breaking: Multiple Iranian missiles evade interception, strike U.S. base in Jordan] Iran launched at least 40 to 50 missiles toward U.S. positions in Jordan early this morning, including the use of cluster munitions.

Latest videos show that at least four Iranian medium-range missiles directly hit U.S. facilities within the Muwaqqar Sartti Air Base in Jordan, with no attempt made to intercept these missiles.

Iran appears to have prepared a "menu-style" set of retaliatory options in advance, enabling rapid response without needing to initiate new, time-consuming decision-making processes after each U.S. military action.

The current approach is essentially having an instant retaliation menu ready for every U.S. move—ready to be deployed at any moment.

As long as the U.S. chooses escalation, Iran stands ready to match it—capitulation and surrender are not on the menu.

Why does Iran keep targeting Jordan?

The key focus of the Jordanian bases isn't just infrastructure—it's the concentration of U.S. personnel being evacuated from countries closer to Iran in the Middle East. This implies potential for massive casualties.

Reports indicate that large numbers of injured U.S. soldiers are being airlifted to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Dozens of Patriot-3 air defense missiles were fired from the same base in response to the first wave of Iranian missile attacks.

Based on last week’s data, just two or three more nights like this would exhaust Jordan’s missile stockpile with no possibility of replenishment.

This is the third night. Four Iranian missiles arrived unimpeded by any interception. Ten percent of them struck the ground directly without being intercepted.

U.S. operational doctrine calls for launching two to four Patriot missiles per incoming threat. However, cluster munitions disperse their submunitions upon detonation, requiring even more interceptors.

Iran uses cluster munitions specifically to deplete enemy air defense interceptors.

When calculating costs, each Patriot-3 interceptor costs between $4 million and $5 million. Launching over 60 interceptors means one night alone could cost approximately $240 million to $500 million.

If Iran fires 100 missiles in one salvo—how many interceptors would be consumed? And how many would successfully penetrate?

An additional strategic significance of attacking Jordan lies in its proximity to Israel, effectively serving as Israel’s eastern gateway and acting as a buffer zone between Israel and Iran. After striking Jordan, Israel would be directly exposed to an Iranian missile barrage. See Figure 1.

Previously, most Iranian missiles aimed at Israel were intercepted within Jordanian airspace. Debris and fallout have severely impacted Jordanians, making Jordan effectively a human shield.

Another reason is that Jordanians generally hold hostile views toward U.S. military bases. Nearly 80% of Jordanians are of Palestinian descent, including Queen Rania Abdullah.

This explains why Jordanian civilians reportedly reacted with excitement—almost like celebrating a holiday—when witnessing Iranian missiles falling.

Iran launched over 40 missiles tonight, all targeting Jordan. What does this signify?

It indicates Iran’s missile inventory is in good condition—demonstrating confidence in its remaining stockpiles—and showcasing the ability to conduct multiple rounds of sustained attacks.

Any Middle Eastern force cooperating with either Israel or the U.S. is now fair game—Iran will deal with them decisively, regardless.

Assuming Israel hasn’t miscounted, it should have six desalination plants, thirteen power plants, and two oil refineries.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875824358773772/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.