Key facts
- Jordan, a staunch U.S. ally, is experiencing repeat Iranian strikes on its military bases.
- The kingdom faces economic challenges and instability from neighboring regions.
- Jordanian leaders are committed to maintaining security ties with the U.S.
- The U.S. military has access to 12 installations in Jordan under a 2021 defense agreement.
- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated Iran has been attacking Jordan and other regional countries.
Jordan, a critical U.S. ally in the Middle East, is facing increased risk due to its close security ties with Washington, which has made the kingdom a target for Iranian strikes. Hundreds of drone and missile attacks have added to existing strains on Jordan, including a struggling economy and regional instability, particularly from the West Bank. Despite these challenges, Jordanian leaders, including King Abdullah II, remain committed to their decades-long alliance with the U.S., viewing it as essential for security against Iranian destabilization efforts.
The Hashemite Kingdom, bordering several volatile nations, hosts over 11 million people and relies on tourism, which is hampered by regional conflicts and economic pressures. The kingdom's strategic location and partnership with the West have led to significant security cooperation, including logistical support for U.S. operations in Iraq and against the Islamic State. A 2021 defense agreement grants U.S. forces access to 12 military installations, with the NATO alliance also establishing a liaison office in Jordan. The presence of U.S. troops, some relocated from Iraq, makes Jordan a target for Iran, though U.S. air defenses have intercepted most incoming threats.
Jordanian elites perceive Iran's regional activities, such as support for militias and drug traffickers, as direct threats. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has defended Jordan's sovereign right to make its own decisions, noting that Iran's aggression predates current conflicts and that Jordan is not a party to the ongoing war.