Iranian strikes on Jordan put US alliance with key Mideast ally to the test

Hundreds of Iranian drone and missile attacks have targeted the kingdom, adding pressure to a country already struggling with a weak economy, rising costs and growing instability in the neighbouring West Bank.

Despite the risks, Jordanian leaders remain committed to their long-standing partnership with Washington. Analysts say the alliance is seen as crucial to protecting the kingdom from regional threats, including Iran’s efforts to expand its influence through armed groups and other allies.

Jordan also faces economic difficulties after hosting millions of refugees fleeing conflicts across the region. High energy prices, inflation and a struggling tourism sector have added to the pressure.

Tensions in the neighbouring West Bank are another major concern. Growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has raised fears in Jordan that further instability could force more Palestinians to flee into the kingdom.

Since becoming king in 1999, King Abdullah II has worked to strengthen ties between Amman and Washington. Jordan supported US-led operations in Iraq and has also taken part in efforts against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.

A defence cooperation agreement signed in 2021 gave US forces and contractors access to 12 military sites across Jordan. The country’s strategic location has also made it an important base for US military operations in the region.

However, that role has made Jordan a potential target. In recent months, Iranian missiles and drones have been launched toward the kingdom, although US air defences intercepted most of them.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said his country has the right to make its own sovereign decisions and rejected Iran’s claims that Jordan was involved in the conflict, reports UNB.

“Iran has been attacking us and many other countries in the region long before even this war started,” Safadi said, adding that Jordan was not a party to the war.