Jordan Endures Iranian Missile Fire Amid Strategic US Alliance

Jordan has recently been subjected to missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, a situation it has largely met with silence, unlike other regional actors. This quiet response stems from Jordan's strategic alliance with the United States, which maintains military forces within the Hashemite Kingdom. The attacks, which have occurred over recent months and intensified this week, add to Jordan's existing economic challenges.

Despite the risks, Jordan remains committed to its close ties with Washington, a relationship cultivated over decades. This alliance is seen as crucial for Jordan's security, particularly against Iranian efforts to destabilize the region. Jordanian elites view Iran's support for Shiite militias in Iraq, armed Palestinian groups, and Syrian drug traffickers as a direct threat to the monarchy. A 2021 security cooperation agreement grants U.S. forces access to twelve military facilities in Jordan, with bases like Muwaffaq Salti Air Base serving as key logistical hubs for American operations.

U.S. forces have been repositioned to Jordan as part of a broader strategy to distance them from Iranian missile threats. While most incoming projectiles have been intercepted by U.S. air defenses, Jordan's strategic location makes it a potential target, not just for its U.S. allies but also for King Abdullah II himself. Approximately 8% of Jordan's annual budget, estimated at $1.47 billion, is reportedly derived from U.S. grants.

However, a shift in Jordan's response has been observed recently. While previously maintaining a low profile, Amman has begun issuing condemnations of Iranian attacks, including those targeting its own territory and other regional nations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated that Iran's attacks preceded the current war and occurred despite Jordan's efforts to prevent escalation. He emphasized Jordan's right to defend its sovereignty and security, while also expressing a desire for good relations with Iran, contingent on addressing issues like arms smuggling and destabilization attempts.

Iran, through its Foreign Minister, has questioned Jordan's stance, implying that Jordan's airspace and territory were used in initial U.S. strikes that resulted in Iranian casualties. This exchange follows recent reports of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Jordan, including incidents on September 2nd and August 31st, where Jordanian air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles. Unconfirmed reports also emerged of an explosion in Jordan attributed to a missile strike on a U.S. base.