Jordan Navigates Tight Spot Amid Iran Threats and US Alliance

Jordan finds itself in a precarious regional position, facing repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks while striving to maintain its close security alliance with the United States and avoid direct confrontation with Tehran. Israeli media reports indicate that Amman has largely opted for a policy of restraint, refraining from military responses and maintaining cautious political rhetoric to prevent escalation and the transformation of Jordanian territory into a battlefield.

This policy is closely linked to Jordan's robust security and strategic relationship with the U.S., which has deepened significantly since King Abdullah II ascended the throne in 1999. A 2021 security cooperation agreement grants U.S. forces access to approximately 12 military facilities across Jordan. According to David Schenker, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Jordan's Al-Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has become a key logistical hub for U.S. C-17 aircraft and fighter jets, underscoring Jordan's strategic importance to American operations in the region.

Schenker noted that U.S. military presence in Jordan not only makes the country a target for Iranian attacks but also signifies a potential targeting of Jordan's sovereignty and King Abdullah II himself. While the U.S. alliance is seen as a cornerstone of Jordan's security against increasing regional threats, it simultaneously exposes the kingdom to Iranian retaliation.

Beyond direct military strikes, Jordanian concerns extend to Iran's support for militias in Iraq and Palestinian factions, as well as drug and arms smuggling networks operating through Syria, which are viewed as direct threats to the kingdom's stability. Despite this complex relationship, Jordan's stance has recently shifted, with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi issuing clearer condemnations of Iranian attacks and asserting Jordan's right to self-defense.

Safadi emphasized that U.S. forces are present under a security cooperation agreement and collaborate with the Jordanian armed forces. He also stated that Jordan desires good relations with Iran but insists on addressing the root causes of tension, including alleged Iranian support for smuggling and destabilization efforts. Iran, through its Foreign Minister, has responded critically to Jordan's statements, questioning its stance on U.S. military activities in the region.

Recent incidents include the Jordanian military intercepting 13 ballistic missiles on September 2nd and eight others on August 31st, highlighting the ongoing aerial threats. Ultimately, Jordan is caught in a difficult balancing act, seeking to preserve its U.S. alliance while preventing itself from becoming a direct participant in a wider regional war, with the perceived cost of open conflict outweighing that of continued restraint.