Jordan Remains Dependent on US Despite Iranian Attacks on Its Soil

Jordan continues to endure nightly attacks from Iranian forces without retaliating, largely due to its deep economic and security dependence on the United States. According to The New York Times, Jordan's reliance on billions in US foreign aid and military support prevents it from restricting American military operations within its borders, even as it suffers significant Iranian missile and drone strikes.

Unlike other regional countries, Jordan is resource-poor and depends heavily on US assistance as a strategic shield against regional threats. Last year, the US provided Jordan with $1.65 billion in economic and military aid, increasing military support by an additional $500 million this year. Sean Yom, a political science professor at Temple University, described Jordan as a "weak state" in the Middle East that requires a powerful patron, a role the US has fulfilled for generations.

Iran has intensified attacks targeting US forces stationed in Jordanian bases, resulting in the deaths of two American soldiers, dozens of injuries, and severe damage to Jordan's tourism sector. Despite these escalating threats and frequent air raid sirens, Jordan maintains its strategic partnership with the US. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that there are no US bases in Jordan, only American forces present under a longstanding military cooperation agreement that respects Jordanian sovereignty.

Currently, about 4,000 US troops are stationed in Jordan, and both countries are exploring ways to expand their military collaboration. Jordan's dependence on the US remains a key factor limiting its ability to respond independently to Iranian aggression on its territory.