Jordan Faces Iranian Attacks Amid US Military Presence and Economic Dependence

For nearly three decades, Jordan has served as a key hub for US military operations in the Middle East, a role that has increasingly made it a target of Iranian attacks. Iran has intensified strikes against American assets in Jordan, triggering frequent air raid alarms. Despite the risks, Amman refrains from demanding a reduction of the US military presence. According to The New York Times, Jordan's reluctance stems not only from security concerns but also from its economic dependence on Washington. In the past year alone, the US provided Jordan with approximately $1.65 billion in economic and military aid.

Jordan is described as a vulnerable state in the region, small and surrounded by threats, relying heavily on the protection of a superpower. This dependency limits the Jordanian monarchy's ability to impose conditions on the US presence, unlike wealthier Gulf states that have restricted American operations on their soil. Recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted Jordanian air defense systems and US bases, including the Muafaq Salti Air Base, resulting in the deaths of two American soldiers and injuries to dozens more, as well as damage to Black Hawk helicopters and radar systems.

Currently, about 4,000 US troops are stationed in Jordan, with bases adapted over time for a permanent American military presence. Experts characterize Jordan's military infrastructure as a "land aircraft carrier," offering strategic advantages such as longer response times compared to Gulf bases. However, the ongoing conflict also harms Jordan's economy, particularly its tourism sector, which accounts for roughly 18% of national revenue and has suffered cancellations and declining visitor numbers amid fears of further attacks.

Publicly, Jordan downplays the scale of the US presence. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recently rejected Iranian claims of US bases, emphasizing that American troops are present under a long-standing defense agreement that respects Jordanian sovereignty. Critics of the US presence offer no practical alternatives, leaving the monarchy to choose between continuing the alliance that invites Iranian aggression or relinquishing the security umbrella and vital financial aid that sustain the kingdom's stability.