Jordan’s strategic partnership with the United States is being tested by a wave of Iranian drone and missile strikes aimed at the kingdom’s U.S. military installations. Despite the danger, Amman’s leadership says the alliance remains essential for protecting the Hashemite Kingdom and the broader Middle East from Iran’s destabilizing agenda.
Iranian attacks target U.S. forces and Jordanian sovereignty
Since early 2026, Iranian forces have launched hundreds of drone and missile attacks on Jordanian bases that host American troops and contractors. The strikes underscore Tehran’s intent to pressure U.S. allies and disrupt the coalition working to contain Iran’s influence.
U.S. air defenses have intercepted the majority of the incoming weapons, but the repeated assaults have placed a heavy burden on Jordan’s security apparatus and its economy, already strained by a flood of refugees and soaring energy costs.
Jordan’s leaders stress the value of the U.S. alliance
King Abdullah II, who has cultivated deep ties with Washington since succeeding his father in 1999, warned last year that “wave after wave of disruption” – from the COVID‑19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and ongoing Israeli campaigns – could spill over into a broader regional crisis. He reiterated that a strong U.S.–Jordan partnership is the most reliable shield against such chaos.
“We are a sovereign nation,” Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters in Vienna. “Iran has been attacking us and many other countries long before this war began. We will not buy their argument.” Safadi emphasized Jordan’s right to make independent decisions while continuing to rely on U.S. support for security and economic aid.
U.S. support remains robust
The 2021 defense‑cooperation agreement grants American forces access to 12 Jordanian installations, including the key Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which serves as a logistics hub for C‑17 transport planes and combat aircraft. According to David Schenker of the Washington Institute, Jordan provides “great strategic depth” that is “essential” to the U.S. campaign against Iranian aggression.
U.S. military officials have recently shifted some assets from Iraq to Jordan to increase distance from Iranian missile ranges. While this move has drawn additional fire, it also demonstrates Washington’s commitment to protecting its allies and maintaining a forward presence in the region.
Economic and humanitarian pressures on Jordan
Beyond the security threats, Jordan faces an economy buckling under the weight of millions of refugees, high inflation, and a tourism sector still recovering from pandemic lows. U.S. grants account for roughly 8% of the kingdom’s annual budget, a vital lifeline for infrastructure, health services, and refugee assistance.
Analysts such as Amer Sabaileh note that the U.S. alliance helps Jordan counter Iran’s support for Shiite militias in Iraq, armed Palestinian groups, and Syrian drug traffickers – all of which pose direct threats to the royal court and the nation’s stability.
Regional implications
Jordan’s steadfast cooperation with Washington sends a clear message to Tehran: attempts to destabilize the region will be met with a united front. The partnership also reassures neighboring countries that a coordinated U.S. presence can deter further Iranian meddling.
As the conflict continues, Jordanian officials remain confident that the bond with the United States will endure, providing the security and economic support needed to safeguard the kingdom’s people and preserve stability across the Middle East.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
