Jordan is facing significant challenges due to its close alliance with the United States amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict. This alliance has made Jordan a target for Iranian retaliation, with at least nine attacks on US assets and facilities in Jordan since July 8, endangering some 4,000 US service members. These attacks, often involving ballistic missiles and drones, have hit military bases like Muwaffaq Al-Salti, King Faisal Airbase, Prince Hassan Airbase, and the Aqaba airport, resulting in three US service members killed and at least four wounded in one incident on July 17.
Despite official denials from Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi about the presence of foreign military bases, the 2021 Defense Cooperation Agreement grants US forces extensive access to 12 facilities, including five air bases, approved via royal decree without parliamentary oversight. This has drawn criticism domestically, with over 300 politicians, academics, and tribal leaders signing an open letter calling for withdrawal from the agreement and neutrality. Experts note Jordan's limited options due to its significant military and economic dependence on the US.
The economic impact of the conflict has been severe. Tourism, which accounts for nearly 15% of Jordan's GDP and was recovering from the 2023 Gaza war, has "cratered," with 100% of bookings canceled in March. Gas prices rose by 11% a month into military operations against Iran, adding to the country's economic woes. The conflict also interrupted Jordan's natural gas supply from Israel, forcing expensive imports of liquefied natural gas at an additional cost of $120 million per month to meet electricity demands.
Jordan's reliance on US financial assistance is substantial, receiving approximately $1.45 billion annually, with about $800 million directly supporting the government's budget. In 2025, Congress increased this to $1.65 billion, triple the 2010 amount. The US has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars since 2019 to upgrade facilities like Muwaffaq Al-Salti. However, this dependence has led to public discontent and questions about the long-term benefits of the alliance, as evidenced by a 2026 poll showing only 12% of Jordanians view US President Donald Trump's foreign policy favorably.
