Jordan Faces Iranian Missile Attacks Amid Regional Conflict

Jordan has found itself increasingly entangled in the escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Almost six months into the conflict, the kingdom continues to face the consequences of the war, despite its geographical distance from the Persian Gulf. Jordan, which borders Israel, has become a target for Iranian missile and drone attacks, partly due to its hosting of US military personnel.

Iran’s actions have intensified regional instability, with missile barrages hitting Jordanian territory. This has exacerbated existing anti-American sentiments among some segments of the population. Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Jordan’s king is aware of the growing tensions. Meanwhile, Hamadah Faranah, a former Jordanian politician and commentator, argued that the majority of Jordanians oppose the war, perceiving it as driven by Israeli interests.

Faranah criticized Iran for its “excessive” responses, which he claimed infringe on the sovereignty of Arab nations, including Jordan. He suggested that Iran should have prioritized targeting US naval fleets and the Israeli state instead. Despite these criticisms, Jordan’s government has maintained its stance on strong ties with the United States, a position supported by King Abdullah’s historically close relationship with Washington.

Jordan hosts an estimated 4,000 US defense personnel, with the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base near Azraq being a key facility. This base, which hosts US Air Force planes and advanced anti-missile systems like THAAD, has come under Iranian fire. A surprise attack in July reportedly killed three individuals, highlighting the risks faced by both US and Jordanian forces.

The war has prompted rare public criticism of the Jordanian government for allowing US military presence. However, given the ruling family’s long-standing alliance with the United States, it is unlikely that Jordan’s position will shift significantly in the near term. The kingdom remains a strategic player in the region, caught between competing powers and the fallout of a broader conflict.

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