The dynamics of Middle Eastern alliances have shifted, placing Jordan in a central role in U.S. military operations against Iran. Jordan’s involvement intensified as neighboring countries restricted U.S. access to their military bases and airspace.
Recent attacks by Iran on Jordan, including an incident that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. servicemen, have escalated tensions. Analysts attribute these attacks to Jordan’s crucial role in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that Jordan serves as a key host to major U.S. air bases.
Washington’s reliance on Jordan increased significantly in the lead-up to the war against Iran. As the U.S. relocated troops from Gulf nations like Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar to Jordan and Israel, Jordan became increasingly indispensable.
U.S. officials noted that Jordan’s strategic importance rose as other allies limited U.S. military presence and operations in their territories. However, unlike affluent Gulf countries, Jordan depends heavily on U.S. foreign aid and is unable to easily refuse U.S. requests.
Omid Memarian, an analyst at DAWN, a Washington-based Middle East think tank, explained that following Iranian retaliation, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia might be more reluctant to allow U.S. use of their bases. In contrast, Jordan’s security agreement with the U.S. ensures its continued cooperation.
On Sunday, the U.S. embassy in Jordan reported a “specific and credible threat,” leading to the evacuation of the international airport and seaport in Aqaba. Jordanian air defenses successfully intercepted three Iranian missiles, with a fourth landing in an unpopulated area.