AMMAN — Jordan has become a central front in the regional conflict between the United States and Iran, absorbing direct missile and drone attacks as its alliance with Washington draws it deeper into a war it has little power to shape.
Iranian forces launched at least 262 missiles and drones at Jordan within the first month of the conflict, targeting facilities that host thousands of American troops, including the Muwaffaq Salti air base in the eastern desert. Those bases underpin President Donald Trump's military operations against Iran.
The American military presence has fueled domestic criticism. Hundreds of Jordanian politicians, retired army officers and prominent citizens signed an open letter calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. King Abdullah, however, depends heavily on American financial assistance.
Jordan received more than $1.6 billion in U.S. aid last year, representing three percent of its gross domestic product. Washington recently pledged an additional $355 million for infrastructure, education and other development projects in the kingdom.
The conflict has hit Jordan's economy hard. Missile attacks forced flight cancellations and deterred international visitors. Tourism revenue fell by nearly 10 percent in the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, deepening losses already incurred from the war in Gaza.
Jordan's energy sector faces additional strain. The country relies on natural gas from Israel for roughly half its electricity production. Israel suspended those exports at the war's outset, citing fears of Iranian strikes on its own infrastructure.
That forced Jordan's state-owned electric company to switch to more expensive diesel, heavy fuel oil and spot cargoes of liquefied natural gas. Israeli gas exports resumed in April, but the International Monetary Fund projects Jordan's energy-import bill will end the year 36 percent higher than in 2025.
Egypt has been sidelined as both a regional mediator and a military power during the crisis. Its past promises to Gulf states have gone unfulfilled, weakening its standing in the regional order.
Iran has sought to exploit growing discontent within Jordan. The Islamic new Guard Corps, even while conducting missile and drone attacks, has disseminated messages claiming no hostility toward the Jordanian people and asserting that the United States, not Iran, has violated Jordanian territorial integrity — an effort to widen the gap between the government and its citizens.
King Abdullah told Abbas Araghchi, then the Iranian foreign minister, nearly two years ago that Jordan would not become a battleground for regional conflicts. Jordan's defensive actions, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles, have drawn mixed reactions at home.
Jordan also continues to play a role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but refuses to take on ruling authority over parts of the West Bank.
The shifting roles of Jordan and Egypt reflect a broader weakening of the regional order both countries once helped anchor.
