AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan finds itself central to the conflict between the United States and Iran, a position at odds with its pledge of neutrality two years ago. King Abdullah told then-Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that his country would not become a "battleground for regional conflicts." Today, Jordan hosts American forces vital to President Trump's war with Iran, making it a target.
Egypt, under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, has offered little support to Gulf states despite a decade-old vow. El-Sisi had promised that Egypt would be "one step away" should Gulf states' security face a threat. That commitment has not translated into action as the Gulf region endures sustained instability.
Jordan's alliance with the United States has placed it directly in the conflict. Thousands of American troops are deployed at air bases within the kingdom, including Muwaffaq Salti in the eastern desert. Those facilities house fighter jets, aerial-refueling tankers and other warplanes supporting U.S. operations.
Their presence has made Jordan a direct target for Iranian retaliation. In the first month of the war alone, Iran launched at least 262 missiles and drones at the kingdom. The attacks have generated internal dissent, with hundreds of prominent Jordanians—including politicians and retired army officers—signing an open letter calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Despite domestic pressure, King Abdullah cannot afford to comply. The United States provided Jordan more than $1.6 billion in foreign assistance last year, representing 3 percent of its gross domestic product. This month, Washington pledged an additional $355 million for infrastructure, education and other projects.
The war has hit Jordan's economy hard. Missile attacks led to flight cancellations and deterred visitors, causing tourism revenue to fall nearly 10 percent in the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. That decline follows earlier disruptions from the conflict in Gaza.
Jordan also faces rising energy costs. The kingdom relies on natural gas from Israel for roughly half of its electricity production. Israel suspended those exports at the war's outset, citing fears of Iranian strikes on its rigs, forcing Jordan's state-owned electric company to switch to costlier alternatives including diesel, heavy fuel oil and spot cargoes of liquefied natural gas.
Although Israeli gas exports resumed in April, the International Monetary Fund expects Jordan's energy-import bill to finish 2026 some 36 percent higher than in 2025, placing further strain on the kingdom's finances.
Iran has sought to exploit those internal divisions. The Islamic new Guard Corps, even while conducting attacks, distributes messages claiming "no hostility" toward the Jordanian people and asserting that the United States, not Iran, has "violated your territorial integrity."
Egypt has maintained its distance from the conflict despite el-Sisi's earlier promise to Gulf states. Cairo has offered only diplomatic statements, with no military engagement.
That inaction has diminished Egypt's role as a regional military power and mediator. Egypt has consistently refused open integration with a U.S.-Israeli regional defense network, limiting its effectiveness as a security partner and leaving gaps Iran could exploit.
Jordan is paying a steep price for a conflict largely beyond its control, while Egypt has been sidelined. Both nations, historically pillars of regional stability, now face a more precarious position.
