King Abdullah II of Jordan maintains strategic alliance with the United States despite frequent Iranian military strikes
King Abdullah II of Jordan has maintained a steadfast commitment to the United States as a military ally, even as the kingdom faces repeated strikes from Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched hundreds of drone and ballistic missile attacks against Jordan since February, targeting both US military installations and Jordanian civilian sites. While the Jordan Armed Forces have successfully intercepted many of these projectiles, the kingdom has notably refrained from launching retaliatory strikes against Iran. This restraint is attributed to Jordan's desire to avoid being perceived as a protector of Israel, given that half of the population is of Palestinian origin. Additionally, the administration announced a defense-cooperation agreement in 2021 that granted US forces access to 12 military installations. Jordan serves as a critical logistics hub for US transport and combat aircraft. Despite the risk of being a target, King Abdullah II has prioritized the security of the kingdom and its relationship with the West. The king has acknowledged the threat of regional destabilization and has sought to secure Jordan against Iranian influence while maintaining its role as a reliable partner in the Middle East.
Sources
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Iran airs footage purporting to show missile strikes on US warships
Middle East Monitor
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Jordan’s alliance with the US makes the kingdom a target for Iranian strikes
AP News
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What is Iran’s Castle Breaker missile, used against US bases?
Al Jazeera
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Iran says it has deployed new anti-ship missile against US Navy
Yahoo
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Jordan’s military deterrence has collapsed
Atlantic Council