AMMAN, Jordan — The recent missile strikes launched by Iranian forces on Jordan have thrust the country’s longstanding but discreet military partnership with the United States into the spotlight, spotlighting the challenging position Amman faces amid escalating regional tensions. Last week’s attacks, which killed three American service members and wounded dozens more, have intensified scrutiny over Jordan’s role in the broader conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.

Jordan has for decades served as a key ally of the United States in military and counterterrorism operations across the Middle East, providing access to its territory for U.S. and Western forces. However, the Jordanian government has traditionally minimized public attention on this partnership to avoid inflaming domestic sentiment, which remains largely pro-Palestinian and wary of Washington’s unwavering support for Israel. Now, as Iran intensifies retaliatory strikes targeting American forces in the region, Jordan finds itself caught in an increasingly precarious position.

Since the breakdown of a ceasefire on July 8, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched at least nine missile and drone attacks on Jordanian soil, specifically targeting U.S. military assets and bases. The struck locations include Muwaffaq Al-Salti base in eastern Jordan—where the July 17 attack resulted in the death of three American troops—along with King Faisal Airbase, Prince Hassan Airbase, and Aqaba airport. The IRGC claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they damaged drones, helicopters, missile defense systems, and other military infrastructure while killing and injuring dozens of U.S. personnel.

Compounding Jordan’s security concerns, Iranian statements thanked local “honorable people” for providing information enabling these strikes, further fueling fears of internal vulnerabilities. The IRGC also called for the removal of American forces from Jordan, labeling them an “occupation army,” language that has escalated political tensions within the kingdom.

In response, Jordanian officials swiftly condemned Iran’s violation of the country’s sovereignty. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi denied Iranian claims of U.S. bases in Jordan, clarifying that while American troops are present under a 2021 defense agreement granting access to 12 facilities—including five air bases—the arrangement respects Jordanian sovereignty and was enacted by royal decree. Nonetheless, public and political opposition to this cooperation has grown, with over 300 prominent figures signing a letter urging the government to withdraw from the defense agreement and pursue genuine neutrality to avoid entanglement in the conflict.

The sharp division was underscored in the Jordanian parliament, where some lawmakers rejected extending condolences over the slain U.S. soldiers, instead condemning America’s support for Israel amidst ongoing unrest in Gaza.

Jordan’s dilemma is not unique among U.S. allies in the Gulf and Levant, but the country’s limited resources and economic difficulties amplify the challenge. Unlike wealthier neighbors, Jordan lacks the financial leverage to counterbalance American military presence. The conflict has further strained the country’s fragile economy; tourism, a sector accounting for nearly 15% of GDP, has sharply declined since the onset of hostilities, while fuel prices surged 11% within a month, exacerbating public hardship.

Despite these challenges, Jordan remains a critical hub for U.S. military operations, as Pentagon officials have shifted assets into the kingdom to reduce vulnerability to Iranian attacks on bases in Gulf states. Since 2019, the U.S. has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in modernizing Jordanian facilities, enhancing capabilities for drones, aircraft, and munitions storage. Recent military flight data indicate sustained high activity levels at Jordanian bases, underscoring the country's central role in the ongoing conflict despite the risks it entails.

Washington provides Amman with approximately $1.45 billion annually in aid, including substantial budget support, a dependence that experts say Jordan finds challenging to replace. As the regional war intensifies, Jordan’s government must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining its strategic alliance with the United States and managing domestic opposition and regional security threats that continue to escalate.