Jordan caught in Iran-US-Israel war crossfire

Jordan is navigating a precarious position, caught in the escalating war between Iran, the US, and Israel. Though geographically removed from the Persian Gulf, the desert kingdom flanks Iran's adversary, Israel, and hosts a significant US military presence. This dual role has made Jordan a target for Iranian missile and drone barrages, exacerbating pre-existing anti-American sentiment within the population.

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I think the king is well aware of all of these tensions.

Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted the king's awareness of these tensions and the long-standing anti-American feelings among the populace. However, former Jordanian politician Hamadah Faranah argued that while official Jordanian-American relations remain firm, Iran's response to recent events has been excessive and infringed upon the sovereignty of Arab nations. Faranah suggested Iran should have focused its strikes on US naval fleets and Israel.

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The population is anti-American, that's not new.

The situation has led to rare public criticism of the Jordanian government for allowing US operations from its bases. The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, hosting US Air Force planes and air defense systems, has been a particular target, with dozens of Iranian missiles striking the facility, including one attack that killed three American soldiers. Despite these pressures, Jordan's historically strong relationship with the US and King Abdullah's preference for deeper ties with Washington indicate that the country's stance is unlikely to shift.

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on the official level are firm