Jordan has become a key target in the escalating US-Iran conflict, with the kingdom facing hundreds of drone and missile attacks on military bases hosting American forces. As reported by Business Standard, Jordanian leaders maintain their commitment to the decades-old security alliance with Washington despite rising regional risks. The attacks have added to other strains on Jordan, including a slumping economy and volatility in the neighbouring West Bank, where Israeli settlers have ramped up attacks on Palestinians. Despite the risk of more strikes, Jordanian leaders say they are committed to maintaining the relationship after decades of courting deeper security ties with American officials.
Iran launched ballistic missiles at two US air bases in Jordan following American strikes on Larak Island, according to reports from Press TV. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shared footage of the missile launches targeting the technical and maintenance infrastructure and fighter-jet positions at both King Hussein and Al-Azraq air bases. As confirmed by Fox News, the Iranian attacks followed US airstrikes on Larak Island in southern Iran, where several people were killed and wounded, as reported by Iran's IRIB. The IRGC stated it had carried out attacks on the two US military bases in Jordan in response to "the US-Israeli enemy's attack on Larak Island," with the statement concluding "Every strike will be met with an even more forceful response." A spokesperson from the semi-official news agency Fars said the US would pay for the attack economically and militarily, according to Reuters.
US military operations rely on 12 military installations across Jordan following the 2021 defence-cooperation agreement between Amman and Washington. As reported by Business Standard, Jordan's sprawling Muwaffaq Salti Air Base became a key logistics hub for US C-17 transport planes and about 60 combat aircraft. About 50,000 US troops are currently deployed across the Middle East, with an unknown number in Jordan. The NATO military alliance opened its first liaison office in the region in Jordan in 2025. Adm. Charles Bradford, commander of the Pentagon department covering the Middle East, said in May that the US military had relocated personnel and assets from its mission against the Islamic State from Iraq to Jordan as part of a broader strategy to put more distance between American forces and Iranian missiles.
Jordan's alliance with the US is central to King Abdullah's campaign to secure his kingdom against danger, including from Iran. As reported by Business Standard, at least 8 per cent, or $1.47 billion, of the kingdom's annual budget comes directly from US grants. The monarch enjoys widespread support among world leaders and Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the US, with President Trump once calling him "one of the true great leaders of the world" and President Biden praising his leadership. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi defended his country's right to make its own decisions, stating "Iran has been attacking us and many other countries in the region long before even this war started." The kingdom provided logistical help and intelligence for the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq and contributed to the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.
The exchange of strikes has led to significant regional military responses, with Jordan's air defences intercepting 13 Iranian ballistic missiles according to Kuwait News Agency. Bahrain's Interior Ministry issued an alert of potential threat and urged citizens and residents to remain calm and follow news through official channels. Iran's IRNA News Agency claimed that the IRGC Aerospace Force executed a significant ballistic missile operation against the US Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, specifically targeting RQ-4 and MQ-9 UAV hangars, resulting in the elimination of several drones and deaths of multiple pilots and flight crew members. The outlet further claimed that the Islamic Republic of Iran Army targeted radar installations and concentration points of American terrorist forces at the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain with heavy volleys of destructive drones. The latest developments come after what Trump claimed was retaliation for Iran attempting to add sea mines to the Strait, with Trump adding that any retaliation by Iran against the "very justified attack" will see a stronger response by Washington--however, also hinting that a much bigger attack against Tehran still remains in store.
