Iranian attacks on Jordan have put the U.S.-Jordan alliance to the test, revealing the complex ties between the two nations amid a volatile Middle East. Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the region, hosts American military forces and has become a target of repeated Iranian missile and drone strikes. These attacks have compounded existing challenges for Jordan, including a struggling economy and rising tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers have increased violence against Palestinians. Despite the risks, Jordanian leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the U.S. relationship, which they see as crucial for regional stability and national security. Jordan, a small but strategically important country, is bordered by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Israel, and the West Bank. With a population of over 11 million, it faces significant economic strain from hosting millions of refugees fleeing regional conflicts. High energy prices, inflation, and a struggling tourism industry have further weakened its economy. Meanwhile, rising Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has raised fears of mass displacement of Palestinians, potentially increasing pressure on Jordan’s resources and stability. Analysts say these challenges underscore the importance of Jordan’s alliance with the U.S., which offers a counterbalance to Iran’s influence in the region. Jordan’s relationship with the United States has deepened over the years, particularly under King Abdullah II, who has worked to strengthen ties with Washington. Since taking power in 1999, Abdullah has cultivated close relationships with world leaders, including U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Jordan has also played a role in U.S. military operations, providing logistical support during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and aiding in the fight against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. This partnership has made Jordan a strategic asset for the U.S., with American forces using a dozen military bases across the country. The U.S. and Jordan signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2021, and NATO opened its first liaison office in the region in Jordan in 2025. Despite the risks of being targeted by Iran, Jordan remains a key player in U.S. military operations in the Middle East. American forces have relocated some personnel and assets from Iraq to Jordan as part of a strategy to avoid Iranian missile attacks. This shift has made Jordan a more prominent target, though most incoming missiles and drones have been intercepted by U.S. air defenses. Jordanian officials have consistently defended their sovereignty, emphasizing that their country is not a party to the war with Iran but has been attacked by the Islamic Republic for years. As tensions continue, Jordan’s role as a U.S. ally remains central to its security and survival in a region fraught with conflict.