Congressional Document: Jordan Remains a Pillar of U.S. National Security in the Middle East

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Reports from the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirm that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan continues to serve as a key pillar of American national security in the Middle East, particularly amid ongoing instability in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. This strategic importance is reflected in the scale of military and economic support Washington provides to Amman, with cumulative assistance reaching approximately $33.8 billion by 2025.

Position on the “Post-Conflict Phase” in Gaza

According to the document obtained by Amman Net, it states: “Within the framework of ongoing diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire and prisoner exchange in October 2025, the United States seeks Jordanian support to implement the ‘second phase’ of President Trump’s 20-point transition plan for Gaza. This plan includes establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train and support ‘vetted’ Palestinian police units to assume long-term security responsibilities. However, King Abdullah II has expressed clear reservations regarding the nature of this force’s mandate, questioning whether it is intended ‘to maintain peace’ or ‘to enforce it.’ The Jordanian monarch also firmly rejected any direct involvement of Jordanian forces in the international force, citing domestic political sensitivities, while showing flexibility in training Palestinian security personnel within Jordan.”

Jordan Amid Iranian-Israeli Tensions

The CRS reports note: “Jordan found itself in a precarious defensive position during the military confrontations between Iran and Israel in 2024 and 2025. During the ‘12-Day War’ in June 2025, missile and drone fragments landed on Jordanian territory, causing civilian injuries and property damage. The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed they would not tolerate violations of their airspace, employing limited air defenses to intercept several Iranian missiles and drones. Diplomatically, Amman condemned Israel’s sudden strike on Iran while signaling to both sides that it would take measures to safeguard its air sovereignty.”

Domestic Developments: Ban on the Muslim Brotherhood

On the domestic front, the CRS highlights: “Jordan’s internal political scene underwent a major shift in April 2025, when the government announced a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood and prohibited its activities in the Kingdom. The decision followed the arrest of 16 members on charges related to weapons possession and manufacturing, as well as coordination with groups in Lebanon. Although the state historically tolerated the group’s political activity (the Brotherhood had won 31 seats in the 2024 elections), the government opted for a firm response amid growing public opposition to the Gaza war and concerns over Iranian interference. By July 2025, the group formally dissolved itself, citing ‘national interest.’”

Relations with Syria and the Refugee Situation

“To the north, Amman has pursued a policy of cautious pragmatic engagement with the new Syrian government led by Islamists, focusing on border security and anti-narcotics efforts. Regarding the refugee issue, UN data indicate approximately 460,000 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan as of November 2025, with around 173,000 having returned home between late 2024 and the end of 2025.”

Future Military and Economic Cooperation

Jordan continues to host nearly 4,000 U.S. troops under a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) established in 2021, granting U.S. forces unrestricted access to certain military facilities. On the development side, Washington supports the National Water Carrier project to address severe water scarcity in the Kingdom, with the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) providing up to $1 billion in funding for this critical initiative, which aims to secure 40% of municipal water needs by 2040.

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