‘Exactly what Iran intended’: Some Jordanians buckle under missile pressure, demand US withdrawal

An open letter signed by hundreds of Jordanian political and legal figures demands US military withdrawal, reflecting growing Iranian influence in Jordan. Prof. Ronen Yitzhak says this is exactly what Iran intended by launching missiles at Jordan—to pressure the population and deepen the gap between the government and the people.

An open letter signed by hundreds of Jordanian political and legal figures, including both Palestinian and original Jordanian tribes, demands the withdrawal of US forces from Jordan. Prof. Ronen Yitzhak told The Jerusalem Post that this is exactly what Iran intended when it launched missiles at Jordan and other Gulf states—to pressure the population and deepen the gap between the Jordanian government and its people. The letter claims US military presence exposes Jordan to security, political, and economic risks. Jordan hosts around 4,000 US troops and receives substantial US aid, with total bilateral assistance reaching approximately $33.8 billion since 1951. The regional escalation has also hurt Jordan's economy: tourism revenue from US nationals dropped 25% and from Europeans 28% in the first half of 2026. Yitzhak said the demand is unlikely to impact King Abdullah's rule, as he recognizes the importance of strategic relations with the West and Israel.