Analyst links petition to regional tensions as signatories cite national security concerns
AMMAN: An open letter signed by hundreds of Jordanian political and legal figures calling for the withdrawal of US forces from Jordan has sparked renewed debate over the country’s security policy and regional alliances, according to reporting by The Jerusalem Post.
The letter argues that the continued presence of US troops exposes Jordan to greater security, political and economic risks while increasing the possibility of the country becoming involved in a broader regional conflict. The petition reportedly includes signatures from members of both Palestinian and East Bank Jordanian tribal communities.
Commenting on the development, Prof. Ronen Yitzhak told The Jerusalem Post that he believes Iran has long sought to increase its influence in Jordan by widening divisions between the government and segments of the public. His assessment reflects his analysis and has not been independently verified.
Economic and security issues remain central
Jordan currently hosts about 4,000 US troops, according to figures cited by the US Congress. The United States has also provided billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to the kingdom over several decades.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s economy has faced growing pressure amid regional instability. Official figures from the Central Bank of Jordan indicate that tourism revenue declined during the first half of 2026, with fewer visitors arriving from several key international markets.
Tourism remains an important contributor to the Jordanian economy, making prolonged regional tensions a significant concern for businesses and policymakers.
Government policy unlikely to shift immediately
Despite growing public debate, Yitzhak said he does not expect King Abdullah II to alter Jordan’s strategic partnership with the United States or its broader foreign policy orientation.
The report also noted that some critics of the US military presence argue Jordan’s strategic capabilities are increasingly tied to wider regional security interests, including those involving Israel.
However, the Jordanian government has not announced any plans to reconsider its defence cooperation with Washington.
The open letter reflects differing views within Jordan over national security and foreign policy, while the country’s leadership continues to balance domestic concerns with long-standing international partnerships amid ongoing regional tensions.
