Iran Launches 60 Missiles at U.S. Bases in Jordan

Since a ceasefire collapsed on July 8, Iran has launched at least 60 missiles and drones at Jordan, primarily targeting facilities hosting U.S. forces. These strikes include an attack on the port of Aqaba and a July 17 strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which killed three American servicemembers.

While the Jordanian government condemns the strikes as violations of sovereignty, the expanded U.S. military presence has fueled internal instability. More than 300 tribal leaders and former lawmakers have demanded the removal of U.S. forces and the termination of a 2021 bilateral agreement that grants the United States unimpeded access to Jordanian bases.

King Abdullah II faces a strategic crisis as he balances these domestic demands and Iranian pressure against a heavy reliance on the United States for up to $2 billion in annual military and economic aid. Meanwhile, the trajectory of the conflict remains influenced by the policies of Donald Trump, who previously opted to hold off on a planned attack.