Prominent Jordanian political, cultural, and tribal leaders are formally demanding that the government terminate its military and security agreements with the United States. According to a report by Al Mayadeen on July 22, 2026, these figures argue that the presence of foreign troops in Jordan creates unnecessary political and economic instability, urging the state to adopt a policy of strict neutrality regarding regional conflicts.
Demands for Sovereignty and Neutrality
The coalition of leaders asserts that Jordan’s national sovereignty must take precedence over existing security pacts. The signatories have called on the government to either cancel the current military-security framework with the U.S. or submit the agreements to the Jordanian parliament for a comprehensive review. The objective of this review, according to the group, is the total cancellation of these agreements or, at a minimum, the imposition of severe restrictions on their scope.
The group maintains that the presence of foreign military forces provides no tangible benefit to the Jordanian population. Instead, they argue, these arrangements increase the kingdom’s exposure to regional security risks. By hosting foreign assets, the leaders warn that Jordan risks being drawn into conflicts in which it has no direct stake.
Securing Strategic Infrastructure
A core component of the leaders’ demand involves the protection of Jordan’s strategic infrastructure. The statement explicitly calls for all critical facilities within the country to be shielded from use in regional military operations. The signatories insist that the government ensure no domestic infrastructure is utilized to support the military operations of any external party.
The rationale provided by the coalition centers on the economic and political burden placed on the Jordanian public. They argue that the nation should not face the consequences of foreign policy decisions that fail to align with its core national interests. The demand for neutrality extends to both active military participation and the provision of logistics, which the group defines as essential to maintaining a truly independent security posture.
Regional Context and Security Risks
The move by these political and tribal figures reflects a growing concern regarding the potential for “spillover” effects from regional disputes. By pushing for a policy of non-alignment, the signatories aim to insulate Jordan from the repercussions of U.S. regional policies. The group emphasized that the government must take immediate, concrete steps to prevent the country from being perceived as a party to conflicts involving major global powers.
Pro Tip:
When analyzing regional security shifts, focus on the distinction between formal defense treaties and operational military basing agreements, as these often carry different legal and political implications for the host nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Jordanian leaders seeking to cancel U.S. security agreements?
According to Al Mayadeen, these leaders argue that such agreements increase security, political, and economic risks without offering clear benefits to the Jordanian people, and they fear being dragged into regional conflicts.
What is the status of the requested military review?
The coalition has requested that the government either cancel the agreements outright or submit them to the Jordanian parliament for a formal review to limit or terminate the foreign military presence.
What does the group define as “neutrality”?
The signatories define true neutrality as a state of non-involvement, which includes the refusal to provide military or logistical support to any party involved in regional wars.
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