(Photo credit: US Army)The Cradle
JUL 30, 2026
Hundreds of Jordanian political and legal figures, as well as activists, have recently signed an open letter calling for an end to the US military presence in the Hashemite kingdom, according to a 29 July New York Times (NYT) report.
The media outlet referred to the letter as “a rare public challenge to the [Jordanian] government,” after speaking with some of the figures involved in drafting it.
“We maintain that their presence exposes Jordan to security, political, and economic risks that serve no national interest and increases the likelihood of our country being dragged into a regional conflict to which it is not a party,” the letter reads.
NYT cites several figures who were involved.
Ninety-year-old Jordanian political activist Sufyan al-Tell told the outlet that he signed the letter to “show the world” that there is a difference in opinion between Jordanian people and their rulers.
This difference relates mainly to the kingdom’s close ties to Israel and the US.
“We as Jordanian people do not accept the politics of the government and its exploitation of Jordan and its capabilities in one way or another to defend Israel,” the activist said.
The letter was released several days ago. Since then, “hundreds more” have signed on “despite knowing the risks,” the activist added.
In 2022, Tell was detained by Jordanian security forces for plans to speak out against a speech by the country’s monarch.
“The response of the government is to open the prison doors and drag us one after another to prison,” he said, warning of the potential repercussions of the letter.
The NYT report claims a recent Jordanian parliament session witnessed a heated debate after one parliamentarian suggested that lawmakers issue condolences to Washington after its soldiers were killed in Iranian strikes targeting US bases in Jordan.
MP Ali al-Khalayleh “suggested that the lawmakers offer condolences” for the dead troops, and “was met with shouts from other members, including one who accused the US military of killing children, women and the elderly,” the report states.
The NYT report coincides with a surge in Iranian missile and drone attacks on US sites in Jordan, which enjoys close ties to both Washington and Tel Aviv – and has been among the leading Arab states facilitating US-Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic via its airspace and military sites.
Just hours ago, the kingdom reported intercepting Iranian projectiles launched after the US resumed its strikes against Iran on 30 July – following a brief pause.
[…]
The Most Revolutionary Act 