Hundreds of Jordanian Officials Sign Open Letter Urging U.S. Troop Withdrawal Amid War Fears

AMMAN, July 30 — A coalition comprising hundreds of prominent political, legal, and public figures in Jordan has signed an open letter calling for the immediate withdrawal of United States military forces from the kingdom. The document, released Wednesday afternoon, marks a significant escalation in domestic debate regarding the strategic partnership between Amman and Washington.

The signatories argue that the continued American military presence poses unacceptable security, political, and economic risks to Jordan's stability. Central to their argument is the fear that hosting U.S. troops could inadvertently drag the Hashemite Kingdom into an unwanted regional conflict, potentially compromising its sovereignty and exposing its citizens to retaliatory attacks from hostile actors.

The letter asserts that the current geopolitical climate in the Middle East has shifted dramatically since previous security agreements were forged. The authors contend that Jordan's role as a host nation for American forces transforms it into a legitimate target for adversaries seeking to strike at U.S. interests, thereby endangering national security without providing commensurate strategic benefits.

While the open letter represents a growing chorus of dissent within civil society and parts of the legal community, the official stance of the Jordanian government remains aligned with its long-standing defense treaty obligations to Washington. The kingdom has historically relied on American military support for border security and counterterrorism operations, viewing the alliance as essential for maintaining regional balance.

The timing of the letter coincides with heightened tensions across the Levant, where sporadic violence along borders and escalating rhetoric from non-state actors have raised concerns about a broader conflagration. The signatories warn that any expansion of U.S. operational footprints in Jordan could serve as a catalyst for such an escalation.

Economic arguments also feature prominently in the petition. Critics suggest that the costs associated with maintaining security perimeters around American bases, coupled with potential disruptions to trade and tourism during periods of high alert, place an undue burden on the national economy. They argue that resources currently dedicated to protecting foreign assets would be better utilized for domestic development projects.

The reaction from U.S. diplomats in Amman has not yet been publicly disclosed, though Washington officials have previously emphasized the importance of Jordan as a key strategic partner in countering extremism and stabilizing the region. The American presence is often cited by security analysts as a deterrent against regional aggression.

It remains unclear whether this mobilization will influence official policy or lead to direct diplomatic friction between Amman and Washington. Government officials have not commented on the letter's contents, leaving open questions regarding how the administration intends to address these growing domestic concerns while maintaining its critical alliance with the United States.