Why Jordan, West Bank became silent battlegrounds for regional stability

US President Donald Trump’s administration marked a decisive shift in US policy by confronting Iran’s support for terrorist groups across the Middle East.

He expressed unwavering backing for Israel’s military operations against Hamas in Gaza and authorized strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. With Iran’s proxies weakened by Israel’s campaigns, an article published in The Defense Post argues that the next strategic focus should be on countering Iran’s growing influence in Jordan and the West Bank—areas Tehran increasingly targets to expand its destabilizing agenda.

According to the article, the Kingdom of Jordan has played a crucial but often underappreciated role in resisting Iranian aggression. Over the past two years, the Jordanian monarchy has taken bold steps, including participating in regional defence against Iranian-led attacks on Israel and halting drug smuggling operations, particularly captagon trafficking through its Syrian border. These actions align closely with US counterterrorism objectives and deserve stronger recognition and support.

Simultaneously, Iran has been systematically funneling weapons into the West Bank, using criminal networks, local tribes, and Hamas affiliates. Intelligence recovered by Israel during operations in Gaza confirms that Iran aims to replicate Hamas’s October 7 attack by building militant infrastructure in the West Bank. In 2023, Iran’s Supreme Leader explicitly labelled the area a “major battleground” against Israel. Exploiting frustrations Tehran is also seeking to exploit discontent within Jordan, where Hamas retains significant social support. Any serious destabilization in the West Bank would pose a wider regional threat—not just to Israel, but also to Jordan and US interests. 

The danger lies in Iran potentially turning Jordan into another front in its proxy war campaign. Israel currently maintains a strong military and intelligence presence in the West Bank and regularly disrupts terror plots. However, that effort alone is proving insufficient in light of Iran’s evolving tactics and ambitions. 

A more proactive and comprehensive strategy is now needed, with the article's author suggesting a three-fold strategy that rests on these key pillars: 

First, the US must enhance coordination between Israel and Jordan, strengthening their joint efforts to dismantle emerging terror networks. 

Second, Washington should provide Jordan with the military and counterterrorism tools necessary to reinforce internal security and resist Iranian encroachment. 

Third, while security is paramount, discussions about the future of the West Bank must continue.

The author believes that the events of October 7 underscore that any move toward Palestinian statehood must first resolve critical questions about who would govern and whether that governance could avoid threatening Israel’s security. Although a long-term vision for Palestinian self-determination remains elusive, reinforcing stability in Jordan and the West Bank is a prerequisite. 

Without addressing Iranian influence, the article argues that no future political solution can succeed. Securing the West Bank presents a formidable challenge. It requires balancing military vigilance with attention to the daily lives of Palestinians—much like the ongoing uncertainty around Gaza’s future governance. Yet, as recent history has shown, the most effective regional responses to Iranian aggression have come through strategic, quiet cooperation among allies. 

The author concludes that the same spirit of coordination that helped repel Iranian offensives earlier in 2024 will now be essential in confronting Tehran’s emerging focus on Jordan and the West Bank. Proactive engagement in these areas will not only protect current US interests but could lay the groundwork for lasting regional stability. 

By Nazrin Sadigova