International

Amid Escalation: Jordanian-US Talks on Military Cooperation

Washington witnessed a meeting between the Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Vice Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

These talks come within the framework of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, which includes defense and security areas.

Laith Al-jnaidi

23 July 2026 • Updated: 23 July 2026

photo: Official website of the Jordanian Army / AA

JORDAN

Amman / Laith Al-jnaidi / Anadolu

Lieutenant General Youssef Al-Huneiti, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed with General Christopher G. Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, ways of military cooperation and regional issues amid growing tension between Washington and Tehran.

The meeting took place on Wednesday evening at the Pentagon in the US capital, followed by an expanded meeting attended by a number of senior officers and military officials from both countries, according to a Jordanian army statement issued on Thursday.

The statement clarified that the talks covered "aspects of military and defense cooperation" between Jordan and the United States, and ways to develop it in the areas of training and joint exercises.

They also discussed "exchanging expertise, building capabilities, raising levels of readiness and operational coordination, to enhance the ability of the armed forces in both countries to deal with various security challenges."

The talks addressed "current regional developments and their repercussions on the security and stability of the region, in addition to joint efforts to confront threats, and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern."

The Jordanian statement explained that Al-Huneiti's visit "comes as part of a series of meetings and activities carried out by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during his official visit to the US capital, Washington."

And it indicated that it aims to "strengthen military and defense cooperation relations, and expand areas of coordination and exchange of expertise between the armed forces of the two friendly countries."

The visit comes amid rising tension between the United States and Iran, following exchanges of attacks between the two sides in recent weeks.

Jordan recently, along with Arab countries, was subjected to attacks that Tehran said targeted US military installations, in response to daily attacks carried out by Washington on Iran.

On Saturday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the death of two US soldiers and the loss of a third following an Iranian attack targeting sites in Jordan.

In an update on Sunday, CENTCOM said it had found unidentified remains at the attack site, and that procedures to examine and verify their identity are still ongoing.

Amman denied the presence of US bases on its territory, affirming that the US military presence falls within the framework of a defense cooperation agreement that respects Jordanian sovereignty and focuses on counterterrorism.

During his participation last Thursday in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the "Aspen Security Forum," Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stressed that "Iran's claims of the presence of American bases in Jordan are baseless."

The confrontation between Washington and Tehran entered its second week, as US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 the end of the ceasefire stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed on June 18.

Trump's announcement came after Iran targeted three commercial ships in the Strait of Hurmuz, as Tehran insists on imposing a mechanism to regulate the passage of ships through the strategic corridor, while Washington demands ensuring freedom of navigation and its security in the strait.

This coordination comes at a time when the region is witnessing escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which increases the importance of military cooperation between the two allies. Jordan represents a cornerstone of regional stability, and Washington is keen to enhance the capabilities of the Jordanian armed forces. The visit is expected to result in agreements to raise the level of joint training and intelligence sharing.