King Abdullah II’s Tense Meeting with Trump: A Diplomatic Balancing Act

The recent meeting between Jordan's King Abdullah II and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office has caught international attention for the visibly tense atmosphere. Media outlets, including CNN, highlighted the king’s nervous demeanor, frequently blinking and showing discomfort as Trump laid out conditions that seemed more like orders than proposals.

During the meeting, Trump expressed his ambitious vision for the Middle East, stating, “This is not a complex thing to accomplish… and with the United States controlling that piece of land, you will have stability in the Middle East for the first time.” This sweeping statement was not met with outright rejection from King Abdullah, but his responses hinted at the unease surrounding Trump's ideas.

The Jordanian king emphasized regional cooperation and the need for a solution that benefits everyone, pointing to a broader Arab plan led by Egypt for Gaza’s reconstruction. He suggested waiting for Egypt’s proposals to ensure a comprehensive approach, while simultaneously avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. president.

Al Jazeera and other international media outlets noted King Abdullah’s diplomatic approach, carefully sidestepping direct rejection of Trump’s vision while subtly promoting alternatives. His acceptance of Trump’s request to accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza for medical treatment was seen as a calculated diplomatic gesture to defuse tension.

Yoni Ben-Menachem, a senior researcher, noted that King Abdullah made a strategic concession by offering to assist with humanitarian needs without giving in to Trump’s vision for Gaza. The acceptance of the Gazan children program was a move to avoid conflict, while still maintaining Jordan’s stance on Palestinian rights and regional cooperation.

Jordan’s Stance: A Focus on Palestinian Rights

After the meeting, King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s firm position against the displacement of Palestinians. He wrote on X, “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing its people and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be a top priority for everyone.” This stance aligns with the broader Arab perspective, which continues to advocate for a two-state solution and the preservation of Palestinian rights.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed this position, asserting that Jordan, in cooperation with Egypt, is committed to the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its residents. The idea of a Palestinian state remains crucial in any peace efforts, as stated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who also voiced opposition to U.S. plans for Palestinian relocation.

This meeting took place at a sensitive time for King Abdullah, as tensions rise between Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza and growing instability within Jordan itself. The Washington Post noted the king's careful avoidance of deeper engagement in the discussion, wary of jeopardizing the substantial U.S. aid Jordan receives annually.