Jordan’s government has officially banned the Muslim Brotherhood, ending decades of uneasy coexistence with the Islamist group. The announcement came on April 23, 2025, from Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh, marking a major shift in both domestic politics and regional diplomacy. The ban includes the seizure of the group’s properties and the complete shutdown of its operations.
Why Jordan Took This Step
According to The New York Times, Minister Al Farrayeh explained the reasoning behind the decision. He said, “There were members of the group secretly undermining national security,” and added that authorities found “weapons, explosives, and even advanced drone technology.” One site used to build explosives was reportedly linked to the son of a senior Brotherhood leader. Officials also found attempts to destroy evidence that could connect the group to dangerous operations.
The Brotherhood, once seen as a conservative ally of Jordan’s monarchy, is now viewed as a growing threat. The government claims the group has moved away from peaceful political activity and towards actions that endanger the nation.
Years of Tensions Led to This Ban
While the ban may seem sudden, it’s the result of a long process. In 2016, the government shut down the group’s headquarters in Amman. In 2020, the top court ruled that the Brotherhood had failed to register legally and should be dissolved. Despite this, its political wing, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), continued to function and even gained popularity.
Things escalated in recent months. The Washington Institute reported that 16 members of the group were arrested for possessing explosives and making drones. Two of them were part of the leadership. They confessed to receiving money and support from outside groups, possibly Hezbollah and Hamas.
Rising Radicalism Raises Alarm
Although the Brotherhood officially distanced itself from violence years ago, authorities say some members have continued to be involved in militant activities. Reuters reported that weapons recently seized in Jordan were meant to be used inside the country and had links to pro-Hamas groups associated with the Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood has also organized protests where Hamas flags are waved. According to Ghaith al-Omari of the Washington Institute, the group has “copied Hamas’s slogans and turned demonstrations into confrontations with police,” increasing pressure on Jordan’s already tense streets.
Jordan Fears Iran’s Growing Influence
Another serious concern is Iran’s possible involvement. Jordan’s intelligence services suspect that Iran and its allies, like Hezbollah and Hamas, are smuggling weapons and radical ideas to young, angry Jordanians. Reports say that drone and rocket plans linked to Iran were discovered, raising fears that Tehran is trying to encircle Israel and undermine allies like Jordan.
King Abdullah has long warned of Iran’s strategy to form a “Shi’ite crescent” across West Asia. Despite Iran losing top commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020, its efforts have not stopped. In fact, Jordan’s role in helping intercept Iranian drones last year may have made it a bigger target.
U.S. Policy and the Refugee Issue
The ban also reflects deeper tensions between Jordan and the United States, especially during Donald Trump’s presidency. According to Foreign Policy, Trump’s peace plan for West Asia included settling more Palestinian refugees in Jordan—something that triggered strong resistance in Amman. Jordan, already hosting millions of Palestinian refugees, saw this proposal as unacceptable.
The Brotherhood used this public anger to organize mass protests, some of which directly criticized the king. Their anti-Israel and anti-government stance helped them win 31 out of 138 parliamentary seats in 2024, The New York Times reported.
The Future of the IAF Remains Unclear
With the Brotherhood now banned, questions are rising about what will happen to the IAF. Though it is officially a separate political party, it shares members and ideas with the Brotherhood. Its recent success in elections surprised Jordan’s intelligence services and showed deep public frustration over issues like Gaza, corruption, and unemployment.
Public Outrage Over Gaza and Government Response
Jordan’s large Palestinian population closely follows the situation in Gaza. The war there has stirred strong emotions, and many Jordanians feel that their government isn’t doing enough to help. King Abdullah has tried to walk a fine line—criticizing Israel’s actions while still cooperating on security—but this balancing act is getting harder.
After Jordan helped stop Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, social media erupted with fake images showing the king wrapped in the Israeli flag. Accusations of betrayal spread quickly. The Brotherhood took advantage of this, leading protests that painted the monarchy as ignoring Palestinian suffering.
A Challenge to Jordan’s Stability
With its growing radicalism and foreign connections, the Brotherhood is now seen as a national security threat rather than a political opponent. In February, King Abdullah warned veterans about “actors receiving orders from abroad,” a clear reference to the Brotherhood.
This isn’t the first time Jordan has faced such tension. In 1970, during the Black September conflict, Jordan’s army fought Palestinian factions who challenged royal authority. While today’s situation is not as severe, some experts believe the risks are similar. Jesse Marks noted that a harsh crackdown or rising public anger could trigger a deeper crisis.
A Critical Moment for Jordan
This ban sends a strong message. It shows that Jordan is taking a hard stance against both internal unrest and foreign interference. But the move is risky. It could either protect national security or deepen domestic unrest, depending on how events unfold.
Whether the Brotherhood decides to fight politically or reorganize in secret, one thing is clear: the days of peaceful coexistence between the Jordanian state and the Muslim Brotherhood are now over.
