Former Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher said that the policies of new US President Donald Trump, including his earlier "Deal of the Century" peace plan, pose significant challenges in the Middle East in a television interview. 

Jordan's relationship with the US is based on long-term strategic or "solid" ties and is not dependent on individual presidents and the royal household. However, the country has been a significant recipient of US aid in the past few decades as it hosts thousands of Syrian and Palestinian refugees and has become increasingly vocal as it continues to see threats to its own rule from the growing regional instability.

The 2020 peace plan proposed by Trump aims at settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It proposes US recognition of Israeli sovereignty with Jerusalem remaining Israel’s capital. In return, Gulf Arab states, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, would recognise Israel in exchange for Palestinian statehood.

Despite the American administration’s plans from 2020, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated it would not recognise Israel unless it fulfils its side of the bargain.  

Muasher told Al Mamlaka TV that Trump’s term could see a more hardline administration, which raises concerns about unilateral Israeli actions, particularly annexation in the West Bank. His comes come as Israeli troops make new incursions on January 21 into Jenin by truck and air assault.

He called for more Arab coordination with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to counter Israeli moves and influence US policies effectively.

Muasher said that the so-called Trump-initiated “Deal of the Century” poses a significant challenge to both Jordanian and Palestinian interests.

While Trump did not refer to the peace plan in his campaign, the presence of a more hardline team and the removal of US sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank on January 21 has raised increased tensions only 48 hours after a ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza came into force.

He said Jordan should continue leveraging its strong ties with US decision-makers. He added that relations with Congress, think tanks, and media should be preserved while enhancing diplomatic efforts from the Arab perspective.

The former official said Jordan should engage with American political parties, civil society, and media to present the risks of escalation and ensure fair consideration of Arab perspectives.

Muasher concluded that despite the potential challenges of a Trump administration, Jordan and the Arab world have the tools and networks to navigate these issues through diplomacy, coordination, and proactive engagement with US policymakers.