AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah has called for a comprehensive regional ceasefire and urged greater US support for de-escalation efforts during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday.
He stressed the need for an agreement that guarantees the security and sovereignty of Arab states and underlined Washington’s “pivotal role” in efforts to restore regional stability, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
His Majesty @KingAbdullahII discusses efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region during a phone call with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising the need to reach a comprehensive de-escalation agreement that guarantees the security and sovereignty of Arab…
— Jordan Embassy in Washington D.C. (@JorEmbUS) October 2, 2026
Lebanon support
King Abdullah and Rubio also discussed international efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces following an Aqaba Process meeting hosted by France and Jordan in Paris last month.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Jordanian King Abdullah II https://t.co/lrmsC7f6Q9
— U.S. State Dept – Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) October 2, 2026
The September 17 meeting, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, sought to mobilise international support for the Lebanese military and assess its needs as part of broader efforts to strengthen state authority and stability.
Syria concerns
King Abdullah also warned of the consequences of continued Israeli military escalation in southern Syria and reiterated Jordan’s support for Syria’s security, stability and territorial sovereignty, Petra reported.
Israel has conducted repeated military operations in southern Syria and maintained forces in parts of the southwest since the fall of Bashar Assad in December 2024.
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Damascus has condemned the operations as violations of Syrian sovereignty, while Israel has said they are aimed at addressing security threats near its border.
King Abdullah has repeatedly called for broader regional de-escalation in recent weeks. During a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Arab and Muslim leaders in New York on September 22, he urged restraint and warned against further expansion of conflicts across the region.
Friday’s call also covered ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States across several areas.
