Jordan, a linchpin of the West’s security architecture in the Middle East, is being forced to turn from its traditional allies in the face of economic crisis and the Saudi policies, reported the Times.

Threatened by protests at home, King Abdullah has in recent months opened talks with Turkey and Qatar, longstanding rivals of Saudi Arabia. Jordan has even made subtle overtures to Iran, a country about which the king was issuing dire warnings until recently.

“Our relations depend on our interests,” a source said. “Jordan doesn’t have any conflict with Turkey or Qatar, or even Iran. What distance we have depends on the benefits to us.”

King Abdullah, 57, is under even greater pressure because of the Trump administration’s intention to bring forward a “grand plan” for peace in the Middle East.

Unlike its neighbours Jordan has few natural resources. Since the Syrian war began in 2012 it has had an influx of 1.5 million refugees over its northern border. At the same time Saudi Arabia, also facing budget shortfalls from a lower oil price and attempts at economic reform, has cut its regular subsidy to Jordan.

In February King Abdullah met President Erdogan of Turkey, a man who until recently he had privately attacked. The leaders agreed to co-ordinate on Israel and Palestine.

Last month King Abdullah went a step further, sending a message to the emir of Qatar about their “bilateral relations”. Jordan also offered its best wishes to Iran this year on the 40th anniversary of its Islamic revolution.