Iran launched drone and missile attacks against military facilities housing U.S. forces in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates on Monday, August 31, 2026. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the King Hussein and Al Azraq bases in Jordan, as well as the Al-Minhad Air Base in the UAE, according to Iranian state media. The UAE Defense Ministry reported intercepting one drone over its territorial waters and described the event as a dangerous escalation that caused no damage.
The strikes followed a U.S. military operation on Sunday involving two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stated that its forces took "limited, precise action" after observing the IRGC preparing to launch rockets equipped with sea mines. The IRGC claimed the U.S. attack killed and wounded several soldiers and civilians, describing its subsequent strikes in Jordan as a "necessary and lawful answer."
The exchange represents the first military action from both sides since late July. The incident occurs amid a U.S. policy of "severe economic pressure" directed at Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the administration plans to unveil new secondary sanctions weekly, specifically targeting banks that hold Iranian funds or assist the government. In a social media post, President Trump claimed that Kharg Island, a primary hub for Iranian oil exports, had been "blown to smithereens!!!", though the National Iranian Oil Company reported conditions there remained calm.
The scale of the conflict involves the potential disruption of 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports if facilities like Kharg Island are targeted. Secretary Bessent indicated that the U.S. is moving toward a weekly schedule of sanctions to isolate the Iranian economy.
Centcom Commander Adm. Brad Cooper previously stated that U.S. forces had cleared Iranian sea mines from international transit routes, but the weekend's events suggest a potential resumption of activity. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that while Iran does not seek war, it will not remain silent when attacked. The UAE Foreign Ministry has called for restraint, following the interception of the drone on Monday morning.