US forces launched strikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on August 30, 2026, aiming to prevent Iran from planting mines in the vital shipping lane [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The US strike killed three people and wounded several others, according to Iranian state media [1, 2, 4, 5].
Iran responded on August 31 by launching missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed their missile strikes caused "heavy damage" to two US air bases in Jordan [1, 2, 4, 5]. However, Jordan’s army said it intercepted eight missiles during the attacks but did not confirm their origin, while President Donald Trump said all missiles aimed at US forces were shot down except one that posed no threat [1, 2, 4, 5].
On the same day, Iran shot down at least two US drones over the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2].
In response to Iran's attacks, Trump vowed a strong military response, saying, "We're going to hit them hard. There will be a response" [1]. He described Iran as a "failed nation" with a collapsing economy and military, citing inflation over 100% and inability to pay its troops. Trump called for Iranian leaders to be tried for war crimes over the alleged killing of more than 100,000 protesters in the country [3, 6, 7, 8]. He also posted AI-generated videos falsely showing explosions at Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal [3].
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for dialogue and a ceasefire if the US reciprocates. He said, "We continue to strive for a path of agreement and understanding, and we believe that continuing the war is neither in our interest, nor in the interest of the region. The solution to the existing problems is dialogue and cooperation" [1, 4, 5].
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the US will continue to impose harsh sanctions designed to cripple Iran’s economy. "We are telling friends and foes, do not deal with this evil regime. We know who you are, you know who you are, and if we have to, we will put you out of business," he said [1, 2, 8]. The US maintains a naval counter-blockade of Iranian ports aiming to "asphyxiate" Iran’s economy through sanctions targeting funds such as 1.8 billion USD allegedly funneled via a Dubai bank [1, 8].
The exchanges of fire mark the most intense US-Iran clashes in weeks. The US and Iran have engaged in tit-for-tat attacks since August 30, with the latest escalation unfolding over the last three days [timeline]. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further moves following Iran’s missile and drone attacks and Trump’s vow of retaliation [1, 3, 6, 4, 5].
