Iran Launches Missile Strikes on U.S. Allies Across Gulf

The Government of Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks between August 31 and September 2, 2026, targeting U.S. allies including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Initial strikes on August 31 saw Jordanian forces intercept ballistic missiles and UAE air defenses down a drone over territorial waters. By September 2, the escalation intensified with strikes hitting multiple locations in Kuwait, including a residential complex and the Ali Al Salem Air Base.

These attacks followed U.S. aerial bombardments conducted by the United States Central Command against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps radar, communications, and maritime assets. Iranian state media reported that U.S. strikes killed at least 15 people, including four civilians at a wedding in Kuhestak, though U.S. officials denied targeting civilians. In response to the broader conflict, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have inflicted significant casualties on U.S. forces in Jordan, a claim the U.S. military disputed.

Regional governments, including those of Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, condemned the Iranian aggression as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and called for UN Security Council intervention. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the economic pressure on Iran and the U.S. position in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced efforts to sever Iran's remaining international economic ties, while Iran's Mohsen Rezaei claimed a new strategy would shatter U.S. foundations.