US Strikes Iran's Larak Island, Iran Retaliates on Jordan and UAE Bases — Ending Month-Long Pause in Diplomatic Track

August 30, 2026 — US Central Command struck two IRGC rocket launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after observing preparations to fire rockets carrying sea mines, marking the first US-Iran exchange of fire in a month and further burying hopes of reviving the Islamabad MOU framework that lapsed Aug. 17. Iran's IRGC retaliated Aug. 31 with missiles and drones against the US-operated King Hussein and Al Azraq bases in Jordan and a drone attack on the UAE's Al Minhad Air Base, saying it targeted areas where US forces and helicopters were stationed. Jordan's army said it intercepted eight missiles without confirming their origin; the UAE said it intercepted an Iranian drone over its waters and denied further Iranian claims. The flare-up comes as Pakistan's army chief Munir had reported 'highly positive' Tehran talks (Aug. 24-25) on reviving the MOU — talks this exchange now further complicates.