IRGC targeting bases to push US out of region before renewed Israel war, expert tells 'Post'

Iran has launched attacks on U.S. military installations in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian territory, according to reports from Iranian state media. The strikes occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 31, 2026, targeting U.S. air bases in both nations. The attacks included the downing of an American drone over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran claimed was in response to U.S. strikes on Larak Island earlier that week. Jordan’s armed forces confirmed they intercepted at least eight missiles during the assault, stating that all were destroyed before reaching civilian areas or infrastructure. The country reiterated its commitment to protecting its population from potential threats. Meanwhile, the UAE did not issue detailed statements, but officials have historically maintained a firm stance against foreign interference in their sovereign territory. The Iranian government has framed its actions as a legitimate exercise of self-defense, citing the U.S. strikes as acts of aggression. According to Rudaw media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that its Aerospace Force executed a coordinated operation involving ballistic missiles and drones against the King Hussein and al-Azraq air bases in Jordan. The attack was described as a direct response to what Iran termed “American-Zionist aerial aggression.” This is not the first time Iran has targeted Jordan. Over the past year, Iran has increasingly directed its retaliatory efforts toward the kingdom, choosing it as a strategic focus point. Analysts suggest this shift may be intended to avoid provoking other Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, which recently formed a new alliance with Turkey and Pakistan. Iran is also seeking improved relations with Qatar and Oman, leaving Jordan and the UAE as the remaining viable targets for retaliation. The choice of Jordan and the UAE appears to reflect a broader strategy aimed at sending a message to the United States. By attacking U.S. bases in these locations, Iran seeks to demonstrate that it can strike even when American forces are positioned outside the Gulf. This approach avoids direct confrontation with Israel, which Iran claims is behind the U.S. strikes. Such a move also prevents Israel from responding directly, thus limiting the risk of a wider conflict. The UAE, as a signatory to the Abraham Accords, hosts U.S. military presence and has been a key ally of Washington in the region. Despite hosting U.S. forces, Iran has not targeted Qatar, despite the presence of U.S. bases there. Analysts believe this is due to Qatar’s diplomatic role in brokering peace talks and its historical ties with Iran. Similarly, Iran has reduced its threats against Kuwait, indicating a more nuanced approach to regional diplomacy. Egypt has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the Middle East. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Iran’s attacks on Jordan and the UAE, emphasizing the need to preserve regional stability. Egypt also reaffirmed its support for both nations, calling for the protection of their sovereignty and the safety of their citizens. Iran’s decision to target Jordan and the UAE reflects a calculated effort to assert influence without triggering a broad-scale conflict. By focusing on countries that it perceives as less likely to retaliate, Iran aims to maintain leverage while avoiding direct confrontation with major powers. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely for signs of further escalation or de-escalation in the volatile region.