US-Israel Strike Iran: War Stocks, Oil Plays & Safe Havens to Watch Now
Key Stocks & Sectors to Watch After Iran Strikes
February 28, 2026 — US and Israel launch Operation Shield of Judah. Here are the sectors and tickers moving right now.
1. Defense & Aerospace Stocks
Defense stocks are the fastest and strongest reactors to military conflict. These names began rallying in mid-February as tensions escalated.
| Ticker | Company | Why It Moves |
|---|---|---|
| LMT | Lockheed Martin | F-35 jets, missiles — primary US defense contractor |
| RTX | RTX Corporation | Patriot missile systems, air defense — critical for Iran theater |
| NOC | Northrop Grumman | B-21 bombers, surveillance drones |
| GD | General Dynamics | Munitions, combat systems, naval vessels |
| LHX | L3Harris Technologies | Electronic warfare, communication systems |
| KTOS | Kratos Defense | Drone systems — drones are reshaping modern warfare |
| ITA | iShares Aerospace & Defense ETF | Broad defense sector exposure in one ETF |
2. Oil & Energy Stocks
The Strait of Hormuz handles ~20% of global oil supply. Any blockade attempt by Iran would send crude prices soaring.
| Ticker | Company | Why It Moves |
|---|---|---|
| XOM | ExxonMobil | Largest US oil major — direct crude price beneficiary |
| CVX | Chevron | Integrated oil & gas, Middle East exposure |
| OXY | Occidental Petroleum | Buffett-backed, high leverage to oil prices |
| HAL | Halliburton | Oilfield services — benefits from increased drilling |
| USO | US Oil Fund ETF | Direct crude oil price tracking ETF |
3. Gold & Safe Haven Assets
War fears → flight to safety → gold prices surge. Gold has historically been the #1 safe haven during geopolitical crises.
| Ticker | Asset | Why It Moves |
|---|---|---|
| GLD | SPDR Gold Shares ETF | Largest gold ETF, tracks spot gold price |
| GDX | VanEck Gold Miners ETF | Leveraged play on gold via mining stocks |
| NEM | Newmont Corporation | World's largest gold miner |
| TLT | iShares 20+ Year Treasury ETF | US Treasuries — classic flight-to-safety trade |
Disclaimer: War-related theme stocks are extremely volatile. Allocate no more than 20-30% of your portfolio as a hedge. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
Breaking: US-Israel Joint Military Operation Against Iran
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, codenamed "Operation Shield of Judah." The strikes targeted multiple cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
President Trump confirmed: "A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime."
What Was Hit
- Tehran — Massive explosions near Khamenei's residence, Presidential Palace, Supreme National Security Council. Khamenei evacuated.
- Isfahan — Nuclear enrichment facilities
- Qom — Religious/political center
- Karaj — Nuclear research facilities
- Kermanshah — Military installations
Timeline: How We Got Here
- Mid-January — Iran warns it's "ready for war," Trump threatens military action
- Feb 3 — IRGC gunboats attempt to seize US tanker in Strait of Hormuz
- Mid-February — Largest US military buildup in Middle East since 2003 Iraq War
- Feb 19 — Trump's ultimatum: "Iran has 10-15 days to make a deal"
- Feb 27 — Geneva nuclear talks collapse with no deal
- Feb 28 — Strikes begin
Israel Declares Emergency
Airspace closed, schools shut, US Embassy urges evacuation. Israeli military warns missile/drone retaliation is expected "in the immediate time frame."
What to Watch Next
- Scale of Iran's retaliation — limited response or full-scale war?
- Strait of Hormuz — blockade = global energy crisis
- Russia & China — verbal support vs. concrete intervention
- Proxy forces — Hezbollah, Houthis may open new fronts
Based on reports as of February 28, 2026. Situation is rapidly evolving. This is not investment advice.
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