A joint U.S.-Israel military operation targeted 17 Iranian defense facilities in response to Tehran's continued nuclear development, triggering a retaliatory strike that damaged four U.S. military installations in the Middle East. The escalation marks a significant deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations.
- 17 Iranian military and nuclear sites targeted in U.S.-Israel joint operation
- 4 U.S. military bases in Middle East damaged in retaliatory strike
- Iran enriches uranium to 60% purity—near weapons-grade levels
- Over 120 precision munitions and 32 aircraft involved in initial strikes
- S&P 500 dropped 2.1%; oil prices rose to $98.40 per barrel
- Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies stock gains of 5.8% and 4.2%
In a major escalation of regional tensions, U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated air strikes on 17 Iranian military and intelligence sites across central and southeastern Iran, including three known nuclear research facilities and one missile production complex. The operation, conducted over a 90-minute window on February 27, 2026, involved over 120 precision-guided munitions and 32 aircraft from U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Israeli Air Force units. Iran responded within hours, launching a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military infrastructure in the region. Four U.S. bases—Al-Tanf in southeastern Syria, Al Asad in western Iraq, Al Udeid in Qatar, and a forward logistics hub in Kuwait—sustained damage. According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes caused moderate structural damage to hangars and fuel storage units at three locations, while one base experienced a temporary loss of communication systems. No personnel fatalities were reported. The attacks follow Iran's announcement in late January 2026 of enriching uranium to 60% purity at its Fordow facility, a level close to weapons-grade. U.S. intelligence estimates confirm Iran now possesses enough 60% enriched uranium for at least two nuclear warheads. The U.S. and Israel assert that the retaliatory strikes were authorized under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing the right to self-defense in the face of imminent threats. The incident has triggered immediate reactions across global markets. The S&P 500 dropped 2.1% on the day, while oil prices surged 7.3% to $98.40 per barrel. Defense stocks, including Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Raytheon Technologies (RTX), rose 5.8% and 4.2% respectively. The U.S. has deployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and activated contingency plans for evacuating non-essential personnel from the region.