Key Takeaways
- Iran’s IRGC launched Wave 94 of "Operation True Promise 4," striking central Israel with ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in injuries in Petah Tikva and significant damage in Tel Aviv.
- A projectile struck near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, marking the fourth attack on the site; the IAEA confirmed one fatality but reported no rise in radiation levels.
- Iraq suspended all operations at the Shalamcheh border crossing after shelling on the Iranian side killed an Iraqi traveler and injured several others.
- Tesla (TSLA) reported 358,023 global deliveries for Q1 2026, missing analyst estimates as BYD (BYDDY) exports nearly matched Tesla's total volume.
- United Airlines (UAL) increased checked bag fees to $50, following a similar move by JetBlue, as rising fuel costs tied to the conflict pressure carrier margins.
Massive Missile Barrage Hits Central Israel
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the execution of Wave 94 of "Operation True Promise 4" early Saturday morning, targeting military and industrial centers across Israel. The barrage utilized heavy solid- and liquid-fueled ballistic missiles, including the Khorramshahr and Emad models, alongside kamikaze drones.
Israeli rescue teams were deployed to multiple sites in central Israel following reports of injuries, specifically in Petah Tikva. The Israeli Civil Defense reported major material damage in four locations across Greater Tel Aviv after a cluster rocket was intercepted, scattering ammunition across urban areas.
Fatal Strike Near Bushehr Nuclear Facility
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed that an airstrike hit near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant this morning, killing a security guard and damaging a support building. This represents the fourth attack on the facility's perimeter in recent weeks, significantly heightening concerns over regional nuclear safety.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) received formal notice of the incident and confirmed that a staff member was killed by a projectile fragment. However, the agency emphasized that no rise in radiation levels was detected and the plant’s core operations remain unaffected. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly called for "maximum restraint" to avoid a catastrophic radiological event.
Regional Spillover and Border Closures
The conflict has rapidly expanded beyond the primary combatants, leading the Basra Security Committee to announce a complete suspension of operations at the Shalamcheh border crossing. The closure followed shelling that killed an Iraqi traveler and injured others on the Iranian side of the terminal.
In the Persian Gulf, the Bahrain Defense Force reported the interception of eight Iranian drones over the past 24 hours. Simultaneously, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for missile strikes on the Mount Neria base in northern Israel, while a rocket launched by Houthi forces was intercepted over Eilat.
Tesla Deliveries and Airline Fee Hikes
In the corporate sector, Tesla (TSLA) disclosed Q1 2026 delivery figures of 358,023 vehicles, a 6% year-over-year increase that nonetheless fell short of Wall Street's 365,000 consensus. Competition intensified as BYD (BYDDY) reported exporting 321,165 vehicles in the same period, nearly eclipsing Tesla's entire global delivery footprint with exports alone.
Rising geopolitical tensions have also triggered immediate impacts on the travel industry. United Airlines (UAL) became the second major U.S. carrier this week to hike baggage fees, raising the price for a first checked bag to $50. Analysts suggest these hikes are a direct response to surging jet fuel prices, which have climbed as the conflict threatens global oil supply chains.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.