Key Takeaways
- Iran downed two U.S. warplanes—an F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Thunderbolt II—marking a significant escalation in direct military confrontation.
- Massive retaliatory strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces hit Tehran and Damascus, destroying critical infrastructure including Iran's B1 bridge and state television headquarters.
- Donald Trump signaled a plan to seize the Strait of Hormuz and its oil to "make a fortune," as crude prices surged to $111 per barrel.
- Cluster missile strikes by Iran targeted central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Rosh Haayin, causing multiple fires and civilian injuries.
- Global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed by over 85%, plunging from 150 vessels per day to just 10-20.
Direct Aviation Losses and Regional Strikes
The conflict reached a new fever pitch on Friday as Iran confirmed the downing of two U.S. warplanes. According to the Wall Street Journal, an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over western Iran, with one pilot rescued while a search continues for the second. A second aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, reportedly crashed into the Persian Gulf after being hit by Iranian air defenses.
In retaliation, U.S. and Israeli forces launched high-intensity strikes on Tehran. Witnesses reported huge explosions and rising smoke as missiles targeted the IRIB state television headquarters and the B1 bridge in Karaj. Simultaneously, the Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported multiple explosions across Damascus as Israeli air defenses intercepted incoming threats and targeted Iranian assets in the countryside.
Missile Attacks on Israeli Population Centers
Central Israel faced a barrage of Iranian cluster missiles, triggering sirens across Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Rosh Haayin. Local reports confirmed multiple fires at impact sites, with debris from intercepted rockets causing significant damage to residential buildings.
Emergency services in Israel treated several civilians for injuries, including blast wounds in Bnei Brak. Israeli media noted that the use of cluster munitions, which scatter bomblets over a wide area, was intended to maximize damage to the civilian rear.
Trump’s "Gusher" Strategy and Energy Markets
Donald Trump took to social media on Friday to outline a controversial strategy for the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that "with a little more time," the U.S. could open the waterway, "take the oil," and "make a fortune." He described the potential flow of seized oil as a "gusher" for the world.
The rhetoric comes as WTI crude hit $111 a barrel, up from $65 before the war began. Energy giants like ExxonMobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) are seeing extreme volatility as the Strait of Hormuz—which carries 20% of global oil consumption—remains effectively closed to major tanker traffic.
Market Implications and Domestic Unrest
The defense sector remains under intense scrutiny following the loss of U.S. air assets. Shares of Lockheed Martin (LMT) and RTX Corporation (RTX) are being monitored closely as the U.S. military expands "Operation Epic Fury" to include Iranian power plants and bridges.
Beyond the battlefield, the conflict is fueling domestic unrest globally. In London, the Financial Times reported that three individuals have been charged with arson following an attack on a Jewish charity ambulance. This incident highlights the growing risk of spillover violence as regional tensions continue to boil over.
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.