{"id":59253,"date":"2026-02-28T09:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/middle-east-conflict-intensifies-iran-retaliates-against-us-bases-following-joint-strikes-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-slump\/59253\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T09:38:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:38:34","slug":"middle-east-conflict-intensifies-iran-retaliates-against-us-bases-following-joint-strikes-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-slump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/middle-east-conflict-intensifies-iran-retaliates-against-us-bases-following-joint-strikes-berkshire-hathaway-earnings-slump\/59253\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle East Conflict Intensifies: Iran Retaliates Against US Bases Following Joint Strikes; Berkshire Hathaway Earnings Slump"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait<\/strong> following a large-scale joint military operation by the United States and Israel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted<\/strong>, with Qatar advising a temporary suspension of shipping and major oil tankers diverting from the region.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Berkshire Hathaway (<a href=\"\/stock\/BRK.B\">BRK.B<\/a>) reported a 30% year-over-year decline in Q4 operating earnings to $10.20 billion<\/strong>, even as its cash reserves reached a record <strong>$373.31 billion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The White House dismissed reports of an imminent national address by President Trump<\/strong>, clarifying that no Saturday morning speech is currently scheduled despite the escalating regional crisis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regional tensions have spiked as the UAE successfully intercepted a new wave of missiles<\/strong> and Oman condemned the US-Israeli actions as a violation of international law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Military Escalation and Regional Retaliation<\/h2>\n<p>The Middle East has entered a period of intense military conflict following joint <strong>US and Israeli air strikes<\/strong> targeting Iranian missile programs and high-ranking officials. In immediate retaliation, the <strong>Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)<\/strong> launched a coordinated barrage of missiles at several US military installations across the Gulf. Targets included the <strong>US Navy\u2019s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain<\/strong>, the <strong>Al-Udeid air base in Qatar<\/strong>, and the <strong>Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While the <em>Wall Street Journal<\/em> reported no immediate casualties at the Bahrain base, the IRGC has warned that this is only the beginning of their response. <strong>Commander Jabari<\/strong> of the Revolutionary Guards stated on state television that Tehran has so far only utilized its <strong>&quot;scrap missiles&quot;<\/strong> and will soon unveil <strong>&quot;unforeseen weapons&quot;<\/strong> if the conflict continues. Meanwhile, the <strong>UAE Defense Ministry<\/strong> confirmed it successfully intercepted a new wave of missiles over Dubai, where residents reported hearing multiple large explosions.<\/p>\n<h2>Energy Markets and Shipping Disruptions<\/h2>\n<p>The escalating violence has sent shockwaves through global energy and shipping markets. <strong>Qatar has requested all vessels to temporarily suspend maritime navigation<\/strong> in its waters, and the <strong>Fars news agency<\/strong> reported a broader suspension of oil tanker passage through the <strong>Strait of Hormuz<\/strong>. This critical chokepoint, through which roughly one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil passes, is now being avoided by numerous shipowners taking a &quot;caution-first&quot; approach.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>EU naval mission Aspides<\/strong> has advised the shipping industry to remain highly vigilant, warning that further attacks on commercial vessels cannot be excluded. <em>Market analysts are closely monitoring oil prices<\/em> as the threat of a prolonged closure of the Strait looms. Regional mediators, including <strong>Oman<\/strong>, have condemned the initial strikes on Iran, labeling the military operations as inconsistent with international law and potentially destabilizing for the global economy.<\/p>\n<h2>Berkshire Hathaway Earnings and Corporate Impact<\/h2>\n<p>Amidst the geopolitical turmoil, <strong>Berkshire Hathaway (<a href=\"\/stock\/BRK.B\">BRK.B<\/a>)<\/strong> released its fourth-quarter financial results, showing significant pressure on its diversified operations. The conglomerate&#39;s <strong>operating earnings fell 30% year-over-year to $10.20 billion<\/strong>, down from $14.53 billion in the same period last year. Despite the earnings slump, the company\u2019s <strong>cash pile surged to a record $373.31 billion<\/strong>, providing Chairman Warren Buffett with unprecedented liquidity during this period of market uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p>Specific segments showed mixed results, with <strong>insurance investment operating income reaching $3.07 billion<\/strong> and <strong>insurance underwriting income at $1.56 billion<\/strong>. However, the <strong>BNSF railroad<\/strong> division reported operating income of <strong>$1.35 billion<\/strong>, reflecting broader economic headwinds. <em>Investors are parsing the results<\/em> for clues on how the company plans to deploy its massive cash reserves given the current high-interest-rate environment and rising global risks.<\/p>\n<h2>Diplomatic and Political Developments<\/h2>\n<p>In Washington, the <strong>White House<\/strong> moved to correct reports that <strong>President Trump<\/strong> would deliver a national address on Saturday morning, calling such claims &quot;inaccurate.&quot; This follows earlier reports from <em>Axios<\/em> suggesting that an address was expected but later postponed. Behind the scenes, <strong>Senator Marco Rubio<\/strong> reportedly communicated with lawmakers shortly before the initial strikes were launched, indicating a high level of coordination within the administration.<\/p>\n<p>Regionally, the <strong>Saudi Crown Prince<\/strong> has been in active communication with leaders in <strong>Qatar and Kuwait<\/strong>, emphasizing the need for regional sovereignty and stability. As <strong>Israel<\/strong> closes all holy sites to visitors under national emergency guidelines, the international community remains on high alert for further escalation between the <strong>US-Israeli alliance<\/strong> and Iranian-backed forces.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait following a 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