WASHINGTON — The joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the United States and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel, has featured an extensive array of fighter jets since strikes began Feb. 28, 2026. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have employed fifth-generation stealth fighters, fourth-generation multirole aircraft and electronic warfare platforms to achieve air superiority, suppress defenses and conduct precision strikes on Iranian ballistic missile sites, command centers, air defenses and naval assets.

As of March 4, 2026, more than 1,250 targets have been hit in Iran during the operation’s first week, with fighter jets playing a central role alongside long-range bombers like the B-2 Spirit and B-1B Lancer. The campaign has involved coordinated waves of aircraft from U.S. carriers in the Arabian Sea and Mediterranean, forward-deployed bases in the Middle East, and direct missions from the United States.

Here are the primary fighter jets confirmed in use during the strikes, based on CENTCOM releases, IDF statements and open-source reporting:

1. **F-35 Lightning II (U.S. and Israel)** — The fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter has been a cornerstone of operations. U.S. Air Force F-35As from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath and Vermont Air National Guard, plus Marine Corps F-35Cs from the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, conducted strikes and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). Israel deployed its F-35I Adir variant — known as “Mighty One” — in large numbers, with reports of up to 670 sorties targeting missile systems and leadership. The F-35’s low observability enabled initial penetrations against Iranian radars.

2. **F-22 Raptor (U.S.)** — About a dozen F-22s from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Israel ahead of the operation, marking the first combat deployment there. Additional Raptors went to RAF Lakenheath. As air superiority fighters, they escorted strike packages, engaged potential air threats and maintained dominance over Iranian airspace. CENTCOM photos showed F-22s in theater by late February.

3. **F-15 Variants (U.S. and Israel)** — U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided multirole strike capability, though three were lost to friendly fire over Kuwait on March 2. Israel used F-15s to launch standoff missiles, including Black Sparrow air-launched ballistic missiles, against deep targets. The F-15’s range and payload supported extended missions.

4. **F-16 Fighting Falcon (U.S. and Israel)** — Dozens of U.S. F-16s, including Wild Weasel variants for SEAD, operated from regional bases. Israel’s F-16s contributed to the initial wave destroying air defenses in western Iran. The multirole fighter’s versatility aided in precision strikes and drone intercepts.

5. **F/A-18 Super Hornet (U.S. Navy/Marines)** — Carrier-based F/A-18E/Fs from the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford launched with heavy loads, including AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons. Video from CENTCOM showed Super Hornets taking off for strikes. The platform’s flexibility supported naval integration in the Gulf.

6. **EA-18G Growler (U.S. Navy)** — Electronic attack variants jammed Iranian radars and communications, suppressing defenses during strike waves. Growlers, based on the F/A-18, operated from carriers and provided critical electronic warfare support.

Israeli Air Force operations involved 200-300 fighter jets in the opening hours, establishing air supremacy over Tehran and western Iran. The IDF claimed strikes on hundreds of targets, including missile launchers and command sites, with fighter jets operating with impunity after neutralizing defenses.

U.S. forces amassed about 30 F-35s in the region pre-operation, alongside F-22s, F-15Es and F-16s. Carrier strike groups provided additional F/A-18s and Growlers. Support aircraft like E-3 Sentry AWACS, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and KC-135 tankers enabled long-range missions, while MQ-9 Reapers and new LUCAS one-way attack drones supplemented strikes.

The campaign’s air component has drawn from lessons of prior operations, emphasizing stealth, standoff weapons and electronic warfare to minimize risk. Iranian retaliation — including ballistic missiles and drones — has been intercepted by Patriot, THAAD and fighter patrols, though incidents like the F-15 losses highlight operational hazards.

As strikes continue into the second week, fighter jets remain pivotal in maintaining pressure on Iranian capabilities while U.S. officials signal operations could extend weeks. The mix of platforms underscores the integrated, multi-domain approach defining modern air campaigns.

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled more than 1,100 points in early trading on March 3, 2026, as the deepening U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran triggered a sharp global risk-off move, sending oil prices soaring and reigniting inflation fears across Wall Street.

The blue-chip index (^DJI) fell as much as 1,238 points or 2.5% intraday, trading near 47,784 before partial recoveries, with losses led by energy-sensitive names like Caterpillar, which dropped over 4%. The benchmark closed the prior session on March 2 around 48,904.78, down modestly amid initial conflict jitters, but Tuesday’s sell-off erased those gains and pushed the index toward its steepest single-day decline since April 2025.

Broader markets joined the retreat. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) slid about 2.2% to near 6,742, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) dropped roughly 2.3% toward 22,268. Trading volume spiked as investors fled equities for safe havens like gold and the U.S. dollar, with the VIX fear gauge climbing sharply.

The catalyst remained the fourth day of intense military exchanges. Fresh U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian facilities overnight, prompting Tehran to vow closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the chokepoint for about 20% of global oil flows — and retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests and allies in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and elsewhere. Brent crude surged another 8-9% toward $84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to around $77, marking levels not seen since 2024 highs and amplifying concerns about sustained supply disruptions.

“This escalation is forcing a rapid repricing,” one market strategist said in a client note. “Oil’s spike revives sticky inflation risks just as markets were digesting Fed policy uncertainty. A prolonged conflict could delay rate cuts and crimp global growth.”

Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year note climbing above 4.10%, reflecting bets on higher-for-longer borrowing costs. The dollar strengthened against major currencies, while energy and defense stocks provided pockets of relative strength amid broader weakness in consumer discretionary, airlines and tech.

Airlines bore heavy losses from surging fuel costs and flight disruptions: United, American and Delta each fell 3-4%. Broader consumer sectors faced headwinds as higher energy bills threaten household spending.

The Dow’s retreat follows a mixed start to 2026, with the index showing resilience earlier through rotation into value and cyclical names. Yet the latest shock has accelerated a defensive stance, testing support levels near 47,500-48,000. Analysts warn that persistent oil elevation above $80 could complicate the economic soft-landing narrative that buoyed equities through much of the prior cycle.

Global markets echoed the turmoil. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 7.2% — its worst day in years — as a major energy importer. Japan’s Nikkei fell 3.1%, while European benchmarks like the FTSE 100 dropped 2.6% and Germany’s DAX slid 3.4%. Shipping rates surged to record highs on rerouting and insurance concerns.

Investors monitored diplomatic channels for de-escalation signals, alongside any further military developments. President Donald Trump indicated operations could continue for weeks, with no firm timeline, heightening uncertainty. U.S. officials emphasized strikes aimed at neutralizing threats, but Iran’s threats to global energy chokepoints kept caution dominant.

Energy producers and defense contractors offered counterpoints, with gains in select names on bets of elevated demand and spending. Yet the broader equity sell-off reflected fears of secondary effects: renewed inflation, supply chain strains and potential consumer pullback.

Looking ahead, traders await key economic data and corporate earnings that could either reinforce or ease concerns. The conflict’s trajectory will likely dictate near-term sentiment, with oil stability as a critical barometer.

The Dow’s performance underscores markets’ vulnerability to geopolitical shocks in 2026, balancing long-term growth optimism against immediate inflationary and supply threats from the Middle East.

As trading unfolds, participants brace for volatility, with the index’s defensive characteristics — lower beta components — providing some cushion amid the storm.