How the US and Israel weakened and blinded Iran to take control of its skies in the opening hours
Business Insider
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US and Israel have achieved localized air superiority over Iran in the early stages of their conflict. This dominance allows their warplanes to operate relatively freely in Iranian airspace. By using cyber and space operations, they disrupted Iran's command systems, rendering it unable to respond effectively. Over 100 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and drones, were launched from land and sea to target key infrastructure like air defense systems, naval forces, and ballistic missile sites.
The operation, named "Epic Fury" by the Pentagon, involved hundreds of missions and tens of thousands of munitions. This campaign significantly degraded Iran's ability to defend its airspace. Israel, in particular, focused on dismantling air defenses in western and central Iran, achieving aerial superiority over Tehran. The establishment of this dominance enables shorter-range precision attacks, reducing costs compared to standoff weapons.
Despite the tactical advantage, risks remain. A friendly fire incident occurred when Kuwaiti defenses mistakenly shot down three US F-15E jets. Additionally, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes, targeting not only Israel but also US bases in the Gulf and other regional countries. The US and its allies have countered by shooting down hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones.
This conflict poses significant economic implications. The destruction of infrastructure and ongoing military operations could disrupt regional trade, energy supplies, and global markets. The cost of weapons systems used in such conflicts can strain defense budgets and divert resources from other priorities. For businesses, understanding the geopolitical landscape is crucial for assessing risks and opportunities in the Middle East.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between military strategy and economic interests. While air superiority provides a tactical edge, the broader implications for global security and commerce require close monitoring by business leaders and policymakers alike.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/2/2026