U.S. forces have concluded operations against Iran following retaliatory strikes launched in response to the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter, sparking a sharp political divide in Washington. The U.S. military confirmed the conclusion of the mission, which U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) characterized as a proportional self-defense response to unjustified Iranian aggression. The conflict has drawn criticism from Senate Democrats who question the President's priorities, while Republicans have rallied behind the administration's strong military posture. Defense stocks moved in after-hours trading, reflecting market sensitivity to the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Political Fallout Over Strikes

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict, accusing him of prioritizing a basketball game over a military crisis. In a post on X, Schumer wrote, "American soldiers were shot down in Iran as Trump was wasting taxpayer dollars to fall asleep while watching the Knicks." He argued that each day the "illegal war" drags on exposes the President's recklessness. Schumer highlighted the timing of Trump's activity on Truth Social, noting the president reposted content hours after the helicopter incident.

Conversely, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) backed Trump's approach, stating that Iran was rebuilding its military and warning that the U.S. needed a strong response. "President Trump is absolutely right" on retaliation, Cruz said. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expressed relief that the service members survived but called the conflict an "unauthorized war" that must end to prevent further casualties.

Military Operations and Targets

The Apache helicopter was downed while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump confirming that two pilots were on board and were safe and uninjured. Prior to the helicopter incident, U.S. forces had intercepted four Iranian one-way attack drones near the strategic waterway. In response to U.S. strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait with missiles and fired on four unauthorized tankers attempting to transit the strait.

CENTCOM initiated the strikes at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, targeting Iranian air-defense systems, radar sites, and ground-control facilities. President Trump ordered the strikes and blamed Iran for the incident, stating the response should be "very strong," though he later downplayed the downing as "not a big deal" since the pilots survived.

The following table summarizes the key military developments in the escalating standoff:

Market Reaction

Defense stocks moved in after-hours trading following the news of the strikes. The iShares Defense Industrials Act ETF (NASDAQ: IDEF) was the sharpest mover, surging 10.41% to $35.20. General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) added 1.22% to $349.89, while Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) was essentially flat at $530.23. RTX Corp. (NYSE: RTX), maker of the Patriot missile system and Tomahawk cruise missile, edged up 0.25% to $182.02. The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS: ITA) and State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: XAR) held their close prices at $230.34 and $273.30, respectively.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows President Donald Trump with a 35% approval rating, unchanged from mid-May, as 59% of voters expect gas prices to worsen following the U.S. attack on Iran in February. The disapproval rating stands at 63%, resulting in a net approval of -28, just above the 34% low recorded in April during his second term. Voter sentiment on economic management and foreign policy appears to be driving the negative outlook.

Voter sentiment on gas prices and Iran War

The poll highlights significant pessimism regarding the economic impact of the Iran War. Only 17% of voters believe gas prices will improve, while 13% expect them to stay the same. The majority, 59%, anticipate prices will get worse, with 11% unsure or skipping the question.

Regarding the military action in Iran, only 25% of voters consider it worth it, compared to 53% who say it is not. The remaining 23% are unsure or did not respond.

Cost-of-living management disapproval

Voters express strong dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the cost-of-living. Only 22% approve of his management in this area, while 70% disapprove. This rating is worse than the final marks for former President Joe Biden, who had a 29% approval and 63% disapproval for cost-of-living management at the end of his term during a period of high inflation.

Congressional election outlook

The negative sentiment toward Trump's management and the ongoing conflict in Iran may impact future electoral prospects. If congressional elections were held today, voters are more likely to support the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate by a 41% to 37% margin. The remaining voters are undecided or did not indicate a preference.