Defense Stocks to Watch as Israel-Iran Conflict Heats Up
From Antimony Mines to Missile Systems: Stocks Poised to Profit in a Tense Geopolitical Climate

The Middle East is ablaze with geopolitical tension, as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies as of June 23, 2025, driving investors to seek military stocks ready to surge on heightened defense spending. From cutting-edge missile systems to battle-tested combat vehicles, the companies listed below are primed to thrive amid the chaos. Featuring top defense industry titans, this guide, packed with solid data and a touch of market swagger, unveils the top five military stocks to watch—because when global tensions spike, so do investment prospects.
Lockheed Martin (LMT): The Defense Titan Built for Conflict
Lockheed Martin struts onto the scene as the undisputed king of defense contractors. Known for its F-35 fighter jets and THAAD missile defense systems, this US giant is a cornerstone supplier to Israel, making it a direct player in the Israel-Iran conflict. As of May 30, 2025, Morgan Stanley slapped an Overweight rating on Lockheed, with a price target of $575 against a closing price of $482.38, signaling a 19.2% upside potential (1). With the US defense budget climbing to $923.3 billion for fiscal 2025—a 4.1% jump from 2024—Lockheed’s order book is as robust as its jets (1). As Iran’s missile threats keep Israel on high alert, Lockheed’s stock is primed to soar, backed by its unmatched expertise in high-stakes warfare.
Military Metals Corp (MILIF): The Antimony Maverick Powering Defense
Military Metals (OTCQB: MILIF | CSE: MILI), is a rising star in the military supply chain. This mineral exploration company focuses on antimony, a critical metal used in night vision goggles, explosive formulations, and infrared sensors. Its West Gore project in Nova Scotia, Canada’s most prominent past-producing antimony mine, positions it to tap into a historically significant resource with renewed strategic value (2). And Its projects in Nevada and Slovakia position it to capitalize on global supply chain concerns, especially as antimony becomes a strategic asset. Antimony prices have hit all-time highs in 2025, fueling a staggering 8,716.75% market cap surge for Military Metals, from CAD 0.51 million in January 2024 to CAD 41.95 million by January 2025 (3). The Israel-Iran conflict could supercharge demand for antimony, making this small-cap a speculative gem with serious upside. Risky? Sure. But for investors chasing high-reward plays, Military Metals is a name to watch.
Northrop Grumman (NOC): Cybersecurity and Firepower in One Package
Northrop Grumman brings a lethal combination of military aircraft, missile systems, and cybersecurity to the table, making it a standout in this conflict-driven market. Its tech is critical for modern warfare, and with the Pentagon’s budget ballooning, Northrop is set to cash in. Morgan Stanley rated it Overweight, with a price target of $570 against a May 30, 2025, closing price of $484.77, pointing to a 17.6% upside (1). As the Israel-Iran tensions fuel demand for advanced defense systems, Northrop’s diverse portfolio—from stealth bombers to cyber defenses—ensures it’s a safe bet for investors who like their stocks as resilient as their tech.
RTX Corporation (RTX): The Iron Dome Powerhouse
RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is the brains behind Israel’s Iron Dome and other missile defense systems, placing it squarely in the crosshairs of the Israel-Iran conflict. Trading near its 52-week high at $136.48 on May 30, 2025, RTX carries a Morgan Stanley Overweight rating, though its $135 price target suggests a slight 1.1% downside (1). With a financial health score of 2.54/GOOD, RTX is a rock-solid pick for investors betting on Israel’s defense needs (1). If the conflict escalates, RTX’s systems could see a surge in orders, potentially pushing its stock past cautious analyst forecasts. This is a company that shines when the stakes are sky-high.
General Dynamics (GD): The Battle-Tested Workhorse
General Dynamics rounds out the list with its arsenal of combat vehicles, submarines, and weapons systems. From Abrams tanks to naval destroyers, its products are staples for nations bracing for uncertainty. While specific 2025 analyst targets are less prominent in recent reports, General Dynamics’ broad exposure to global defense markets makes it a reliable choice. With defense budgets swelling worldwide, this company is built to deliver steady gains for investors who prefer their stocks as durable as their hardware.
The Israel-Iran conflict is a high-stakes game, and investing in it comes with risks. Recent analyses warn of market volatility if the US gets pulled in, with oil price spikes potentially shaking equities (4). Defense stocks, while cushioned by government contracts, aren’t bulletproof. Military Metals' small-cap status makes it a wild card, while giants like Lockheed and RTX offer stability but depend on consistent government spending. The fiscal 2025 defense budget’s $923.3 billion allocation is a strong tailwind, but geopolitical curveballs could shift the landscape (1).
Why these five? Military Metals, with its West Gore antimony play, offers speculative sizzle, while Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, and General Dynamics provide the blue-chip steak. Together, they span the spectrum from critical materials to cutting-edge weaponry, all tied to the Israel-Iran conflict’s demand surge. Investors should move cautiously, consult financial advisors, and keep their eyes on the headlines. In a world where geopolitics and markets collide, these stocks are ready to make waves.
Sources
- 7 Best Defense Stocks to Buy Now | Investing | U.S. News
- Military Metals Corp Official Website
- Military Metals Corp: A Rising Star in the Mineral Exploration Sector
- Investors see quick stock market drop if US joins Israel-Iran conflict | Reuters
Disclaimer
The author holds shares in Military Metals Corp and may buy or sell at any time. This article is for informational purposes only, was prepared independently without company involvement, and utilized AI assistance. It is not investment advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
