In the months leading up to the Iran conflict, several politicians purchased shares in major defense contractors poised to benefit from war.

Notably, strikes began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian targets. 

In such an environment, companies producing fighter jets, missiles, radar systems, and other military hardware typically see revenues and stock prices rise as governments expand defense budgets and replenish stockpiles.

In this context, Finbold has identified two such stocks that saw activity from Congress. 

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was among the defense giants whose shares were purchased by a sitting member of Congress months before the strikes.

For instance, Representative Gilbert Cisneros of California bought shares on November 18, 2025, in a transaction valued between $1,000 and $15,000.

The timing of the Congress trade raises questions, given his role on committees that receive classified briefings on foreign threats and military planning.

As a leading manufacturer of fighter jets and advanced missile systems, Lockheed Martin typically benefits when conflict escalates, with new contracts and faster procurement boosting profits.

Just days after the February 28 strikes, LMT stock surged, rewarding those positioned ahead of the crisis. 

However, the stock has since lost most of those gains in line with the broader market. By press time, LMT shares were valued at $613, down 7% over the past month.

RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX) 

RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX) was another defense stock that saw suspicious purchases from multiple U.S. lawmakers. For instance, then-Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma acquired shares on December 29, 2025, valued between $15,000 and $50,000.

A week earlier, on December 22, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and Representative Roger Williams each bought shares in the $1,000 to $15,000 range. 

These trades came as tensions with Iran were rising, but before any public confirmation of military action.

Notably, RTX specializes in missile defense systems, radar technology, and precision munitions, products that typically see surging demand during conflict. Its shares jumped sharply after the February 28 strikes, benefiting early investors.

By press time, RTX stock was valued at $192, having corrected about 2% in the past month. 

Overall, the pattern raises concerns, as these lawmakers serve on defense and foreign affairs committees with access to sensitive information on potential military actions. 

Such insight could signal shifts in defense spending that directly benefit contractors.

At the same time, buying shares shortly before the strikes creates the appearance that non-public information may have influenced these trades, intensifying criticism of rules that allow members of Congress to trade individual stocks.