Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel said Friday that the Iran war is creating short-term volatility for the company's operations [1].

The comments come as investors seek clarity on how geopolitical instability affects one of the world's largest holding companies. Because Berkshire Hathaway maintains a diverse portfolio of global assets, its risk management strategies during wartime serve as a bellwether for broader market stability.

Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on May 1, 2026, Abel discussed the firm's approach to navigating the current conflict [1, 2]. He said that the company is focused on operational continuity despite the external pressures.

"It's heads down and we're going to work our way through this," Abel said [1].

Abel said that while the conflict introduces immediate instability, it has not shifted the fundamental direction of the company. He said that the organization is prioritizing risk management to mitigate the effects of the war on its various business segments [2].

"The Iran war adds some short‑term volatility, but our long‑term strategy remains unchanged," Abel said [1].

The interview focused on how the conglomerate is balancing its stock portfolio and operational risks amidst the ongoing geopolitical tension [2]. Abel did not provide specific financial losses or gains tied to the conflict, instead focusing on the company's resilience and commitment to its established goals.

“"The Iran war adds some short‑term volatility, but our long‑term strategy remains unchanged."”

Abel's insistence on a 'heads down' approach suggests that Berkshire Hathaway is treating the Iran war as a manageable operational hurdle rather than a systemic threat to its business model. By decoupling short-term volatility from long-term strategy, the company aims to reassure shareholders that its diversified structure can absorb geopolitical shocks without requiring a pivot in investment philosophy.