Clint Barton operates as S.H.I.E.L.D. special agent Hawkeye. His primary partner is fellow agent Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. After Tony Stark's experimental satellite defense system is compromised and Iron Man escapes S.H.I.E.L.D. custody following implication in a catastrophic attack linked to the biotechnological weapon Technovore, Hawkeye receives direct orders from S.H.I.E.L.D. leadership, including Nick Fury, to apprehend Iron Man. This mission targets Iron Man's unauthorized actions and independent investigation into the threat posed by Ezekiel Stane. Hawkeye pursues and attempts to detain Iron Man, with operational parameters authorizing lethal force if necessary. He coordinates closely with Black Widow during this assignment, engaging in confrontations across global locations, including Shanghai. Hawkeye's actions form part of the broader S.H.I.E.L.D. effort to contain the Technovore crisis and neutralize Ezekiel Stane.