US military used Anthropic AI tools in strikes on Iran
The US Pentagon reportedly used Anthropic's Claude AI tools during military strikes against Iran in Operation Epic Fury launched on February 28, 2026, though neither the Pentagon nor Anthropic disclosed how the tools were employed. The strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities using stealth bombers, drones, and fighter jets, and came after the US had previously identified Anthropic as a national security risk.
What happened
The Pentagon reportedly used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during military strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. Reuters reported that the US deployed B-2 stealth bombers, suicide drones, fighter jets, and other weapons in the strikes targeting Iranian military and naval sites, including underground missile facilities.
No official comment was issued by the Pentagon or Anthropic on how the AI tools were used in the operation. Reuters reported that it could not determine the specific manner in which the tools were deployed in the military effort.
Reported impact
The strikes targeted key Iranian military and naval sites, missile facilities, and areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office, aiming to remove immediate threats to American forces and allies in the Middle East and to send a warning to Iran regarding its nuclear activities.
Index analysis
The use of Anthropic's tools in the strikes came shortly after the US had declared Anthropic a supply chain risk and threat to national security.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.