The U.S. military has revealed that artificial intelligence systems are being used to assist with operational planning and targeting during the attack on Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. This technology helps commanders process large amounts of information and speed decision-making during complex combat operations.
Details about the use of AI were shared by Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander in charge of the operation, who explained how advanced digital tools are supporting U.S. forces during operations. According to published information, more than 5,500 targets have already been attacked during the operation with the help of modern analysis systems.
One of the main technological solutions involved in the targeting process is the Maven system used by the Department of Defense. It was developed with the involvement of Palantir Technologies. The platform analyzes large datasets and helps military planners identify potential targets and decide which to prioritize.
According to the report, some of Maven’s analytical capabilities rely on artificial intelligence models originally developed by Anthropic. Although the Claude model produced by Anthropic has reportedly been placed on a government blacklist, commanders appear to continue to access similar analytical capabilities through intermediate platforms integrated into existing systems.
Cooper explained in his public report that the United States is committed to eliminating Iran’s ability to threaten the U.S. military and its allies. He stressed that the current strategy combines firepower, precision and technological innovation to achieve operational efficiency.
He said the U.S. military is now using advanced AI systems to rapidly analyze large amounts of operational data. This capability allows commanders to filter out irrelevant information and make decisions faster and more accurately than opposing forces can react.
Despite the growing role of automated analysis, Cooper emphasized that humans are still responsible for the final decision to use force. He explained that while AI significantly speeds up a process that previously took hours or even days, the final authority to authorize a strike still rests with the human operator.
The commander’s remarks are consistent with a previous statement by Pentagon officials in February 2026 regarding the expanding role of artificial intelligence in military operations. At the same time, rapid developments in AI technology and an evolving global security environment continue to heighten the debate about how autonomous systems will shape future warfare.
