WASHINGTON: Hours after US President Donald Trump imposed a ban on the use of Anthropic’s artificial intelligence technology in government operations, reports have emerged that the US military used the same AI model during its air campaign against Iran. According to a Wall Street Journal report, US Central Command reportedly relied on Anthropic’s Claude AI during the airstrikes on Iran, sparking renewed debate over the intersection of national security strategy and technology policy.
AI on the Battlefield
The report stated that the AI system was used during military operations for intelligence analysis, potential target identification, and digital simulation of combat scenarios. Military experts believe artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in modern warfare. Such technology is considered useful for rapidly processing complex data and predicting potential threats.
White House Ban and Political Tensions
The Trump administration had restricted the use of Anthropic’s technology in federal government work, citing national security risks. The President publicly criticized the company’s policies, describing it as a politically biased and “woke” technology firm. He also instructed all federal agencies to immediately discontinue the use of Anthropic’s systems.
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Six-Month Transition Window
However, the Department of Defense and other federal agencies were reportedly given a six-month phase-out period to transition to alternative technologies. Experts say the US military has become heavily dependent on AI-based systems for intelligence and operational planning, making an abrupt transition difficult. The phase-out window was intended to allow a systematic shift from existing technology to new platforms.
Strategic Dependence on Private AI Firms
According to reports, the military continued using Claude AI in a limited capacity during this transition period. The revelation has raised questions about whether the ban policy was fully implemented. Security analysts say finding an immediate replacement for specialized military AI tools is challenging, particularly when the technology is used for intelligence and strategic warfare planning.
Pentagon operations have previously been linked to the use of AI technology in certain sensitive missions. Reports had earlier suggested that similar technological assistance may have been used in a high-profile operation related to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, the US Department of Defense has not officially confirmed these claims.
Ethical and Geopolitical Debate
Analysts point out that the use of AI in military operations remains a politically and strategically divisive issue in the United States. While one section views such technology as essential for national security, others warn about overreliance on private technology companies and potential ethical risks.
What Comes Next for US Military AI Strategy?
The Pentagon now faces the challenge of developing an alternative technological infrastructure before the six-month phase-out period ends. There are also reports of possible discussions with OpenAI for future collaboration, although no official agreement has been confirmed.
Experts believe it remains important to observe whether the US military will completely phase out Anthropic’s technology or adopt a new AI system. With the growing role of artificial intelligence in global military strategy, this issue is becoming a significant element of international technology politics.
