Donald Trump’s Iran Strikes | New Face of AI Warfare — How the US Hit 1,000 Iranian Targets in 24 Hours
According to a report by The Washington Post, AI-enabled systems helped the U.S. military launch nearly 900 missiles on Iranian targets within the first 12 hours of the operation. During these initial strikes, reports indicate that a missile hit the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in his death.
The unprecedented destruction witnessed during the first 24 hours of the U.S. military operation against Iran was not driven by conventional strategy alone—it was powered by one of the world’s most advanced AI-enabled systems. According to a report by The Washington Post, the U.S. military, using artificial intelligence, launched nearly 900 missiles within the first 12 hours, crippling key Iranian targets. Among these initial strikes, the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly hit, resulting in his death.
What is the Maven Smart System?
The operation was run using the Maven Smart System, an advanced data-processing platform developed by U.S. technology firm Palantir Technologies. The system is capable of analyzing vast amounts of classified intelligence collected from satellites, surveillance platforms, and other military sources. According to sources familiar with the technology, Maven processes intelligence feeds in real time and provides targeting recommendations to military commanders. It can also prioritize potential strike locations based on operational importance.
Role of the AI Model “Claude”
Maven integrates an AI model called Claude, developed by Anthropic. Reports indicate that Claude helps analyze intelligence inputs, identify potential targets, and rank them according to strategic significance. AI tools are also used to assess the impact of strikes once operations begin, enabling commanders to evaluate results quickly and adjust plans accordingly. The U.S. military uses this AI through a partnership with Anthropic, integrating the technology into Palantir’s intelligence platform.
AI as a Core Military Tool
The Maven Smart System has become an essential tool for the U.S. armed forces. By May 2025, more than 20,000 military personnel were actively using the platform to process real-time intelligence from satellites and surveillance systems. The report notes that commanders have become heavily reliant on the system because of its ability to rapidly interpret large volumes of sensitive data.
Growing Dependence on AI in Warfare
The report further emphasizes that reliance on this AI platform is so significant that if Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei were to direct the military to stop using the technology, the Trump administration could potentially invoke government powers to maintain access until an alternative system is ready. This development underscores how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern warfare, enabling faster intelligence analysis and accelerated operational decision-making.