US Military Uses AI in Iran Operations, Highlights Human Oversight

Admiral Bradley Cooper, who leads US military operations in the Middle East as Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said AI tools were actively used to process large volumes of battlefield information and support decision-making.

"I met with teams who were employing AI every single day to help us sift through vast amounts of information to help us make decisions faster," he said at a Pentagon briefing.

He emphasised that human oversight remained central to operations.

"Humans are always in the loop in this process," he said.

Cooper spoke alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as officials outlined details of recent operations and the current ceasefire phase.

The remarks come after what US officials described as intensive combat operations under 'Operation Epic Fury', followed by a pause in fighting as a ceasefire takes hold.

Beyond AI, Cooper pointed to the use of a range of advanced capabilities, including cyber operations, space-based systems and unmanned platforms, though he declined to provide operational specifics.

"I met with our Space Force teams and our cyber specialists, whose work cannot be discussed, but who serve with indispensable impact," he said.

He also described the adaptation of enemy technology for US use, including modified drones.

"These were originally Iranian designed drones... we brought them back to America, took the guts out, put a made American stamp on them and fired them right back to Iran," he said.

Officials said the integration of such technologies was part of a broader effort to accelerate decision-making and improve operational effectiveness across the battlefield.

Despite the pause in major combat operations, US forces remain on high readiness.

Cooper said troops were using the ceasefire period to enhance capabilities.

"We're rearming, we're retooling, and we're adjusting our tactics," he added.

Air Force General Caine said the joint force retained the ability to resume operations quickly if needed.

"The United States Joint Force remains postured and ready to resume major combat operations at literally a moment's notice," he added.

The Pentagon said the use of AI and advanced systems reflects a broader transformation in US military doctrine, with increasing emphasis on data-driven operations and multi-domain integration.

Cooper said the experience in the Iran conflict underscored the importance of combining technological innovation with human expertise.

He highlighted the role of service members in interpreting data and executing decisions in complex environments.

- IANS