In a video statement on Wednesday, the head of U.S. Central Command, Brad Cooper, confirmed the military's operational use of multiple artificial intelligence systems in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Cooper stated these tools are employed to rapidly analyze large volumes of information, a task he said previously took hours or days.

"These systems help our personnel sort through immense datasets quickly," Cooper explained. "This allows for informed decision-making at a pace that maintains an advantage." He emphasized that final determinations on the use of force remain with human operators.

The confirmation arrives amid international scrutiny over civilian casualties. Iranian state media, including the Red Crescent Society, has reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure and casualties running into the hundreds from airstrikes since hostilities escalated earlier this year. These reports, which include claims of strikes on schools and medical facilities, have not been independently verified. The U.S. has not commented on specific incidents.

Separately, the Pentagon's push for advanced technology has sparked a legal dispute with AI firm Anthropic. The company, which had a defense contract, sued the administration after being barred from government business. Anthropic alleges the move came after it insisted its models not be used for autonomous weapons. A Pentagon spokesperson stated the department will procure necessary technology to support its missions.

The situation highlights the complex intersection of emerging technology, military strategy, and ethical debates as AI becomes integrated into modern warfare.

Source: Al Jazeera