The conflict marks the first instance of AI-based military decision-support systems being deployed at scale in actual combat environments.

A research report by TRENDS Research & Advisory confirmed that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran represents an unprecedented qualitative shift in military operations and decision-making. The report noted that this conflict marks the first instance of AI-based military decision-support systems being deployed at scale in actual combat environments.

The new comparative report, titled AI Utilization in the Israel-USA-Iran Conflict, prepared by Noor Saif Fares Al Mazrouei, Senior Researcher at TRENDS, explained that the United States leads in leveraging AI by integrating it into targeting systems and operational decision-making. It has relied on the “Maven Smart System,” enhanced with AI technologies to analyze intelligence data in real time, enabling it to identify more than 1,000 targets within 24 hours and reduce the decision-making cycle by 70–80%.

The report indicated that Israel adopts a different strategy based on multi-layered AI-powered defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and Iron Beam, as well as targeting systems like “Lavender” and The

Gospel. These systems achieve interception rates of 85% to 90% and significant reductions in operational costs through the use of laser technologies.

In contrast, the report explained that Iran follows an asymmetric approach to AI utilization, focusing on cyber operations, influence campaigns, and the use of drones. It has developed low-cost offensive tools powered by AI, with cyber-intrusion success rates estimated at 45%-55%, and has deployed Shahed drones for precision offensive operations.

The report highlighted that the divergence in the strategies of the three countries reflects differences in their technological and military capabilities. The United States relies on speed and integration in decision-making, Israel emphasizes multi-layered defensive efficiency, while Iran focuses on low-cost, distributed, and deniable operations.

The report also warned of increasing risks associated with the use of AI in warfare, most notably the acceleration of escalation due to reduced human involvement in decision-making, the difficulty of attributing responsibility in cyber operations, and the existence of a regulatory gap, as current legal frameworks remain unable to keep pace with rapid advancements in military AI applications.

The report concluded that the ongoing conflict represents a historic turning point in modern warfare, with artificial intelligence emerging as a decisive factor

in shaping the balance of power—offering opportunities to enhance military efficiency, while simultaneously posing risks to regional and international stability.