![UCL R16 set; Man City, Real Madrid renew rivalry, PSG face Chelsea [SEE FULL FIXTURES]](https://radarrnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/images-3-360x180.png)
Israel and the United States deployed artificial intelligence(AI) tools alongside detailed CIA intelligence to plan and execute the strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to separate accounts by the The Wall Street Journal and the The New York Times.
Citing sources familiar with the operation, The Wall Street Journal reported that the attack was aided by “Claude,” an artificial intelligence system developed by Anthropic, which was reportedly used for intelligence assessments, target identification and battle simulations. The report noted that military headquarters worldwide, including United States Central Command (CENTCOM), have deployed the tool in operational planning. CENTCOM declined to comment on the specific systems used in the strike.
In its own detailed account, The New York Times reported that the CIA had tracked Khamenei for months, building what officials described as “high fidelity” intelligence on his movements and patterns. According to people briefed on the operation, the agency learned of a rare Saturday morning gathering of senior Iranian officials at a leadership compound in central Tehran, where Khamenei was expected to be present.
Officials familiar with the decision-making process told the Times that Washington and Tel Aviv adjusted the timing of the strike to capitalize on what was described as a “window of opportunity.”
The two governments had initially planned a nighttime operation but shifted to a daylight strike after confirming the leadership meeting.
The Times reported that senior members of Iran’s security establishment attended the meeting, including Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, military council head Ali Shamkhani, Aerospace Force commander, Seyed Majid Mousavi, and Deputy Intelligence Minister Mohammad Shirazi.
An Israeli security official quoted by the Times said the operation was carried out simultaneously at several sites in Tehran, including the compound hosting the political-security leadership meeting, achieving what he described as “tactical surprise” despite Iran’s wartime preparations.
Both publications said the CIA shared its intelligence with Israel, which combined it with its own surveillance and operational planning in a strike months in preparation, culminating in the targeted killing of top Iranian officials, including Khamenei.
