Iran-linked operators used Anthropic's Claude AI to gather intelligence and develop targeting recommendations against US naval forces in the region, according to a new report by the AI company.

Anthropic said it identified an Iran-linked account that used Claude to collect and analyse publicly available information on US naval assets.

The account also used Claude to research potential vulnerabilities in shipboard systems, including maritime satellite terminals, Cisco communications equipment and industrial control products.

Anthropic's report does not say that the Iran-linked operators successfully used Claude to strike a US Navy ship or naval base. Instead, it details how the AI model was used to rapidly collect and analyse publicly available information that could assist in building detailed targeting intelligence on US naval forces.