United States Department of Defense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is the executive branch department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the United States Armed Forces. It is currently newsworthy due to escalating tensions with Iran. Recent reports indicate the DoD is preparing for potential weeks-long ground operations in Iran, involving special forces and infantry. These plans are reportedly part of an operation called ‘Epic Fury.’ The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has stated that the coming days in the conflict with Iran will be ‘decisive.’ Simultaneously, the DoD is facing scrutiny regarding allegations that Hegseth's broker sought investments in weapons companies prior to the war, which the Pentagon denies. Furthermore, the DoD is involved in a legal dispute with AI firm Anthropic over the use of artificial intelligence in the military, with a judge temporarily blocking the Pentagon's actions against the company. The DoD is also increasing missile production due to the ongoing conflict.