Is US planning to attack Iran? ‘Pentagon Pizza Index’ trends as nine C-17 Globemasters en route to Middle East

Is the United States planning action against Iran? Nine C-17 Globemasters reportedly en route to the region as ‘Pentagon Pizza Index’ resurfaces online

As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, US military planning for potential action against Tehran has reached an advanced stage, with options that could include targeting specific individuals or even pursuing regime change if ordered by President Donald Trump, two US officials told Reuters.

Military movements toward the Middle East have increased significantly in recent days. Flight tracking data shared on social media indicates that at least nine Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft are en route to the region.

Each C-17 can transport up to 77 tonnes of cargo, meaning the nine aircraft could collectively move roughly 700 tonnes of matériel. However, Moneycontrol could not independently verify the routes of the C-17 aircraft.

🚨 Increased U.S. military airlift activity toward the Middle East. At least 9 🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft have been tracked en route, signaling a noticeable uptick in logistical movements.

Source: @Osint613#USAirForce#C17#MiddleEast#MilitaryAirlift#OSINTpic.twitter.com/tfKR1fP4oP — The War Journal (@Thewarjurnal_) February 22, 2026

Additional movements reportedly include more than 100 transport aircraft repositioned within 48 hours, dozens of aerial refuelling tankers redeployed, and a substantial increase in combat aircraft presence. US officials have not publicly confirmed specific deployment numbers.

On February 20, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was reported to be transiting through Gibraltar. Around the same time, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he was “considering” limited strikes. Reports also indicated personnel movements at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, though the Pentagon has not released detailed public confirmation.

According to Axios, Trump has been presented with options that include directly targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader. Senator Lindsey Graham publicly urged Trump to override advisers who were cautioning against military action.

Claims of an imminent strike remain unverified

CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, who previously served in the agency’s counterproliferation operations, claimed in a podcast that his sources suggested a possible strike as early as Monday.

His sourcing is unverified and should be treated as single-source intelligence with all the uncertainty that implies.

Separately, social media posts claimed: “NEW: Trump is moving more weapons, ammunition, and equipment to the Middle East with at least 9 Boeing C-17s en route. Pizza orders are up near the Pentagon and gay bar traffic is DOWN putting us at DOUGHCON 4. CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou claims there could be an attack on Iranian soil as soon as Monday.”

🚨 NEW: Trump is moving more weapons, ammunition, and equipment to the Middle East with at least 9 Boeing C-17s en route. Pizza orders are up near the Pentagon and gay bar traffic is DOWN putting us at DOUGHCON 4. CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou claims there could be an attack on… pic.twitter.com/HyU9Go1saL — Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) February 22, 2026

There has been no official confirmation from the White House or the Pentagon regarding the timing of any potential military action.

The developments come amid heightened rhetoric and rapid military repositioning in the region, though Washington has not announced a formal decision to launch strikes.

The Pentagon pizza theory

Amid the heightened military activity, a long-circulating internet theory known as the “Pentagon Pizza Index” has resurfaced on social media.

An X account called Pentagon Pizza Report, which tracks online order activity around government facilities such as the Pentagon and CIA headquarters, reported above-average traffic in recent days.

The account stated that "Various pizzerias nearby the Pentagon are reporting above average traffic." It also mentioned, "Pizzato Pizza and Wiseguy Pizza, pizzerias nearby the Pentagon, are reporting above average traffic."

The closest Dominos and Papa Johns to MacDill Air Force Base both report above average traffic. As of 8:45pm ET pic.twitter.com/Jb5LloE6zM — Pentagon Pizza Report (@PenPizzaReport) February 22, 2026

Despite renewed online interest, officials have never confirmed any correlation between pizza delivery patterns and classified military planning. The theory remains speculative and unproven.

The theory suggests that an unusual spike in late-night pizza orders near US intelligence and defence headquarters could indicate an impending national security crisis or military operation. While the idea has gained viral traction over the years, there is no verified evidence supporting a direct link between pizza sales and military decisions.