As tensions escalate in the Middle East, a new theory known as the “Pentagon Pizza Index” has gained traction online. This theory suggests that spikes in pizza deliveries to the Pentagon and Department of Defense could indicate that the U.S. is preparing for a crisis. Interest in this concept surged on June 12 and 13, when social media users noted a noticeable increase in pizza orders in the vicinity of these military landmarks, following reports that Israel had launched airstrikes against Iran.
The origin of the theory can be traced back to the Cold War when Soviet operatives began monitoring pizza delivery patterns in Washington, giving rise to what they called “Pizzint,” short for pizza intelligence. The first public acknowledgment of this phenomenon came in 1990 when a Washington-based Domino’s franchisee reported a surge in deliveries to CIA buildings just before Iraq invaded Kuwait. Former CNN reporter Wolf Blitzer humorously suggested that journalists should keep an eye on pizza orders during tense times.
In recent years, the Pentagon Pizza Index has utilized open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools to track pizza deliveries. Platforms such as Google Maps and social media have aided amateur analysts in observing delivery trends near significant government locations. For instance, an account monitoring such delivery spikes posted observations during a recent escalation on June 1, 2025, indicating that heightened pizza orders correlated with military actions.
The concept suggests that military personnel during national emergencies often rely on quick, calorie-dense comfort foods like pizza, particularly when they are required to work extended hours. However, experts caution that while the Index can hint at activity, it can also be influenced by unrelated events, such as a sports game or a meeting.
The article also touches on the government’s response to such theories, with officials remaining tight-lipped about the pizza delivery coincidence. As Senator Marco Rubio stated, the U.S. is not involved in strikes against Iran and is focused on protecting American troops.
The intersection of humor and anxiety in the age of digital analysis provides a unique lens through which people are viewing national security. The Pentagon Pizza Index transforms pizza deliveries into an unusual yet captivating potential indicator of military readiness.
In a world where information is constantly monitored, this quirky theory presents a blend of cultural commentary and social analysis, underscoring how even the simplest observations can spark intrigue about larger geopolitical events.