Why is internet talking about US’ ‘Pentagon Pizza Index’ theory amid Israel-Iran conflict

Social media users are sharing various posts about the "Pentagon Pizza Index" following Israel's airstrikes on Iran.

Updated on: Jun 13, 2025, 12:53:46 IST

By Trisha Sengupta

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Call it the “Pizza Index” or “Pentagon Pizza Index,” the internet is busy talking about this viral theory, which has made a comeback amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. People have been posting their opinions, with some resorting to memes, to discuss what this theory related to America means following Israeli strikes targeting high-value targets in Iran.

"Pentagon Pizza Index" posts amid the Israel-Iran conflict have created a buzz on X. (Representational image). (Pixabay)

What is the “Pentagon Pizza Index”?

According to a report by Euro News, it concerns tracking pizza delivery orders in the Pentagon. The theory is that when the agents are particularly busy and unable to leave their stations, the pizza orders increase. This indicates that something big is brewing or that the Department of Defence is working to combat an imminent crisis.

Also Read: Flights rapidly exit Iran skies after Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 timelapse reveals

There is a dedicated X page that claims to track the volume of delivery orders of pizzerias around the Pentagon. As per a post they shared earlier on June 13, order volume at a nearby Domino's suddenly increased. Social media users believe that the timing coincided with Israel’s airstrikes on Iran.

It is interesting to mention what Donald Trump's Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, Marco Rubio, said about the Israeli strikes on Iran. “We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense."

Not a new theory?

Returning to the viral theory, Euro News reports that it isn't new but dates back to the Cold War.

Also Read: Tehran skyscraper engulfed in flames: Chilling footage of burning high-rise after Israel's military strikes in Iran

Reportedly, the Soviet intelligence used pizza deliveries as a clue to looming emergencies. In fact, in 1990, Frank Meeks of a Domino's franchisee in Washington noticed there was a sudden surge of orders delivered to CIA buildings. This was on the eve of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which ultimately kicked off the Gulf War.

Meeks later told the Los Angeles Times that a similar surge in orders was noticed before former President Bill Clinton's impeachment hearings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta
Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

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