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By Brendan Cole
Senior Reporter
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A video of U.S. Army personnel having what is dubbed a "deployment meal" has sparked speculation about direct American involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
The clip of troops with steak and lobster prompted comments by social media users that they were having their last meal ahead of being sent to a war zone.
However, Newsweek has found that the video, which as of Wednesday had been viewed more than 9 million times, is a recirculated clip from February.
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It comes as a geopolitical strategist told Newsweek there was a 25 percent chance of direct American involvement in the Middle Eastern conflict.
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Why It Matters
Although the viral video was made months ago, its reemergence prompted social media users to comment on its significance amid speculation over whether President Donald Trump will commit the U.S. to direct involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
What To Know
"Heard it's called 'the deployment meal'" was the message on the account of X user Johnny posted on Tuesday that was shared by other social media users.
In the 26-second clip, a U.S. Army soldier films a barracks table. "How's your steak and lobster?" he asks, as one soldier repliers, "I'm ready for war."
The clip segues into the soldier smacking his lips and saying, "I may have to double it," prompting a thread of speculation how troops get a "surf and turf" meal as a morale-boosting treat before combat.
"I know three close families that got the 'you might not hear from me for a while' call this past weekend," wrote one user. "In the past when steak and lobster is served that signaled something is about to go down," wrote another.
But the video on X originally appeared on the TikTok account of Army influencer Melly.Fits and was posted on February 1, prompting more than 8,700 comments. No location was given.
X user OpX wrote that the troops were in a DFAC (military dining facility), "which means they're overseas somewhere not stateside."
But eyes are on Washington and the next move by Trump, who has called for Iran's "unconditional surrender." He also warned Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that while the U.S. knows where he is hiding, there were no plans to kill him "at least not for now."
In analysis provided to Newsweek, Matt Gertken, chief geopolitical strategist for BCA Research, said that there was a 25 percent chance of direct U.S. involvement. This was compared with a 45 percent chance that Israel escalated its campaign and a 30 percent chance that the U.S. restrains Israel.
Gertken said that Trump is against war, but the intelligence community, military-industrial complex and traditional Republicans see a huge opportunity to direct the Trump administration toward enforcing America's red line against Iranian nuclear
weaponization.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, on Wednesday: "Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this: Iran's got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate."
Matt Gertken, chief geopolitical strategist for BCA Research: "If Iran makes a fatal mistake and attacks Americans or international energy supply, then it would provoke American intervention."
What Happens Next
Statements from Khamenei and Trump on Wednesday added to uncertainty about how the conflict will play out. Khamenei said that any U.S. military intervention will be met "with irreparable harm." Trump said on the North Lawn of the White House regarding American involvement: "I may do it, I may not do it."
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