Why social media thinks a pizza surge in Pentagon means war with Iran

The Pentagon’s so-called «pizza index» has reportedly surged by as much as 1,000% in recent days, prompting renewed speculation online. Pizzerias near the Defense Department were said to be operating at full capacity, taking back-to-back orders late into the night.

What is the ‘pizza index’?

The «pizza index» is an unofficial and tongue-in-cheek indicator that has circulated for decades among journalists, analysts and military watchers. The theory holds that a sharp increase in food orders from pizzerias and restaurants near the Pentagon often coincides with extended, closed-door meetings by senior military leaders.

According to the lore, these late-night orders can signal intense planning sessions, sometimes tied to major military or foreign policy developments.

A pattern watchers point to

Supporters of the theory often cite past moments when unusual restaurant activity appeared to precede significant international events.

For example, ahead of reports and speculation surrounding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the so-called «pizza index» was said to have risen by about 700%.

Politics add to the buzz

What, if anything, prompted the latest spike remains unclear. Still, the timing has drawn attention amid recent political rhetoric from Washington.

In particular, a recent post attributed to President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, addressing unrest in Iran, has circulated widely online.

Coincidence or culinary clue?

Whether the surge in pizza orders is meaningful or merely a coincidence, social media users are once again debating whether late-night slices near the Pentagon are a lighthearted but telling sign of impending geopolitical news.