A false AI-assisted intelligence report led the US military to prepare to intercept a Chinese ship after it was wrongly linked to nuclear weapons.

According to a CNN investigation published on September 18, 2026, the report circulated within the US military during the war with Iran. The intelligence triggered preparations to intercept the vessel, with armed personnel reportedly ready to board it and military aircraft already airborne.

Joe Manchin urged Trump to freeze AI IPOs until Congress passes safeguards, but critics say blocking capital markets won't address the real risks.