Hormuz security debate resurfaces amid “combat dolphin” claims
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed suggestions that Iran possesses or operates dolphins for military use, amid heightened tensions and renewed concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to a question at a press briefing, Hegseth said he could confirm only that Iran does not have operational dolphins, while refusing to comment on US capabilities related to underwater animal programmes, including references raised by reporters to so-called “suicide dolphins,” according to CNBC.
The remarks come as concerns persist over potential naval mining activity in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.
The United States Navy has maintained a marine mammal programme since 1959, under which bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions are trained for underwater tasks such as detecting, marking and recovering objects, particularly naval mines.
US military officials have consistently described the programme as strictly defensive, stressing that it is designed for mine countermeasures and not for offensive operations or weaponised deployment.
The discussion over dolphins in military contexts has occasionally extended beyond the United States. Russia has previously acknowledged using trained marine mammals for port security, while reports have suggested Iran may have explored similar capabilities, though this has never been officially confirmed.
Earlier reporting, including by the Wall Street Journal, has referenced unverified claims that Iran examined the use of dolphins in naval settings. Iran has not publicly confirmed such programmes, and the issue remains unverified by official sources.
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