The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, ruled out that Iran counts on “kamikaze dolphins” to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, in the amid of growing tensions between both countries es. However, specialists warn that the military use of marine mammals is not a far-fetched concept, although historically they have been limited to support tasks and not suicide attacks.

During a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth responded with a tongue-in-cheek tone to recent reports suggesting that Tehran could employ dolphins equipped with mines. but I can confirm that they don't have them,” he stated. At his side, the chief of the Joint Staff, Dan Caine, said no having heard about such a possibility and compared the idea with “sharks with laser beams”, in allusion to popular culture.

The statements come following a report by The Wall Street Journal that cited Iranian officials noting that their country could turn to unconventional weaponry, including “mine-carrying dolphins,” to counter the US naval presence in the region.

Historical use of marine mammals in military operations

Although the notion of turning dolphins into offensive weapons generates skepticism, experts agree that these animals have been used for decades in military operations. Since 1959, the Navy The United States maintains the Marine Mammal Program, which trains bottlenose dolphins and sea lions to detect mines, monitor facilities, and recover objects in the sea.

According to analysts from the Rand Corporation study center, dolphins stand out for their echolocation ability, which allows them to identify underwater objects with a precision than many systems technological topics. During the Vietnam war, these animals were trained to detect enemy divers, and in the 2003 Iraq war they helped locate mines in the port of Umm Qasr.

Other powers have also developed similar programs. The Soviet Union trained dolphins during the Cold War, and subsequent reports indicate that Russia resumed these capabilities after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and US operation

The debate on “kamikaze dolphins” occurs in a context of high tension in the Strait of Hormuz, a key way through which 20% of the petr travels global oil. Although a ceasefire is maintained between Washington and Tehran, recent incidents have raised international concern.

President Donald Trump announced a new mission called “Project Freedom,” aimed at escorting commercial vessels and ensuring maritime flow. He noted that this operation is “defensive” and separate from previous military actions, and assured that U.S. forces will not enter Iranian territorial waters.

Even so, the Pentagon confirmed that Iran has carried out multiple low-intensity attacks against shipping, while the United States two have responded by sinking some Iranian boats. Both parties accus each other of putting safety of navigation at risk.

Experts point out that, beyond the existence or not of animals trained by Iran, the real challenge lies in the ability to operate with them effectively. “It's not just whether they have dolphins, but whether they have developed the experience to use them,” analysts point out.

In parallel, organizations such as the ASPCA have reiterated that, while they recognize the role of animals in military work, these shouldn't be exposed to unnecessary risks.

For now, the possibility of “kamikaze dolphins” seems closer to speculation than reality, but the episode reflects the level of uncertainty and tension at one of the most sensitive strategic points in global trade.