US Navy's 'Kamikaze Dolphins'?: Defense Secretary Dodges Question Amid Iran Mine Concerns

The Jerusalem Post delves into the intriguing, albeit unusual, topic of military dolphins, prompted by concerns over Iran's potential use of underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

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I would neither confirm nor deny whether [the US] has kamikaze dolphins.

While US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Iran lacks an active military dolphin unit, his refusal to "confirm or deny whether [the US] has kamikaze dolphins" has fueled speculation. The article clarifies that military dolphins are a real, though often misunderstood, technology. These intelligent creatures have been trained by various navies worldwide for tasks such as detecting underwater objects and protecting ports.

The piece highlights that while the US Navy has a long-standing dolphin program, dating back nearly 70 years, for mine detection and recovery, the notion of "kamikaze dolphins" is not part of their current operations. The article notes that Iran reportedly purchased dolphins for a similar program in 2000, but these animals would likely be past retirement age now, with no indication of an active unit.

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whilst there are no “kamikaze dolphins” in the navy, they “use marine mammals to help detect objects under water and to protect ports by detecting intruders.”

Ultimately, the article addresses a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Iran might consider arming dolphins with mines. However, it emphasizes that the US Navy's program, while utilizing marine mammals, does not employ them as weapons and ensures their well-being, allowing them to leave the program freely. This distinction is crucial for understanding the capabilities and ethical considerations surrounding military animal programs.

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for now, technology is no match for the animals.