Could Iran use ‘kamikaze dolphins’ against the US in the Strait of Hormuz? • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Military Marine Mammals (MMM): The use of trained animals, such as bottlenose dolphins and sea lions, for naval operations including mine detection, harbor security, and offensive strikes.
• Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint currently experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
• Kamikaze Tactics: The use of animals (specifically dolphins) as suicide delivery systems for explosive mines against naval vessels.
• Dual-Use Technology: The concept that marine mammal programs can be used for both defensive (detection) and offensive (attack) purposes.

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1. The "Kamikaze Dolphin" Controversy

The discussion originated from a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that Iran, seeking to bypass U.S. blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, might utilize unconventional weapons, including mine-carrying dolphins.

• Pentagon Response: During a briefing, U.S. officials (Pete Hegseth and General Dan Cain) dismissed the specific reports of Iranian "kamikaze dolphins" with skepticism, comparing the idea to "sharks with laser beams."
• Official Stance: While the U.S. denied that Iran possesses such an arsenal, officials notably refused to confirm or deny the existence of a U.S. equivalent, maintaining a policy of ambiguity.
• Iranian Satire: The Iranian embassy in Hyderabad utilized the media cycle to troll the U.S. by posting an AI-generated image of a dolphin equipped with goggles and explosives, captioned: "They have finally spilled the beans. It is all out now."

2. Historical Context and Global Programs

The use of marine mammals in warfare is a documented historical reality rather than a modern myth.

• Soviet Union/Russia: The USSR pioneered dolphin training programs. In 2018, the Russian Navy reportedly deployed trained dolphins to a naval base in Syria. In 2022, reports indicated Russia used trained dolphins to protect a Black Sea naval base during the invasion of Ukraine.
• North Korea: The U.S. Naval Institute reported evidence of a North Korean marine mammal program dating back to at least October 2015.
• Iran’s Historical Acquisition: A BBC report from March 2000 cited a Russian trainer who claimed to have sold a group of Soviet-trained marine mammals—including beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, and seals—to Tehran. These animals were allegedly trained to carry harpoons or explosive mines for suicide strikes. It remains unverified whether these specific animals are still alive or if Iran maintains an active training program.

3. The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP)

The United States has maintained a formal marine mammal program since the late 1950s.

• Methodology: Unlike the "kamikaze" narrative, the U.S. program focuses on detection and recovery. Trained dolphins and sea lions are utilized to locate underwater objects, specifically sea mines, to ensure the safety of naval vessels.
• Current Status: While Pentagon officials acknowledge that Iran has likely laid new mines in the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported that sources familiar with current U.S. operations state that dolphins are not currently being deployed in the Strait for these tasks.

4. Synthesis and Conclusion

The narrative of "kamikaze dolphins" serves as a intersection of genuine military history and modern geopolitical disinformation. While the U.S. and other nations have historically utilized marine mammals for defensive naval tasks (mine detection), the concept of using them as offensive suicide weapons remains largely speculative regarding Iran's current capabilities. The primary takeaway is that while the "kamikaze" aspect is likely a sensationalized or satirical narrative, the underlying reality of state-sponsored military marine mammal programs is a well-documented, albeit secretive, aspect of modern naval warfare.