Iran Claims It Used ‘Kamikaze Dolphins’ Against U.S. Navy, U.S. Denies

Iranian officials have alleged that the Islamic Republic deployed dolphins equipped with explosives to target U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Navy has publicly denied any such incidents, stating that no attacks involving marine mammals have occurred.

The claim surfaced in a statement by an Iranian defense spokesperson, who described the dolphins as “kamikaze” units capable of delivering ordnance. U.S. officials responded by emphasizing the absence of evidence and reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to maritime security.

The story highlights the broader context of military marine mammal programs, which have been used by several countries for tasks such as mine detection and underwater surveillance, but not for offensive operations against enemy ships.