U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that "kamikaze dolphins" do not exist [1].
The denial follows circulating reports that either the United States or Iran were employing trained dolphins as explosive weapons in the Strait of Hormuz. Because the region is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, rumors of unconventional naval weaponry can heighten diplomatic tensions and create instability in maritime security.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Pentagon on May 5, 2026 [1], Hegseth addressed the speculation. He used a contradictory phrasing to dismiss the claims, saying, "I can't confirm or deny whether we have kamikaze dolphins, but I can confirm they don't" [1].
The Secretary's comments were intended to quell theories that marine mammals were being weaponized for kinetic operations. While some reports suggested Hegseth may have implied a distinction between U.S. and Iranian capabilities, the official record of the briefing indicates a general denial of the animals' existence as weapons [1].
Hegseth also provided context regarding the current state of regional tensions. He said, "It's still pretty low‑level kinetics at this point in time" [2]. This suggests that while friction remains in the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Defense does not view the situation as having escalated to the use of high-impact or unconventional weaponry.
The briefing comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny regarding naval intelligence and the potential for asymmetric warfare in the Persian Gulf. The use of biological assets for military purposes has been a subject of historical speculation, but Hegseth's statement serves as the formal government position on the matter [1].
“"I can't confirm or deny whether we have kamikaze dolphins, but I can confirm they don't"”
The denial of 'kamikaze dolphins' highlights the persistence of asymmetric warfare myths in high-tension zones like the Strait of Hormuz. By dismissing these rumors, the Pentagon aims to prevent the spread of misinformation that could lead to miscalculations by foreign adversaries or unnecessary public alarm regarding unconventional biological weapons.
