Flipper Around, Find Out: Iran Weaponizing Dolphins for a New Porpoise
The United States Navy previously used dolphins for defensive military purposes such as mine detection, with its Marine Mammal Program active as recently as 2003. In response to a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, Iran is reportedly considering using dolphins to carry and deploy mines. The blockade has severely impacted Iran's economy, contributing to food shortages and over 100% inflation, increasing pressure on the regime.
- ▪The U.S. Navy began studying dolphins in 1960 for potential military applications, including torpedo design and mine detection.
- ▪Iran is reportedly exploring the use of dolphins to deploy mines as a response to the U.S. naval blockade of its ports.
- ▪The U.S. blockade has denied safe passage to nearly 50 vessels and is contributing to severe economic strain in Iran, including food inflation reaching 104%.
- ▪Animal rights groups have historically opposed the use of marine mammals in military operations.
- ▪The U.S. aims to reorient global oil markets and establish safe shipping lanes while maintaining pressure on Iran.
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Flipper Around, Find Out: Iran Weaponizing Dolphins for a New Porpoise Duane Patterson 4:00 PM | May 04, 2026 AP Photo/Alex Brandon The United States Navy's dolphin doctrine began in 1960, when a study was conducted on a Pacific White-Sided dolphin to see if its shape or features allowed for less drag in the water. And if so, could that be applied to torpedoes to make them faster and longer-range? Two years later in Point Magu, California, dolphin radar was studied to see if they could be used to detect mines. A year later, the Marine Mammal Program was underway, training descendants of Flipper to help out our Navy in their own unique way. The program was classified, but was still in limited use even as late as 2003 in the Gulf War.
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