Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed claims that Iran possesses so-called 'kamikaze dolphins' capable of attacking U.S. forces, describing the notion as utterly absurd during a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday. The remarks came as Hegseth outlined a new U.S. military operation aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth Denies 'Kamikaze Dolphin' Claims
When pressed by reporters on reports that Iran had trained dolphins to carry out attacks on American vessels, Hegseth responded with incredulity, stating, 'Are we seriously discussing this? It sounds like something out of a bad movie — like sharks with laser beams?' He firmly denied any evidence supporting such claims, emphasizing that the U.S. intelligence community has found no credible indication of Iran deploying marine mammals for combat purposes.
Project Freedom Announced
In a separate development, Hegseth announced 'Project Freedom,' a new defensive operation designed to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that this initiative is 'separate and distinct' from the ongoing war against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, and is purely defensive in nature. The operation will involve the deployment of 15,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers to ensure the free flow of commerce through the critical waterway.
Hegseth emphasized that U.S. forces have been instructed not to enter Iranian airspace or territorial waters, underlining the operation's defensive posture. This announcement comes at the 60-day mark of Operation Epic Fury, which automatically triggers the War Powers Resolution. Despite this, former President Trump has asserted that hostilities have 'terminated,' even as the U.S. maintains an 'ironclad blockade' on Iran.
Political and Economic Context
The developments occur against a backdrop of declining approval ratings for Trump's handling of the Iran war and the economy, particularly due to rising fuel prices. Trump has dismissed these concerns, stating he would repeat his actions if given the chance. The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. military continuing to enforce the blockade while attempting to avoid direct escalation.
