Caine likens ‘kamikaze dolphin’ question to ‘sharks with laser beams’
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, broke from his normally stoic self over a question about the existence of Iranian “kamikaze dolphins” at Tuesday’s Pentagon press briefing.
TL;DR
- Gen. Dan Caine joked about 'kamikaze dolphins' at a Pentagon briefing, comparing the concept to 'sharks with laser beams' from Austin Powers.
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also made light of the situation, humorously suggesting the U.S. might possess its own kamikaze dolphins.
- The reporter's question was based on a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Iran might use 'mine-carrying dolphins'.
- The use of marine mammals in military operations has historical precedent, with the Soviet Navy and U.S. Navy reportedly exploring their use, mainly for mine detection.
- A notable past incident involved a beluga whale named Hvaldimir, found off Norway with a camera harness, leading to speculation it was a Russian spy.