Morning Note

Iran is reportedly considering using trained marine dolphins to conduct suicide attacks against U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The dolphins would carry mines, which would detonate as they reached their target vessels.

Dolphins are among the most intelligent mammals on Earth. Militaries have trained them for combat since at least the Cold War, and the Iranians purchased a herd from a Russian marine mammal trainer in 2000. The U.S. Navy has also trained dolphins and sea lions for underwater operations since 1959, and America deployed them to the Persian Gulf during the Iraq War.

Pete Hegseth denied Iran’s possession of the aquatic fighters on Tuesday but refused to answer whether the U.S. has or plans to use them. Like bombing schoolchildren, we’re sure neocons would decry Iran for blowing up its dolphins, but say America or Israel doing it is completely fine. 

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