Khaberni - Amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and almost complete disruption of navigation, unconventional scenarios that the United States might resort to in order to reopen the strait have emerged in the absence of European support. Among these scenarios is the use of trained dolphins to clear sea mines, a step reflecting the complexity of military operations in this vital passage.
Mohammad Rammal showed an interactive map indicating that removing sea mines represents the biggest challenge to reopening the strait. Estimates suggest that securing one navigational lane might take about a month and a half, while the full clearing of the strait could take up to four months because of the nature of mines which can be camouflaged as rocks or buried in the sandy bottom.
In light of these complexities, the European factor emerges as a crucial element, given that European countries own more than 100 ships designated for mine hunting, which the United States lacks. With the potential absence of this support, the option of resorting to military-trained dolphins to detect mines has been proposed as an unconventional technical alternative.
Rammal clarified that Washington had previously resorted to using dolphins during military operations in the Gulf in 1991 and 2003.
Dolphins are distinguished by their intelligence and ability to learn and keep up with training; their natural senses have outperformed the capabilities of any machine or computer created by humans.
In addition to their ability to dive deep, dolphins have the capability of "echolocation," which allows them to discover the locations of underwater mines.
A reciprocal pressure equation
In the same context, military expert Brigadier General Hassan Juny explained that the confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz relies on "two opposing tools": the American naval blockade on one side, and the closure of the strait by Iran on the other, noting that each party uses its card to pressure the negotiation process.
Juny stated that the American blockade "affects the Iranian economy and pressures it, but it is not fully enforced," as the so-called "shadow fleet" of Iran continues to circumvent restrictions and some ships manage to cross.
Conversely, he considered that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz not only affects Iran or the United States but also extends to impact the global economy, making it a strategic pressure card in the hands of Tehran.
Juny mentioned that the nature of the current maritime confrontation is "unconventional," as the United States avoids direct confrontation inside the strait despite its military superiority, while Iran relies on asymmetrical tactics including mines, fast boats, and coastal missiles.
He concluded that the military scene in Hormuz has so far reached a "fragile balance," where Washington has not succeeded in imposing full control or securing navigation by force, while Iran continues to utilize its geography and unconventional capabilities to enforce an effective deterrence equation.
These developments come at a time when Iranian media outlets reported from the deputy speaker of the parliament confirming that his country "will not return the Strait of Hormuz to its previous state under any circumstances," reflecting an escalation in positions that threatens to prolong the crisis and complicate solution pathways.
