Published On 4/26/2026
In light of the escalation of tension in the Strait of Hormuz and the almost complete disruption of navigation, unconventional scenarios have emerged that the United States may resort to to reopen the Strait, in the absence of European support, including the use of trained dolphins to clear sea mines, in a step that reflects the extent of the complexity facing military operations in this vital passage.
The interactive map presented by Muhammad Rimal showed that the process of removing sea mines represents the greatest challenge to reopening the strait, as estimates indicate that securing one shipping lane may take about a month and a half, while the entire process of clearing the strait may extend to 4 months, due to the nature of the mines that 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 its countries possess more than 100 ships dedicated to minesweeping, which the United States lacks. With the possibility of the absence of this support, the option of resorting to military dolphins trained to detect mines was presented as an unconventional technical alternative.
Rimal explained that Washington had previously resorted to using dolphins during military operations in the Gulf in 1991 and 2003.
Dolphins are characterized by intelligence, the ability to learn and keep up with training, and their natural senses have surpassed the capabilities of any machine or computer created by humans.
In addition to their ability to dive very deeply, dolphins also have the ability to “echolocation”, which allows them to discover the locations of mines buried under water.
Reciprocal pressure equation
In the same context, military expert Brigadier General Hassan Jouni explained that the confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz is based on “two opposing tools”: the American naval blockade on the one hand, and the closure of the strait by Iran on the other hand, indicating that each party is using its card to put pressure on the negotiation process.
Johnny explained that the American blockade “affects the Iranian economy and puts pressure on it, but it is not being fully implemented,” as what is known as the Iranian “shadow fleet” continues to circumvent the restrictions and cross some ships.
On the other hand, he considered that closing the Strait of Hormuz would not only affect Iran or the United States, but would extend to the entire global economy, turning it into a strategic pressure card in Tehran’s hands.
Johnny pointed out that the nature of the current naval confrontation is “unconventional,” as the United States avoids direct confrontation inside the strait despite its military superiority, while Iran relies on asymmetric tactics that include mines, speedboats, and coastal missiles.
He concluded that the military scene in Hormuz has so far stabilized at a “fragile balance,” in which Washington has not succeeded in imposing complete control or securing navigation by force, while Iran continues to use geography and unconventional capabilities to impose an effective deterrence equation.
These developments come at a time when Iranian media quoted the Deputy Speaker of Parliament as confirming that his country “will not return the Strait of Hormuz to its previous state under any circumstances,” which reflects an escalation in positions that threatens to prolong the crisis and complicate paths to a solution.
