Pakistan, May 6 -- A fresh debate has emerged over the possible use of trained dolphins in military operations as tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route at the centre of the US Iran standoff.

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The unusual discussion gained attention after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked during a press briefing whether Iran could deploy dolphins to challenge the US Navy in maritime operations. Hegseth responded by saying Iran does not currently possess such capabilities, but he declined to directly confirm or deny whether the United States has similar assets.

The comments reignited public curiosity about the long-running US Navy Marine Mammal Program, which has...