US Sends 'spy pigeons' to Iran This Time

Iran exposes pigeon-brained espionage plot, literally

Security forces arrest suspected 'spy pigeons,' near Natanz reactor. Last year 14 squirrels were seized on espionage claims. Fate of captive birds unknown


20 October 2008
By Dudi Cohen

Has the symbol of peace joined the efforts against Iran's nuclear program? Iranian media reported on Monday that security forces had seized two 'spy pigeons' near the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz and a second location.

According to the report, One of the pigeons was caught near a rose water production plant in the city of Kashan in Isfahan province, the report cited an unnamed informed source as saying, adding that metal rings and invisible strings were attached to the bird.

"Early this month, a black pigeon was caught bearing a blue-coated metal ring, with invisible strings," the source was quoted as saying.

Iranian sources said that "it is entirely possible that pigeons were used to spy on the nuclear facility in Natanz." The birds were been handed over to defense officials, their fate is unknown.

The reactor in Natanz is one of the most heavily guarded areas in Iran, surrounded 24 hours a day by anti-aircraft units and infantry troops. The enrichment program stands at the heart of the tensions between Iran and the West.

But this is not the first time the Islamic Republic has accused members of the animal kingdom of collaborating with its enemies. Last year the country's media reported that 14 squirrels were arrested for espionage. "The squirrels were equipped with the spy gear of foreign agencies, and were stopped before they could act, thanks to the alertness of our intelligence services," the IRNA news agency wrote.

Iranian police commander Esmaeil Ahmadi-Moqadam confirmed the report at the time.