Iran: We've Got Pics of 'Forbidden' Israel Sites

Iran has images of sensitive Israeli military bases taken by a drone that was launched by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and downed by Israel earlier this month, a senior Iranian lawmaker claimed today. The announcement gave no details about the photos—other than calling the Israeli bases "forbidden sites"—but it suggested Iranian drones have the ability to transmit data while in flight. It also appeared aimed at warning Israel about the options for retaliation for any possible strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

A prominent lawmaker, Ismaeil Kowsari, also was quoted as saying that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah possesses more sophisticated Iranian-made drones than the one that was downed, including some that could carry weapons. "That's why we say we will respond to Israel inside (its) territory, should it take any action against us," said Kowsari. Iran's Defense Minister Ahmad Vahid also claimed yesterday that Tehran has drones far more advanced than the Ayub unmanned aircraft launched by Hezbollah, saying it was not the "latest Iranian technology, definitely."