Iran claims to have ‘evidence’ of captured US drone

But Ismael Kowsari, head of the Iranian parliament’s defense
committee, told The Associated Press Wednesday that Iran would prove in the
coming days it did indeed have possession of a U.S. drone.

{mosads}“We have material evidence to prove that the drone we
captured belongs to the U.S.,” Kowsari said. “The unmanned aircraft took off
from a warship. The Americans will have no choice but to confirm that one of
their drones is missing.”

Kowsari did not provide any proof to back up the claims, but
told the AP Tehran will release more information soon.

Iran did in fact obtain a U.S. drone last year, and the
claim of another capture comes after Iran shot at a U.S. drone flying in the
Persian Gulf last month.

Iranian officials claimed that drone had entered Iranian
airspace, while the United States said it was over international waters. The
drone was not hit and returned to its base.

Kowsari dismissed the notion the drone could have belonged
to another country, suggesting U.S. officials should “recount” their drones.

“The [United Arab Emirates] UAE doesn’t dare to engage in
such activities against us. We have sufficient evidence to prove it is
American. The U.S. commanders may need to recount their drones,” he said. “The
capture of the drone demonstrates Iran’s capability of bringing down such
aircraft intact.”