According to a report in Etemad Melli, a reformist newspaper, one of the pigeons was apprehended in the nearby city of Kashan, beside a rose water production plant.

Both pigeons were described as having 'metal rings' and 'invisible string' on their bodies, according to the AFP news agency.

This is not the first animal-espionage incident in Iran. In July 2007, it was reported that 14 squirrels had been detained on the Iranian border for spying.

Animals have long been used in military and intelligence operations, from dolphins being trained to detect mines to chickens recently being used by US forces in Kuwait to discover chemical weapons. During the Second World War, Britain awarded 32 medals for bravery to military pigeons.
 It is not known if the two pigeons are currently being detained, if they are still alive, or what may happen to them.

No third party has yet claimed the pigeons as their own.