[Loukas]

Two pigeons in Iran have been arrested on suspicion of spying.

The birds were detained in Natanz, near Iran's uranium enrichment facility, a location at the centre of tension between Tehran and Western powers. It is not yet known if they have been freed or are still incarcerated.

According to the AFP, both pigeons had "metal rings" and "invisible strings" on their bodies.

Iran has a history of suspecting animals of espionage. In July last year, 14 squirrels were detained on the country's border for spying.

Military pigeons were deployed by Britain during the Second World War to carry messages. 32 birds were awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest possible honour for an animal, for services during the 1939-1945 conflict.

Digital Spy