Iran Mounts Massive Drills

Military drills across country unveil new systems aimed at deterring U.S., Israeli strikes
Iran military drill / AP

Iran test-fired an anti-aircraft missile system during a mock fight against Western forces early Wednesday as it continues to conduct a four-day military display during which it has unveiled several advanced weaponry systems, according to Iranian news reports.

U.S. Dismisses China’s Role in Downing of Drone

Sophisticated December attack raises questions

A U.S. official on Wednesday rejected reports that China’s military was behind Iran’s downing of a U.S. spy drone. Two online news outlets, one in Asia and one in the Middle East, recently reported that China likely had a role in the downing of the CIA-operated stealth drone known as the RQ-170 over Iran in December. The drone was on a classified reconnaissance flight under the control of the CIA in western Afghanistan when the remote pilots lost control due to an unspecified malfunction.