November 8th, 2012
02:00 PM ET

FIRST ON CNN: Iranian jets fire on U.S. drone

By Barbara Starr

Two Iranian Su-25 fighter jets fired on an unarmed U.S. Air Force Predator drone in the Persian Gulf on November 1, the Pentagon disclosed on Thursday.

The incident, reported first by CNN, raised fresh concerns within the Obama administration about Iranian military aggression in crucial Gulf oil shipping lanes.

The drone was on routine maritime surveillance in international airspace east of Kuwait, 16 miles off the coast of Iran, U.S. officials said. The Predator was not hit.

Also: U.S. adds to Iran sanctions

"Our aircraft was never in Iranian airspace. It was always flying in international air space. The recognized limit is 12 nautical miles off the coast and we never entered the 12 nautical mile limit," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in responding to questions from reporters after CNN reported the incident.

Little said the United States believed this was the first time an unmanned aircraft was shot at by the Iranians in international waters over the Gulf.  In December of 2011, a U.S. surveillance drone crashed in eastern Iran.  Iranians claimed to have shot it down, and created a toy model of the drone to celebrate its capture.

Little stopped short of calling the incident an act of war although the Pentagon was concerned.

Also: Obama faces world of challenges in second terms

Two U.S. officials explained the jets were part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps force, which has been more confrontational than regular Iranian military forces.

At least two bursts of gunfire came from the Su-25s' cannons. The drone started to move away but the Iranian aircraft chased it, doing aerial loops around it before breaking away and returning to Iran.

The Obama administration did not disclose the incident before the presidential election, but three senior officials confirmed the details to CNN on Thursday.  They declined to be identified because of sensitive intelligence matters surrounding the matter.

The drone's still and video cameras captured the incident showing two Su-25s approaching the Predator and firing onboard guns.

The Iranian pilots continued to fire shots that went beneath the Predator but were never successful in hitting it, according to the officials.

U.S. military intelligence analysts are still not sure if the Iranian pilots simply were unable to hit the drone due to lack of combat skill, or whether they deliberately were missing and had no intention of bringing it down.

But as one of the officials said, "it doesn't matter, they fired on us."

Little said the United States has to assume Iran was trying to bring down the Predator.

The United States protested the incident but had not heard back from Iran.

Iran has, at other times, been confrontational in the region.  In January, the U.S. military and coast guard had close encounters with Iranian Navy vessels which approached at high speeds and exhibited provocative behavior.

Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to the United States, declined to say whether his country knew about the incident before Pentagon officials

soundoff (3,945 Responses)
  1. Ashneel

    Mr majid,your talk is full of anger,anger leads towards war.but let me tell you and your iranian leaders, time is running out,its time to talk,or.face the bell never seen before.we have faith in Obama and he is loved by the whole world.

    November 10, 2012 at 6:37 pm | Reply
    • blue ice

      SORRY BUT OBLAMA BOY IS NOT LOVED AROUND THE WORLD HE IS ONE OF THE MOST HATED MIEN IN THE WORLD cept for the musslims and those of his color !

      November 10, 2012 at 11:04 pm | Reply
      • Ashneel

        Hey blue ice,don't melt like a ice with full of anger.Obama is and will be a great leader and he is loved the whole world.please do travel around the world and do ask people how much they like him.I have done that and I know it.so shut up and pants down.

        November 11, 2012 at 1:16 am |
      • Chris

        I love Obama. He is definately not hated as you say. You are one angry Rebuplican't!

        November 26, 2012 at 11:11 am |
  2. majid

    be sure we dead >u dead & earth we are iranians not arabs

    November 10, 2012 at 6:04 pm | Reply
    • Ashneel

      Mr majid,I won't be dead or the world will be dead,this is your anger talking.what has your Iranian leaders gave you,only hard life and suffering.Get up and think of your future and your kids future.do the right thing.

      November 11, 2012 at 2:44 am | Reply
      • majid

        u know, fk iranian leaders and them policy
        u are right about them and me, but obama and america not sent by god and lies flow like a river.
        they feel danger about iranian army and get fk iranian people to revolution and stop it but people is tired to change
        my friend all this things go to a war i know it and believe it happening soon . i have to defend my country in any way
        every culture have rise and fall and we are in fall term a long time but i like to keep it safe for hope of change
        good luck my dear friend 🙂

        November 11, 2012 at 4:21 am |
      • Ashneel

        Have faith in your god,soon some one will be in your country to help you all.

        November 11, 2012 at 4:29 am |
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  4. haman1

    If you want to learn more here it is:
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    However, in the same Article, there are provisions for restrictions:

    (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;

    (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.

    Furthermore, Article 2(4) of the UN Charter states that "All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

    Now, even more Get real.

    November 10, 2012 at 4:06 pm | Reply
  5. haman1

    Please read below so you would know something before you start dribbling here and give me head ache:

    Bilateral Agreement

    The January 19, 1981, the United States government and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran concluded the Algiers Accords. (Although the Accords was re-classified by George W. Bush, a review of it is accessible at Columbia Law Review, Vol. 81, No. 4 (May, 1981), pp. 822-90). Article 1 of the agreement is as follows:

    "I: Nonintervention In Iranian Affairs 1. The United States pledges that it is and from now on will be the policy of the United States not to intervene, directly or indirectly, politically or militarily, in Iran's internal affairs."

    So, now Get Real

    November 10, 2012 at 4:01 pm | Reply
    • TGK

      What "internal affairs" in Iran is the U.S. interfering with?

      November 10, 2012 at 8:18 pm | Reply
      • haman1

        You can read right?
        1. The United States pledges that it is and from now on will be the policy of the United States not to intervene, directly or indirectly, politically or militarily, in Iran's internal affairs."

        November 10, 2012 at 8:45 pm |
      • TGK

        Haman1: I read just fine...again, what internal situation in Iran is the U.S. "interfering" with? Answer the question, before you give me a headache...

        November 11, 2012 at 9:08 pm |
  6. haman1

    Please see below information that you need to know before you start rambling here and give me a head ache:

    Bilateral Agreement

    The January 19, 1981, the United States government and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran concluded the Algiers Accords. (Although the Accords was re-classified by George W. Bush, a review of it is accessible at Columbia Law Review, Vol. 81, No. 4 (May, 1981), pp. 822-90). Article 1 of the agreement is as follows:

    "I: Nonintervention In Iranian Affairs 1. The United States pledges that it is and from now on will be the policy of the United States not to intervene, directly or indirectly, politically or militarily, in Iran's internal affairs."

    Now, get real.

    November 10, 2012 at 3:58 pm | Reply
  7. ali Naseri

    its a good responds for any encroachment From U.S.A To Iran

    November 10, 2012 at 2:57 pm | Reply
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    November 10, 2012 at 11:49 am | Reply
  9. Ashneel

    Obama is a great leader,and he will play a smart war on Iran ,this war will be sweet and simple.

    November 10, 2012 at 3:57 am | Reply
    • Joseph

      Obama is not a great man, voter fraud...and now looking to start World War 3....Wake up

      November 10, 2012 at 11:37 am | Reply
      • TGK

        WWIII? Which countries are going to come to Iran's defense and get into a direct military confrontation with the U.S. after precision strikes are carried out on Iran's nuclear weapons facilities?

        November 10, 2012 at 8:28 pm |
      • Ashneel

        Obama is and will be the great leader.he is a smart when it come dealing with Iran.Have you seen how much Iran is suffering now,and more is on the way.That's what you call a smart war on Iran without a bullet fired.think and then think again what you write u du... A..

        November 10, 2012 at 9:16 pm |
  10. transpenitrate

    CNN is a government propaganda tool...everything they say is a lie!...just look at its track record...and its affiliates...they does fornicate with thee

    November 10, 2012 at 2:47 am | Reply
    • farmer

      So, are saying that maybe we should listen to Fox?

      November 10, 2012 at 1:21 pm | Reply
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    November 9, 2012 at 11:41 pm | Reply
  12. CC

    Interesting how this was kept quiet until after the election. Why are we just hearing about this on November 8th, 2 days after the election?

    November 9, 2012 at 7:23 pm | Reply
    • Warren Hopkins

      The only reason Obama got re-elected was the media. If this country goes down we have them to thank. If the election had been fairly covered Romney would have won. Remember you don't have to be able to read and write in english to vote in the country. In many places you don't even have to be a citizen.

      November 9, 2012 at 10:37 pm | Reply
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    November 9, 2012 at 7:09 pm | Reply
  14. Erick

    Prophecy fulfilled by prophet Dr.Owuor.JESUS IS COMMING!!

    November 9, 2012 at 4:35 pm | Reply
  15. AngryJew

    The real enemy is Israel not Iran.

    November 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm | Reply
    • Bob

      You're an idiot.

      November 9, 2012 at 6:54 pm | Reply
    • CC

      Well that makes two who believe this.....you and Obama.

      November 9, 2012 at 7:43 pm | Reply
  16. Bob-0

    With the dollar sliding quickly into oblivion, the banking cartel have no other choice but to start a war, that's what they do. Even if Romney would have won the election we are sure to get the same two things from either side, death and debt. Now be good citizens and breed somemore soliders! we'll soon have 3 warfronts to mantain.

    November 9, 2012 at 1:16 pm | Reply
  17. Machismo

    So, Please tell me why the Drone did not defend it's self? It is quite capable of that ....correct? Spineless Administration.

    November 9, 2012 at 1:11 pm | Reply
    • trentluv

      ...because they aren't morons.

      November 9, 2012 at 1:21 pm | Reply
    • DJS

      Read the first line of the article again... The keywords being "unarmed U.S. Air Force Predator drone"

      November 9, 2012 at 1:53 pm | Reply
      • TGK

        In addition, even if it was "armed", the MQ-1 is armed with Hellfire air to surface missiles. No U.S. UAV is armed with self-defense (air-to-air) capabilities... People sure post some ignorant questions...easy to find out this basic information on the internet. Must be just too lazy to type a couple of keywords and read...

        November 9, 2012 at 2:07 pm |
    • mark smith

      It was stated in the article that the drone was un-armed.

      November 9, 2012 at 6:10 pm | Reply
    • Jeepsrule98

      Not all drones are armed idiot. Most are for survelliance and reconnaissance. Some drones can be armed with Hell Fire Missiles, those are for Air to Ground atacks. Drones are not for dog fights with jets armed with Air-to-Air missiles and 30mm machineguns.

      November 9, 2012 at 6:18 pm | Reply
    • Tmos

      Depends on what type of drove it is. Not all drones are armed.

      November 9, 2012 at 6:24 pm | Reply
    • Alan Hefley

      I guess you don't know what unarmed means.

      November 10, 2012 at 9:21 am | Reply
  18. Joe Biden

    Just a minor bump in the road towards the USA's peaceful path with Iran and the nation of Islam

    November 9, 2012 at 12:50 pm | Reply
  19. cd

    CNN you get ONE CHANCE to become a real NEWS NETWORK from this point because this story being reported now look's like it took you too LONG to CLIMB out of OBAMA'S @ S S HOLE to report it. But I have to give you CREDIT you did break the NEWS "nice job cnn"!

    November 9, 2012 at 12:47 pm | Reply
    • pladin

      You do realize this drone was shopt at 5 days before the election. So CNN once again carried the water.

      November 9, 2012 at 2:49 pm | Reply
      • ladypatriot

        This is another addition to the numerous ways Obama 's people cheated to win the presidency. They knew of it 5 days BEFORE the election and kept it from us until a couple days AFTER the election. Let's call it as it is. It was censorship, ignoring and abusing our Freedom of the Press, and, again, keeping the TRUTH from the American people. They know they wouldn't and couldn't have won the election without lies, half-truths, omission of the truth and true facts.

        November 9, 2012 at 7:19 pm |
      • CC

        Lady patriot is absolutely correct in her statement.
        CNN needs to do a news story covering why the Obama administration took 24 government agencies off the freedom of information act? This administration clams to be transparent but their actions show they are not.

        November 9, 2012 at 7:36 pm |
  20. Grapost

    THE PENTAGON IS LYING! The drone was over Iranian soil. This US has been invading Iranian air space with spy drones for years to spy on their nuclear facilities. There is nothing of intelligence value 16 miles off the Iranian coast in any direction so it bull to say it was there.

    It's just like in the 1950's when the US was sending U2 Spy Planes into Russian air space to spy on the them and finally the Russians shot one down with a missile.

    The spy drones are stealth but it looks like the Iranians were able to detect this one an send a jet up to shoot it down.

    What would we do if Iran, China or Russian sent spy drones into our country flying over our cities. SHOOT THEM DOWN! So the Iranians did nothing wrong, but the media won't tell you that.

    Remember, a U.S. warship shot down an Iranian passenger airliner in 1988 killing 300 people!

    Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/flight801/stories/july88crash.htm

    November 9, 2012 at 12:43 pm | Reply
    • TGK

      MQ-1s are "stealth"? You're creditabilty is even further in the toilet...

      November 9, 2012 at 12:50 pm | Reply
    • amerikaz_ally

      The Gary Powers U2 was only one of over thirty U2s (and crews) that were downed by the CCCP. Another propaganda spewed by a lackey press. Don't trust any Estate of the Big Banks.

      TGK, your logic is linear at best. Get a job!

      November 9, 2012 at 1:16 pm | Reply
      • TGK

        Get a job? Just got back to home station from the CAOC on a 6 month deployment in the Arabian Gulf working on the combat ops floor working directly with these MQ-1s... You can take your foot out of your mouth now...you lose.

        November 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm |
  21. Grapost

    THE PENTAGON IS LYING! The drone was over Iranian soil. This US has been invading Iranian air space with spy drones for years to spy on their nuclear facilities. There is nothing of intelligence value 16 miles off the Iranian coast in any direction so it bull to say it was there.

    It's just like in the 1950's when the US was sending U2 Spy Planes into Russian air space to spy on the them and finally the Russians shot one down with a missile.

    The spy drones are stealth but it looks like the Iranians were able to detect this one an send a jet up to shoot it down.

    What would we do if Iran, China or Russian sent spy drones into our country flying over our cities. SHOOT THEM DOWN! So the Iranians did nothing wrong, but the media won't tell you that.

    Remember, a U.S. warship shot down and Iranian passenger airliner in 1988 killing 300 people!

    Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/flight801/stories/july88crash.htm

    November 9, 2012 at 12:39 pm | Reply
    • Robin

      Thank you...................People need to stop watching general media................ The drones had invaded their airspace............ People are so thrilled to send the neighbor's kids to war

      November 9, 2012 at 5:54 pm | Reply
  22. wilsmith24

    Let me get this right...............................The pilots of iran could not destroy an unman air craft?? WOW what noobs. next time lets send paper planes.

    November 9, 2012 at 12:11 pm | Reply
  23. Lonni

    Hmmm. I was thinking about this last night and came to the conclusion that this is Iran jerking Americas chain. If they had really wanted to shoot the Drone down, they would have. If a Jet can put a lock on a missile and take it out, a Drone would be even easier. No, what Iran was doing was psychological, a "we can get you whenever we want to" flip off. Now, they are just waiting to see how Obama is going to respond because that is what this little "test" was all about from the get-go.

    November 9, 2012 at 11:32 am | Reply
    • John Null

      As civilized citizens of the USA we are duty bound to confront anyone, any armed force and especially a knon JIHAD nation who sends strike aircraft into our sp, our shared space over international waters for the purpose of shooting down one of our own aircraft simply because we must show the attacker that we will turn and face an enemy. A show of weakness gets zero respect. In fact it works like a charm when jihadist people are involved. They love to attack people who show weakness. It's like adding salt to a wound and jihadists work from a position of being wounded.

      Cooler heads must prevail or else.
      soldierV1

      November 9, 2012 at 12:07 pm | Reply
    • amerikaz_ally

      I only wish they took out a Stealth. Iran is a sovereign state and one of the oldest Civilizations on earth, unlike the pagan barbarian that characterizes the Estados Unidos. Congratulations, Iran !

      (It was the Estados Unidos and Britain who murdered their democratically elected President back in 1953, and installed a diabolical secret police qua M15, CIA, Mossad...)

      November 9, 2012 at 12:15 pm | Reply
    • BeeGee

      A SU-25 is not really a fighter jet. It has a cannon but was not probably carrying a serious Air to air package. It was designed for ground support, much like a A-10 for the US. I doubt that the Iranian pilots have received much air to air gun training and an SU-25 pilot probably none. Was never impressed by the Iranian pilots when they were in the US training pipeline.

      November 9, 2012 at 1:29 pm | Reply
  24. America 1st

    BWHAHAHAHAAHA, MORE LIES AND PROPAGANDA FROM THE CNN TALKING HEADS,, ALRIGHT SO LET 'S SUM IT BEFORE THE PRO- ISRAEL SHILLS ARE SCREAMING , LET S BOMB IRAN!!! LETS BOMB IRAN. KRAUTMHAMMER SAID THE FIRST ONES TO SHOOT DOWN A DRONE WILL BE HAILED PATRIOTS,,,, SO THE IRANIANS ARE THE PATRIOTS,,,, IF YOU SEND SPYING PLANES OFF OF THE COAST OF THE U.S.A YES IT WILL GET SHOT DOWN,,THINGS LIKE THAT WILL HAPPEN , SO NO ITS NOT AN ACT OF WAR, BUT AN ACT OF DEFENSE, SO I DONT SEE THE BIG WHOOP HERE....... OH BY THE FOR A YOU STUPID AMERICANS WHO THOUGHT THERE WAS GOING TO BE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBOZO AND MITTENS YOU ARE IN A SAD STATE... WAKE YOU DUMMIES,,,,,,, CNN IS LOSING VIEWERSHIP BECAUSE YOU CAN CUT THROUGH THE LIES WITH A BUTTERKNIFE!!!!!!!!!!

    November 9, 2012 at 11:05 am | Reply
    • TGK

      Are you in the U.S. military? Specifically at the EADS, WADS, ANR or CONR? If you're not, then you need to really zip you mouth on what our reaction would be towards a foreign country flying their aircraft in international airspace off our coast. The Russians have been flying their Tu-95s up and down the AK and CONUS coasts ROUTINELY and NOTHING HAPPENS.
      You are clueless...

      November 9, 2012 at 12:35 pm | Reply
  25. Schnitz.38

    The messiah wouldn't protect our ambassador or security people in Benghazi...... He certainly isn't going to be upset about an unmaned drone. "Al Qaeda is dessimated and on the ropes".... Chris Matthews tells us the sanctions are working in Iran. and the progressives drive around in cars with stickers that say "War is not the answer".
    They think capitalism is evil and that we should surender and die.

    November 9, 2012 at 11:05 am | Reply
  26. magicbeans

    "Two Iranian Su-25 fighter jets fired on an unarmed U.S. Air Force Predator drone in the Persian Gulf on November 1, the Pentagon disclosed on Thursday."

    By Thursday you mean after the election, right? How long did CNN sit on this story for their Candidate?

    November 9, 2012 at 11:03 am | Reply
  27. Veritas Lavinga

    It's a declaration of war. Lets invade them!

    November 9, 2012 at 10:45 am | Reply
    • magicbeans

      First we must investigate. It will be a long investigation so that you don't remember what they were investigating when its finally done. Then we will look at how we probably had it coming to us anyway by somehow dissing them on youtube. Then we will arrest the video maker and sentence him to a year in federal prison and apologize to the Iranians for the first ammendment. This is Obama Land after all. Where everything is free except for us.

      November 9, 2012 at 11:08 am | Reply
      • msuukrbrlb

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    • America 1st

      Veritas, you are either an idiot or a pro-Israel shill, do us all favor find the nearest window and leap!!

      November 9, 2012 at 11:11 am | Reply
      • magicbeans

        You call yourself America 1st how ironic. Would it have been an act of war if it would have beenhit or manned? Or is it okay for other countries to shoot at our aircraftsover international waters just cause?

        November 9, 2012 at 11:27 am |
  28. Larry42

    Don't worry. Obama will apologize.

    November 9, 2012 at 10:25 am | Reply
  29. MickeyFL

    The good news is that they have now exposed themselves as not even being able to shootdown a remote-controlled airplane with 2 fighter jets. Good luck when Israel (re U.S.) bombs their nuclear facilities in the next few months.

    November 9, 2012 at 10:15 am | Reply
    • magicbeans

      The US plans on holding Israels feet to the fire and preventing them from doing anything to Iran.

      November 9, 2012 at 11:29 am | Reply
  30. Barry bin Inhalin

    November 1 hunh? 51%? Suckers.

    Isn't transparency cool when it's hidden? Can't wait for the Fiscal Cliff to get here so you all can (continue) to eat cake.

    November 9, 2012 at 8:43 am | Reply
    • Kim Williams

      Yes once again CNN is the gaurdian of this corrupt administration. Knew about this Nov. 1. Shameless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      November 9, 2012 at 10:15 am | Reply
  31. Reza from Iran

    To those friends who get upset by Iran action, Iran Islamic's regime has no Legitimacy and Iranians are suffering from this sabotage regime for 32 years, yes officially 98% of Iranians are officially Muslim but as you saw after releasing that anti-Islamic film no one get upset in Iran while Americans best friends(Pakistani’s officials) put prize for beheading the film producer.

    November 9, 2012 at 8:32 am | Reply
    • Navidfromiran

      reza joon dahanetoo beband mozakhraf nagoo

      November 9, 2012 at 8:57 am | Reply
    • GMH

      Reza from Iran: I have met many Iranians here in America that are very fine people. I sympathize with your people suffering, but unfortunately, because of his position, Ahmedinejad is the face of Iran, and the only way many people can identify with your country. I would hope that relations between our nations could return to the days of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

      November 9, 2012 at 10:20 am | Reply
    • Nahid From Iran

      As an Iranian tell you please shut your big mouth and if you don't like to live in Iran go back to Saudi Arabia or go and ki$s Israelis' as5

      November 9, 2012 at 10:21 pm | Reply
  32. Steve

    What an outrageous piece of non-journalism. Anonymous sources? Check. Parroting without skepticism the government account of events? Check. No attempt to question the facts, i.e. what was the drone doing? Check. Etc.

    This is not journalism it's stenography. What a pathetic organization CNN has become. Starr is a simply a press release writer for the government.

    Why does it matter? Meida stenography of government lies, raher than factual reporting, got us into the Iraq war. Remember the big NY Times story about WMD. All Petnatgon BS we know now. How about Vietnam. Remember those torpedo boats that fired at US ships in the Gulf of Tonkin - a major rationale for another ill-advised military foray? All lies we konw now.

    Hey CNN, how about sending your reporters back to journalism school for a refresher?

    November 9, 2012 at 8:30 am | Reply
    • tomdoc5

      Steve, you are spot on. Sadly, this is not the only example we see on a day to day basis, it's an ongoing trudgery of propoganda. Even more sadly, most people are too dumb to realize it and see their news for what it is, garbage. The only real organization with the chance for producing REAL journalism is PBS, but with the gubment's greasy fingers all over that now too, it's a long shot. Ideally, PBS should be funded by "viewers like you", and by an electorate who cares enough about media independence and journalism to fund it. Amen brother, more attention needs to be brought to the incompetence of media, since so many other problems (as you explained) stem from it.

      November 9, 2012 at 9:11 am | Reply
  33. Phil Divver

    First, how would our enemy know the drone was un armed? Second, if the Iranian military is responsible for protecting their country from any threat., then they are obligated to take drone or any other perceived threat down whether in their nation's airspace or not. Why? Because they can without any consequence from our weak Traitor in Chief who will do nothing but bore everyone with another useless speech expressing his benign outrage.

    November 9, 2012 at 8:30 am | Reply
    • Chris

      This just sounds silly and makes you sound small-minded. What do you expect this president, or any president for that matter, to do in response? Start an international war because they fired upon our drone? Please. If it had been an American pilot, or any other branch of the military, then I see the rationale for a military response. But to argue that Obama is a traitor because he won't place a consequence upon Iran is just ideologically small-minded. Get over the fact that he doesn't operate the way you want. The genius of democracy is that you like some leaders, despise others, and sometimes you get your way.

      I don't see any reason the US should risk one life for that country. Keep running the drones, and just be sure to have a response ready if it becomes potentially lethal.

      November 9, 2012 at 9:45 am | Reply
      • magicbeans

        Its an act of war but whatever.Liberals are so insightful. I expect he will do nothing because that's what he always does. I'm sure killing an Ambassador and three other Americans is fine too. Lets not freak out about it. lets find a new safe label for it so you and the Administration can continue to keep your heads frimly between your butt cheeks. Sure that will work what an awesome foreign policy.

        November 9, 2012 at 11:22 am |
  34. Steve

    What an outrageous piece of non-journalism. Anonymous sources? Check. Parroting without skepticism the government account of events? Check. No attempt to question the facts, i.e. what was the drone doing? Check. Etc.

    This is not journalism it's stenography. What a pathetic organization CNN has become. Starr is a simply a press release writer for the government.

    Why does it matter? Meida stenography got us into the Iraq war. Remember the big NY Times story about WMD. All Petnatgon BS we know now. How about Vietnam. Remember those torpedo boats that fired at US ships in the Gulf of Tonkin - a major rationale for another ill-advised military foray? All lies we konw now.

    Hey CNN, how about sending your reporters back to journalism school for a refresher?

    November 9, 2012 at 8:30 am | Reply
  35. BillD

    I think Iran needs a good old fashioned nukin'

    November 9, 2012 at 8:27 am | Reply
  36. Steve McCrone

    Americas new stance on people that attack America, STAND DOWN STAND DOWN STAND DOWN, and DENIED DENIED DENIED so everyone get your steel pot and Kevlar liners we will be needing them.

    November 9, 2012 at 8:22 am | Reply
    • Jebbie

      Who has attacked America this time?

      November 9, 2012 at 9:01 am | Reply
      • magicbeans

        You probably didn't hear about Benghazi. But that's understandable because the meida had to protect their candidate. We lost an Ambassador and a few Americans. No biggie. Were filling it under workplace violence and investigating how to punsih ourselves for upsetting the Lybian rebels.

        November 9, 2012 at 11:25 am |
  37. eville11

    if you don't call raiding an embassy and killing an ambassador an act of war, screwing with an unmanned drone over international waters is nothing.

    November 9, 2012 at 7:25 am | Reply
    • redbloodedxy

      Trouble is a tenacious bully that habitually provokes the undeserving as well as the deserving. So - which one are we ??

      November 9, 2012 at 8:11 am | Reply
      • magicbeans

        Um. I'm sure in your head we are whoever is to blame for everything bad that has happened in the whole world ever. Did I get it right?

        November 9, 2012 at 11:34 am |
  38. American for America

    Why are we antagonizing other countries? We do not find drones in America acceptable to our privacy. We invade, bomb and destroy other countries because they do not fall in line with what our government’s idea of democracy is. Our forefathers fought our wars for our freedom. It’s about time to let the other countries worry about themselves. Time for America to worry about Americans, time for secrecy of a big government to end. Time to look threw the lies and demand the truth.

    November 9, 2012 at 7:03 am | Reply
    • UneducatedMasses

      Jesus Christ go back to school and get an education. Specifically hit up the US history subject area.

      November 9, 2012 at 7:22 am | Reply
      • Escape from uprising

        You mean "indoctrinated". Americans may know all paths in this world don't involve Israel, but according to any media or Washington, at any moment something could happen so send more money and help us.... It's sick.

        November 9, 2012 at 7:56 am |
      • graffin

        I'd say spelling, too.

        November 9, 2012 at 9:18 am |
      • American for America

        If you’re referring to our history as a country I do not need and education. As for modern day history of our country and the construed truth that you are feed through the mass media outlet then you would be the one who needs to do a little more research. Let’s see: lies from you commander and chief over Benghazi , Fast and Furious scandal all whistle blowers saw ramifications for their action in letting the People know. The CIA whistle blower in the Fast and Furious scandal was fired in a Denny’s parking lot. Benghazi, The President was watching as it unfolded and denied help when it was called in then lied when asked (right before the election). Why would that happen leaves me to believe there were other motives there….. Learn to question what you’re told and do your research. There are more instances where this happens, to many to name. We all know that well know terrorist were trained and paid to do our governments bidding. You must be one of the narrow minded morons that have caused this great country to become what it is. Let’s go full circle with this. Give me the truth of why were there no distorted lies. Too many great citizens of this country have lost their lives to what the government tells us is to promote democracy or to protect the people. We as people question others integrity every day why not question the government.

        November 9, 2012 at 9:49 am |
    • Alex

      The drone was flying over international waters. It wasn't over Iranian airspace. It wasn't antagonizing anything.

      November 9, 2012 at 8:54 am | Reply
    • Henshaw

      Seriously, I think it's time we teach this guys some lesson.

      November 9, 2012 at 3:40 pm | Reply
  39. dj

    why was it not reported at the time ? why doses it always take a leak?

    November 9, 2012 at 7:38 am | Reply
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