Report: Suspected CIA 'spies' captured in Iran

Iran says it has arrested 12 CIA "spies", for allegedly trying to cripple Iran's nuclear, military and security areas.

(CNN) -- An Iranian lawmaker said Thursday that officials in Iran and Lebanon have arrested 12 CIA "spies" who intended to a "deal a strong blow" to Iran, state media reported.

Parliamentarian Parviz Sorouri said the alleged spies were trying to cripple Iran in nuclear, military and security areas, said Iran's official IRNA news agency.

The report did not say when the suspects were arrested or add details about the arrests.

Earlier this week, a U.S. official confirmed to CNN that informants that worked with the CIA had been captured in Lebanon. The official would not say how many informants were arrested.

One of the means used by Hezbollah counterterrorism operatives to identify the informants was to trace their cell phone calls, the official said.

The official added, "look who helps them," a reference to Iran, with which Hezbollah shares tactics and information.

The United States considers Hezbollah, which has close ties to Iran and Syria, to be a terrorist organization.

CNN's Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this repor

(CNN)