Green Light for Iranian Ships to Sail Through Suez Canal

Egyptian military officials have approved the crossing of the two Iranian ships through the Suez Canal toward the Mediterranean Sea, saying the passage is expected on Monday, Ahram Online reported.

The two ships will dock at the Syrian port of Latkia, Haaretz said, noting they will be the first Iranian naval ships to pass through the canal since Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The two Iranian warships are the frigate Alvand, reportedly armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, and the Kharg, a supply vessel capable of carrying three helicopters and manned by 250 personnel, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Ever since Iran announced plans to dispatch the ships to Syria, there have been conflicting reports in the media whether Iran sought permission to sail through the Canal from Egypt.

Egyptian officials said Friday a request had been received despite initial reports saying Iran had not sought permission.

Egyptian officials Sunday denied the ships had already sailed through the canal despite a report by the Iranian television channel al-Alam saying they had.

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