2 Iranian warships close to southern Suez Canal entrance

Canal officials say 2 naval vessels expected to start transit of strategic waterway in next 24 hours; ships expected to pay $290,000 fee.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Suez Canal 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Suez Canal 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
CAIRO — Suez Canal officials said Monday that two Iranian naval vessels were expected to start their passage through the strategic waterway early Tuesday.
The ships, a frigate and a supply vessel, are close to the southern entrance of the canal, the Canal officials said.
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The ships are expected to pay a fee of $290,000 for the crossing, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The two vessels are headed to Syria for a training mission.
If the ships make the passage, it would mark the first time in three decades that Iranian military ships have traveled the canal that links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman made clear last week that Israel views the passage as a provocation.


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