Iranian naval vessels pass through Suez

After days of conflicting reports, two Iranian naval ships are finally passing through the Suez Canal en route to Syria. The vessels, a frigate and supply ship, are the first warships from Iran to make the journey through the sea gate since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Normal travel time through the canal ranges from 11 to 16 hours, which would mean a Tuesday afternoon arrival at Port Said on the Mediterranean coast.

From there the ships are due to travel around Israeli waters and dock at the Syrian port of Lazeqiyeh, according to Iranian news outlet irna. Iran claims the ships’ deployment falls “within the framework of brotherly meetings between the two countries.”

Israel disagrees.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet, “We can see what an unstable region we live in, an area in which Iran is trying to take advantage of the situation that has arisen and broaden its influence by transferring two warships via the Suez Canal.”

The move “proves that the self-confidence and chutzpah of the Iranians are growing from day to day,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

As the Trumpet has reported often, it is this “self-confidence and chutzpah” that will continue to define Iran’s foreign policy. The fact that the interim Egyptian leadership will now give it a free pass through the Suez will only embolden Tehran further.