Iran warships Suez Canal passage 'back on'
The voyage may be part of a training mission for navy cadetsIran has asked Egypt for permission to send two warships through the Suez Canal, officials have confirmed, after a day of conflicting reports.
BBC 17 February 2011 Last updated at 18:11 ET
Egypt's defence ministry said it was considering the request, hours after reports quoted canal officials as denying any request had been made.
The move has been condemned by Israel's foreign minister as a provocation.
It is believed to be the first time since the 1979 revolution that Iran has requested passage through the canal.
There have been conflicting reports throughout the day as to whether the request had been turned down, withdrawn, or had even been made.
But a naval official confirmed to Iran's state-run Press TV that talks were continuing with Cairo.
And Egyptian defence ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki told the Associated Press that the request was being considered.
Canal officials deal with regular shipping requests, but naval requests are decided by the defence ministry.
Analysts say the ministry rarely turns down a request.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported in January that Iranian navy cadets were going on a year-long training mission through Suez and into the Mediterranean, according to Reuters.
But no official reason has been given for the voyage.
It is thought that the ships are heading to Syria, the main ally of Tehran in the region - and a major foe of Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that his country could not "for ever ignore these provocations".
The ships involved are the frigate Alvand and a supply vessel, the Kharg.
Analysts say the plan presents a headache for the new military leadership in Egypt.
Cairo signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, and has since had frosty ties with Tehran.
