CAIRO — Egypt has agreed to let two Iranian naval vessels transit the Suez Canal, a move that comes despite expressions of concern by Israeli officials, the Egyptian-government's MENA news agency reported Friday.
An Iranian diplomat has said the vessels were heading to Syria for training and that the request to move through the canal is in line with international regulations. Iranian diplomats have offered assurances that the two ships wouldn't have weapons or nuclear or chemical material, MENA stated.
| "Cross our hearts and hope you die!" |
White House spokesman Jay Carney, briefing reporters on an Air Force One flight from California to Oregon, said, "We're monitoring that, obviously."
"But we also would say that Iran does not have a great track record of responsible behavior in the region," he said.
| You don't say. Question is, what will we do about it other than 'monitor' the situation? |
The move had been widely expected and Iranian officials have insisted the request is in line with international regulations. It would be the first time since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iranian warships pass through the Suez Canal, which links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
| So the tanker ship is delivering weapons to Hezbollah via Syria, and the frigate is there just in case something happens to the cargo. |
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