BICOM

It is currently unclear whether the two Iranian naval vessels which Iran had planned to send through the Suez Canal on their way to Syria will be permitted by the Egyptian authorities to pass through the canal. The ships – the Alvand, a frigate, and the Kharq, a supply ship, are currently located in an area near the Saudi Arabian port of Jiddah, having departed from Iran two and a half weeks ago. The Egyptian authorities have said that Cairo has refused to allow the vessels passage. Associated Press reported yesterday that the Iranian request for passage had been withdrawn. However, Iranian state television yesterday claimed that permission was given and that the ships are set to pass through the canal.

Israeli officials consider Iran’s intention is to carry out a controlled provocation. While the ships do not pose any direct threat to Israel, their passage through the Suez Canal would be intended as a gesture of defiance toward Israel, and an Iranian gesture to Egypt in light of the recent fall of President Hosni Mubarak, which Teheran welcomed. It is also perhaps an attempt to divert the attention of Iranians from the widespread anti-government unrest which has taken place in recent days.