The passage of two Iranian naval vessels through Egypt's Suez Canal into the Mediterranean has been delayed.
The ships were scheduled to pass through the canal on Monday, on their way to Syria. On Monday, there were conflicting reports as to when the ships would enter the waterway. The Associated Press, citing Suez Canal officials, reported that the voyage was expected to begin on Tuesday.
Egypt's new military rulers approved an Iranian request for the transit of the two vessels last Friday, despite decades of strained relations between the two sides.
Israel, which views the Islamic Republic as a threat, made clear it sees the planned Iranian naval passage through Suez as "a provocation."
Iran has said the frigate and support ship are on a training mission.
Vessels intending to pass through the Suez Canal must give the waterway's authority at least 24 hours notice before entering.
The Convention of Constantinople, signed in 1888, guarantees the right of passage through the canal for all seagoing vessels, military or civilian, at all times.
International agreements specifically call for the canal to remain open in wartime, but there have been a number of closures during past conflicts.
The ships were scheduled to pass through the canal on Monday, on their way to Syria. On Monday, there were conflicting reports as to when the ships would enter the waterway. The Associated Press, citing Suez Canal officials, reported that the voyage was expected to begin on Tuesday.
Egypt's new military rulers approved an Iranian request for the transit of the two vessels last Friday, despite decades of strained relations between the two sides.
Israel, which views the Islamic Republic as a threat, made clear it sees the planned Iranian naval passage through Suez as "a provocation."
Iran has said the frigate and support ship are on a training mission.
Vessels intending to pass through the Suez Canal must give the waterway's authority at least 24 hours notice before entering.
The Convention of Constantinople, signed in 1888, guarantees the right of passage through the canal for all seagoing vessels, military or civilian, at all times.
International agreements specifically call for the canal to remain open in wartime, but there have been a number of closures during past conflicts.