February 16, 201115 yr Well, this is interesting ... From DefenseNews Israel Says Iran Sending Ships To MediterraneanBY GAVIN RABINOWITZ Published: 16 Feb 2011 14:37 JERUSALEM - Iran is sending two warships into the Mediterranean Sea, Israel's foreign minister said Feb. 16, labeling the act a "provocation" the Jewish state cannot ignore for long. "Tonight two Iranian warships are supposed to cross the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea on their way to Syria," Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said, speaking at a conference of American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. ... The Suez Canal Authority said it had not yet been informed of an Iranian request to send its ships through the canal, but that it should not be a problem if they do. "The Suez Canal authority allows all ships of any nationality to cross as long as the country is not in a state of war with Egypt," the Authority said in a statement, noting "it would be the first time Iranian warships have used the Suez Canal since 1979." ... [excerpt] [emphasis mine]
February 17, 201115 yr For the interested, the two ships are Alvand (a Vosper Mark V frigate from 1971) and the supply ship Kharg. The former is in the same class as a ship sunk during Operation Praying Mantis. Alvand doesn't even have SAMS...
February 17, 201115 yr Author I saw reference to a Mk V and a supply ship, but no names. What's the source?
February 17, 201115 yr Author I saw reference to a Mk V and a supply ship, but no names. What's the source? Never mind. Found em. In any case, it appears the 'mission' is scrubbed. From BBC News 17 February 2011 Last updated at 06:30 ET Iranian warships' plan to use Suez Canal 'cancelled'
February 18, 201115 yr Author Or not? From DefenseNews Egypt OKs Iranian Ships' Passage Through SuezAGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Published: 18 Feb 2011 14:06 CAIRO - Egypt on Feb. 18 gave permission for Iranian Navy ships to transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, state media reported, after Israel described the move as a "provocation." "Egypt agreed to allow two Iranian warships to transit the Suez Canal," the official MENA news agency reported. [excerpt]
February 20, 201115 yr If they want to share the fate of Sahand and Salaban, Israel will fulfill their wishes. Kharg is supposedly transporting arms for Hezbollah...
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