Sunday, February 20, 2011

Iran Navy Ships Enter Mediterranean

IRIS Alvand

The Iranian frigate Alvand and its replenishment ship Kharg crossed the Suez and reached the Mediterranean today. Iran’s state-owned broadcasting network (IRIB) said the two vessels are heading toward a Syrian port. The Suez crossing is the first for Iranian Navy ships since the 1979 revolution.

The ships, which are not carrying any unconventional cargo, are expected to anchor in the Syrian port of Latakia.

The new Egyptian government approved the passage through the Suez honoring its treaty that obliges it to allow free passage through the waterway. Israel has called the crossing “provocative.”

The Alvand is equipped with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. The Kharg carries 250 sailors and three helicopters.

Photo: IRIS Alvand File Photo. Majid Jamshidi / Fars News Agency

1 comment:

mat said...

No one could ever stop the iranian naval vessels from transiting the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea en route to Syria as long as it gets approval and is allowed to do so by the waterway's authority.