Two Iranian warships bound for Syria have withdrawn a request to sail through the Egyptian-controlled Suez Canal. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman had announced on Wednesday night that the ships were en route to Syria via the canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. However, on Thursday the ships stopped in an area near the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port city of Jeddah after reportedly withdrawing a request to traverse the canal. Other reports suggest that the ships never requested permission to cross through the canal.
Lieberman's statement called the move a recurring Iranian "provocation." His statement suggested that Israel would not ignore Iran's actions. "The international community must understand that Israel cannot forever ignore these provocations," he said. According to international rules governing navigation through the Suez Canal, no vessel can be denied passage, unless it is at war with Egypt, but for military ships prior approval must come from the Ministry of Defense, and ships must give at least 24 hours notice before crossing.
