Israel concerned over Iranian warships

JERUSALEM, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Israel Sunday said Iranian plans to send two warships -- the first since 1979 -- through the Suez Canal is an attempt to expand its regional influence.

"We can see what an unstable region we live in, an area in which Iran is trying to take advantage of the situation that has arisen and broaden its influence by transferring two warships via the Suez Canal," Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said at his weekly Cabinet meeting.

"Israel takes a grave view of this Iranian step," Netanyahu said, adding Israel will be required to boost defense spending as a result of recent events in the region and Tehran's decision to dispatch two warships to Syria, Haaretz reported.

Egyptian military officials approved the crossing of the two Iranian ships through the Suez Canal toward the Mediterranean Sea, saying they were expected to sail through the canal on Monday, Ahram Online reported.

The two ships will dock at the Syrian port of Latkia, Haaretz said, noting they will be the first Iranian naval ships to pass through the canal since Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The two Iranian warships are the frigate Alvand, reportedly armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, and the Kharg, a supply vessel capable of carrying three helicopters and manned by 250 personnel, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Ever since Iran announced plans to dispatch the ships to Syria, there have been conflicting reports in the media whether Iran sought permission to sail through the Canal from Egypt.

Egyptian officials said Friday a request had been received despite initial reports saying Iran had not sought permission.

Egyptian officials Sunday denied the ships had already sailed through the canal despite a report by the Iranian television channel al-Alam saying they had.