Egyptian officials confirmed on Tuesday that two Iranian naval vessels had transited the Suez Canal and would soon be on their way to Syria, moving close to the coast of Israel in a move that Israeli officials have blasted as a brazen provocation and an attempt to expand Iranian influence in the region. Egypt's military rulers, who are struggling to restore order to their country after the recent popular demonstrations which ousted long time dictator Hosni Mubarak, said they are obligated under international law to allow the Iranian ships passage since they have taken no offensive action against Egypt. It was the first time Iranian warship have moved through the Canal since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
