Suez Canal Says Iran Navy Passage Delayed

The Iranian warship the "Alvand" in the Persian Gulf in 2009.

The planned passage of two Iranian naval vessels through the Suez Canal is reported to have been delayed by 48 hours.

The two vessels had been due to enter the canal early this morning.

An Egyptian canal official did not give a reason for the postponement.

The passage through the canal would be the first for Iranian naval vessels since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran on February 20 of trying to exploit recent instability in Egypt and told his cabinet that he views Iran's moves "with gravity."

compiled from agency reports