Iranian ships to sail Suez; Israel takes 'grave view'

ISMAILIA, Egypt - Two Iranian navy vessels were approaching Egypt's Suez Canal on Sunday before making the first passage through the waterway since Iran's 1979 revolution and Israel said it took "a grave view" of Teheran's move.

Egypt's ruling military council, facing its first diplomatic headache since taking power on Feb 11, approved the ships' passage through the waterway which is a vital global trading route and major source of revenues for the Egyptian authorities.

The two vessels, a frigate and a supply ship, are due to enter the canal on Monday. The northbound convoy from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean moves at 6 am (0400 GMT).