Iranian warships' passage postponed

Cairo - The passage of two Iranian naval vessels through the Suez Canal has been delayed by 48 hours, a canal official said on Sunday, partly due to heavy pressure from Israel and its allies.

The Iranian frigate and supply ship had been due to enter the canal with the northbound convoy that moves daily at 6 am on Monday.

The passage through the canal would be a first for Iranian naval vessels since the nation's 1979 Islamic revolution. Israel, Iran's long-time foe, said it takes a "grave view" of the crossings.