Egypt to Let Iran Warships Transit Suez Canal on Way to Syria

Egypt yesterday approved a request by Iran to send two warships through the Suez Canal on their way to Syria, a move that has ratcheted up Middle East tensions and driven oil prices higher.

The decision was reported by Egypt’s state television network and confirmed by an Egyptian military official who would not be identified in line with policy. Iran’s request to use the waterway specified that the vessels don’t hold nuclear or chemical materials, and aren’t carrying or delivering weapons, the official said.