SHOWOFF

Iranian Warships Enter Mediterranean

For only second time in more than 30 years.

Two Iranian naval vessels, a destroyer and its supply ship, passed Saturday through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean in what Iranian naval officials are calling a “message of peace” as well as a demonstration of military might. Their intended destination is not yet known, though they are reported to have docked previously at the port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The voyage by the two ships comes as Iran and Israel clash over Iran’s continuing nuclear program, which some fear Israel might take military action against. The last foray by the Iranian Navy into the Mediterranean occurred a year ago and was denounced by Israel as a “provocation.”