Iranian warships back off Suez

A senior Suez Canal official says two Iranian warships have withdrawn their application to transit the waterway following expressions of concern by Israel over the plans.

The official said no reason was given for Thursday's decision to withdraw the application. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, also said it was not known if the vessels intended to transit the waterway at a later date.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed Wednesday that Iran was about to send two warships through the Suez Canal for the first time in years, calling it a "provocation."

The official identified the two vessels as Alvand, a frigate, and Kharq, a supply ship, and said they were en route to Syria.

No Iranian naval ships have made the trip through the Suez in more than 30 years.