Iran’s naval warships enter Suez Canal first time in 3 decades

Iran's naval warships enter Suez Canal first time in 3 decades

Two Iranian naval warships entered the Suez Canal this Tuesday, en route to the Mediterranean. Israel, which views Iran as a threat, has already called the move a 'provocation'. Iranian officials say the frigate and supply vessel are headed to Syria for a year-long training mission. It's the first time Iran's military ships have sailed those waters since the country's Islamic revolution of 1979. Egypt's Defence ministry says Iran's request stated the vessels would have no military equipment or nuclear materials onboard.

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USS Cape St. George Assists Iranian Mariners

USS CAPE ST. GEORGE, Arabian Gulf (NNS) — Guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) provided assistance to an Iranian dhow after receiving a distress call, Jan 31.

Bridge watchstanders aboard Cape St. George reported receiving a distress call at approximately 8 a.m. from a small fishing vessel about eight miles away.

Upon receiving the call for help, Cape St. George sent an assistance team to assess the situation and provide aid to the crew of six Iranians aboard the dhow.

The rescue team attempted to repair the dhow’s dewatering pumps, but were unable to stop the flooding. The fisherman were brought aboard the rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) as the dhow continued to sink.

All fisherman were assessed to be in good health by Cape St. George’s medical personnel and were transferred to an Iranian customs vessel, which was patrolling the area.

USS Cape St. George is deployed with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Kelling/Released)