Iranian vessels which had passed the Suez Canal on February and docked at Syria’s ports entered the Canal on Thursday to return back.

The vessels are expected to reach the Red Sea later in the day, Jerusalem Post quotes canal authority.   

It was the first time an Iranian warship entered the Canal since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian side claimed it was a “message of peace and friendship to regional countries”.

However, it aroused concern of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu called the fact “provocation”, noting that Tehran is trying to use advantage of instability in Egypt. He also called the move “an Iranian attempt to expand its influence in the region.”