Two Iranian vessels ended their mission in the Mediterranean Sea, chief of Iranian navy told the reporters on Saturday.

Admiral Habibollah Sayyari stressed the mission was aimed at providing security for shipping lines in the Gulf of Aden and training naval students, Iranian Press TV reports. He also said warships managed to accomplish their mission despite “Israeli regime’s efforts to hamper the operation”, the website says.

Earlier Sayyari stated the mission was “a message of peace and friendship to regional countries”.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, it was the first time an Iranian warship entered the Canal since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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.”