[Maringa]

I can understand the provocation here, but can’t the Iranians also travel around through Gibralter pass and dock at Syria just the same? Long way around, but the same end result?

Other than trying to goad the Israelis into sinking their boats in the canal, is there anything else they can possibly do?

[ClearCase_guy]

I can understand the provocation here, but can’t the Iranians also travel around through Gibralter pass and dock at Syria just the same?

I saw on another thread that the Iranian navy has not gone through the canal in many years. I'm not sure why -- Egypt might have banned them, but this is not at all definite.

But, a week or so after the "democratic revolt" in Egypt, for the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran to suddenly send its navy through the canal is quite a statement. Loud and clear:

Things have changed in the Middle East.

[Yet_Again]

Other than trying to goad the Israelis into sinking their boats in the canal, is there anything else they can possibly do?

I'm not sure, but I remember one of the talking heads discussing the possibility of another Gaza flotilla last year. The presence of Iranian warships in Syrian ports and a friendly port to receive the flotilla in Egypt increases the ante significantly.