Suez Canal – Plot to Bomb Israeli Ship Foiled

Two seized by Egypt in alleged plot to bomb Israeli ships in the Suez Canal

The Egyptian authorities claim to have foiled an Iranian attempt to blow up Israeli vessels in the Suez Canal, the  government-linked newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly has reported.

Details of the alleged plot are likely to escalate tensions between Israel and Iran, according to The Independent, who are locked in a stand-off over Tehran's nuclear programme that many fear could trigger a new war in the Middle East. Israeli officials were unable to confirm the details, but said it was significant that the report had been published in a semi-official newspaper.

Quoting state prosecutors, Al-Ahram said Egyptian police were holding two Egyptian nationals who are charged with receiving orders and payment from Iranian agents to blow up an Israeli ship.

The two allegedly offered a third suspect, Mohammed Zakri, £5.1m to carry out the attack. Mr Zakri was reportedly told that he would be "paid by the Shiites", apparently a reference to Tehran.