WASHINGTON — Two ships of the Iranian Navy have rounded the southern tip of Africa, becoming the first Iranian Navy ships to ever enter the Atlantic Ocean. <br /><br />This comes just days after Iran's largest navy ship caught fire and sank. <br /><br />It appears that the two Iranian ships are heading for Venezuela, which would have significant geopolitical ramifications. Here are the details:<br /><br />The Drive reports that two ships of the Iranian Navy have reportedly rounded South Africa's Cape of Good Hope and appear to be heading into the Atlantic Ocean. <br /><br />The two ships are the frigate Sahand, and the Makran, a converted tanker that looks like it's designed to be a mobile base. <br /><br />This latest news comes two days after the Kharg, one of Iran's largest and most important naval ships, sank after suffering a major fire, the causes of which remain unclear. <br /><br />This would be the first time Iranian naval vessels have operated in the Atlantic and previous reports have indicated that their final destination is in Venezuela, where they might offload a shipment of weapons. <br /><br />While it is still unclear if the ships are carrying any weapons, satellite imagery suggests the Makran is carrying a number of small, fast-attack boats that Iran has used to harass U.S. naval ships in the Persian Gulf. <br /><br />If Iranian Navy vessels gain the ability to operate in the Atlantic, analysts say it would be a significant step forward for Iran, which has tried and failed to do so in the past.<br /><br />The Pentagon says the delivery of Iranian weapons to Venezuela would be a provocative act and a threat to America's partners in the western hemisphere. <br /><br />The Pentagon said: "We would reserve the right to take appropriate measures — in concert with our partners — to deter the delivery or transit of such weapons."
