The Egyptian authorities have agreed to allow two Iranian warships to transit through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea, state media report.
Iran's request stated the vessels would have no military equipment, nuclear materials or chemicals on board, the defence ministry is quoted as saying.
Iranian officials say the warships are headed to Syria for training.
Israel's foreign minister has expressed concern about them using the Suez Canal, calling it a "provocation".
There has been no comment from Israel since Egypt gave its approval.
It is believed to be the first time since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iranian warships have attempted to pass through the Suez Canal.
The ships involved are the frigate Alvand and a supply vessel, the Kharg. They are currently in the Red Sea, at the canal's southern end.
