Apple blocking Opera?

Rumors reported this week and last that Apple had blocked the OPERA internet browser from creating an application for the iPhone.  The CEO of Opera released a statement that it was not necessarily true yet.  They have not submitted a copy of the program to the Apple application store for trial.  Many people interviewed don't even know if they have created a Opera mini for the iPhone!  We'll see in the near-by future if the company will be able to compete with Safari, Mac's internet browser.