A rare snowfall turned Oman's Jabal Shams into winter wonderland and become the center of attraction. The meteorological department has warned of more dips in temperature.

Oman's Jabal Shams turns white

India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth&nbsp;strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. The last strategic dialogue was held in Muscat in January 2020.

During the talks, both sides focused on strategic and security cooperation, defence and counter-terrorism. On counter-terrorism, the key focus of the conversation was on the expansion of terrorist propaganda, misuse of new and emerging technologies, fundraising and disinformation and are keen to work with each other on collective and coordinated response.

Another key aspect of the conversation was on preserving maritime safety and security in the region. Oman and India are maritime neighbours, sharing the coastline with the Arabian Sea. In the past few years, both countries have cooperated in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. As part of the cooperation, the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee took place on 23 February 2022 virtually.

Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi also called on National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This is the first visit by Al-Kindi to India after his appointment as the Secretary General of the NSC of Oman and was in India from January 16 to 19. The ninth&nbsp;Strategic Dialogue between the two sides will take place in 2024.

The visit of Oman's Secretary General of NSC is part of increased high-level engagement between the two&nbsp;sides. Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan visited Oman in October 2022, while Oman's commerce minister Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef and foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad visited India the same year.

New Delhi has extended an invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping.

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India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi.

India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. The last strategic dialogue was held in Muscat in January 2020. During the talks, both sides focused on strategic and security cooperation, defence and counter-terrorism. On counter-terrorism, the key focus of the conversation was on the expansion of terrorist propaganda, misuse of new and emerging technologies, fundraising and disinformation and are keen to work with each other on collective and coordinated response. Another key aspect of the conversation was on preserving maritime safety and security in the region. Oman and India are maritime neighbours, sharing the coastline with the Arabian Sea. In the past few years, both countries have cooperated in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. As part of the cooperation, the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee took place on 23 February 2022 virtually. Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi also called on National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This is the first visit by Al-Kindi to India after his appointment as the Secretary General of the NSC of Oman and was in India from January 16 to 19. The ninth Strategic Dialogue between the two sides will take place in 2024. The visit of Oman's Secretary General of NSC is part of increased high-level engagement between the two sides. Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan visited Oman in October 2022, while Oman's commerce minister Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef and foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad visited India the same year. New Delhi has extended an invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

With focus on counter-terrorism, defence, India and Oman hold strategic dialogue in Delhi

Match predictions now have a new dramatic twist thanks to this human psychic. This Omani makes a prediction on which team will lose the FIFA game rather than which side will win. And if you think that's odd, you'll be equally amazed to learn how he predicts these matches. Mohammed al Hajri, an Omani, has become well-known on social media for making accurate match predictions. Hajri is mostly known by the name Mjomba and possesses reversal magic abilities. Here's how&nbsp;

How does he predict FIFA World Cup match results?&nbsp;

Whosoever Mohammed thinks will lose the World Cup match he just wears the jersey of that team. and Abracadabra ! Here is a quick look at some of the&nbsp;Mjomba colourful jerseys and his accurate prediction which earned him a fan following on social media. Remember how Qatar lost its first match against Equador? See what&nbsp;Mohammed wore that day jinxing Qatar.&nbsp;

<img alt="Qatar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e61735e6-10a5-4ea8-9c50-4e28dd32fd1e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162223.239.png" />

Brazil vs. Croatia match on 9 December where Brazil lost the match

<img alt="Brazil " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b13e9a77-5bea-4bb5-b7ad-d1579efa82fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162332.324.png" />

 
Croatia's lose against Argentina on 13 December matchup&nbsp;

<img alt="Croatia " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4aae3a04-248c-4e1b-abea-8cb8d566eefe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162411.171.png" />

Portugal massive defeat against Morocco on 10 December&nbsp;

<img alt="Portugal " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11a44dbe-0d55-494f-8c0e-2091bf9aa001" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162454.753.png" />

 
Historic Argentina lose against Saudi Arabia&nbsp;

<img alt="Argentina " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f01e133f-8adf-4a1c-a866-76756199bd2d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162606.184.png" />

But Mjomba's latest match prediction went wrong when he wore France's jersey in FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinals. Ahead of the match, French Embassy in Oman posted a video. In the video, French ambassador Luciano Rispoli requested Mjomba not to wear the French jersey colours to the match at Al Bayt Stadium. Mjombo shared the post on his page where he captioned it with an apology to Moroccan fans. However, soon he revealed his jersey for the evening.

<img alt="France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87be6030-ec63-4ec2-ba31-93a7bee39d8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T162658.037.png" />

It was France's jersey but ultimately Morocco lost and France win and the reverse magic did not work. Mjompa has not released any picture of him as of now so Mjompa prediction on the big day is not yet known.

Who all made FIFA match predictions earlier?&nbsp;

Chinese pandas&nbsp;

Due to their accurate predictions of the FIFA World Cup 2022 match results, two huge Chinese pandas in Qatar went viral earlier this year. A little video depicts one of the pandas at the Panda House in Al Khor Park sniffing each nation's flag on a glass wall before laying their paws on one of them prior to the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The pandas correctly predicted victories at that time.&nbsp;

<img alt="Panda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c5e05c2-735d-489c-ae17-63b73501c8c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T164701.200.png" />

Paul the Octopus

Do you recall Paul the Octopus? His spot-on match predictions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup made him a household name. The food box Paul chose to eat from was taken into consideration while predicting the outcome of the game. Paul was kept in an aquatic life centre in Germany.&nbsp;

<img alt="paul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39cb1017-1b29-4105-82b1-f12d749ee33d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-16T164823.361.png" />

Camilla, a 'psychic' camel&nbsp;

Ahead of the England vs. Iran match win, a 'psychic' camel has taken the Internet by storm for making a winner's prediction of the match.

<img alt="Camilla" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e610794-6858-4936-a438-9b4ee11d4720" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Camilla.png" />

Camilla, the camel, has predicted the Three Lions to beat Iran which came out to be a correct prediction.&nbsp;

Match predictions now have a new dramatic twist thanks to this human psychic. This Omani makes a prediction on which team will lose the FIFA game rather than which side will win.

Match predictions now have a new dramatic twist thanks to this human psychic. This Omani makes a prediction on which team will lose the FIFA game rather than which side will win. And if you think that's odd, you'll be equally amazed to learn how he predicts these matches. Mohammed al Hajri, an Omani, has become well-known on social media for making accurate match predictions. Hajri is mostly known by the name Mjomba and possesses reversal magic abilities. Here's how How does he predict FIFA World Cup match results? Whosoever Mohammed thinks will lose the World Cup match he just wears the jersey of that team. and Abracadabra ! Here is a quick look at some of the Mjomba colourful jerseys and his accurate prediction which earned him a fan following on social media. Remember how Qatar lost its first match against Equador? See what Mohammed wore that day jinxing Qatar. Brazil vs. Croatia match on 9 December where Brazil lost the match Croatia's lose against Argentina on 13 December matchup Portugal massive defeat against Morocco on 10 December Historic Argentina lose against Saudi Arabia But Mjomba's latest match prediction went wrong when he wore France's jersey in FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinals. Ahead of the match, French Embassy in Oman posted a video. In the video, French ambassador Luciano Rispoli requested Mjomba not to wear the French jersey colours to the match at Al Bayt Stadium. Mjombo shared the post on his page where he captioned it with an apology to Moroccan fans. However, soon he revealed his jersey for the evening. It was France's jersey but ultimately Morocco lost and France win and the reverse magic did not work. Mjompa has not released any picture of him as of now so Mjompa prediction on the big day is not yet known. Who all made FIFA match predictions earlier? Chinese pandas Due to their accurate predictions of the FIFA World Cup 2022 match results, two huge Chinese pandas in Qatar went viral earlier this year. A little video depicts one of the pandas at the Panda House in Al Khor Park sniffing each nation's flag on a glass wall before laying their paws on one of them prior to the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The pandas correctly predicted victories at that time. Paul the Octopus Do you recall Paul the Octopus? His spot-on match predictions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup made him a household name. The food box Paul chose to eat from was taken into consideration while predicting the outcome of the game. Paul was kept in an aquatic life centre in Germany. Camilla, a 'psychic' camel Ahead of the England vs. Iran match win, a 'psychic' camel has taken the Internet by storm for making a winner's prediction of the match. Camilla, the camel, has predicted the Three Lions to beat Iran which came out to be a correct prediction.

Mjomba, an Omani, GOES VIRAL for FIFA World Cup 2022 result prediction through reverse magic, here's how

Five winners were announced by Prince William as recipients of the prestigious Prince of Wales's annual Earthshot Prize on Friday. Among the five winners, two recipients were William's&nbsp;childhood friends from Oman who had reportedly discovered how carbon dioxide can be turned into rock. The prize is given by The Royal Foundation, co-founded by Prince William himself.&nbsp; 
 
The second edition of the Earthshot Prize award ceremony saw celebrities from across the globe like David Beckham, Billie Eilish, Ellie Goulding, Annie Lennox and Chloe Halle walking the “green carpet” in Boston, as royal guests of Prince William and Princess Catherine. 
 
The name of the winners was announced at the awards ceremony by Prince William. The environmental entrepreneurs were awarded $1.2 million each by Prince William for their “groundbreaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-recycling-project-bags-prince-williams-earthshot-environment-prize-421667">India's recycling project bags Prince William's earthshot environment prize</a>

Addressing the ceremony, Prince William said: "I believe that the Earthshot solutions you have seen this evening prove we can overcome our planet's greatest challenges.” 
"By supporting and scaling them we can change our future," he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthshot-prize-environmental-innovators-awarded-nearly-7-million-421803">'Earthshot Prize': Environmental innovators awarded nearly $7 million</a> 
 
The winning projects are based in Australia, Oman, Kenya, the UK and India. The Earthshot Prize award committee, which includes various influential personalities like singer Shakira, actress Cate Blanchett, naturalist and “Planet Earth” narrator Sir David Attenborough, soccer star Dani Alves and NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming, soccer star Dani Alves finalised the winners. 
 
The winners were selected by the esteemed panel from the list of 15 finalists. One of the winners of the Earthshot Prize and founder of 44.01 Talal Hasan said that it was “a proud moment” for his team to win the prestigious award. 
 
"We started 44.01 two years ago because we saw the very real impact of climate change here in Oman. Winning the Earthshot Prize will help us scale our solution around the world, and ultimately eliminate billions of tonnes of CO2. Climate change is the greatest challenge we have ever faced but being part of this amazing group of finalists give us hope,” he said.

Who are the five winners of the Earthshot Prize 2022? 
 
Kenya's Mukuru Clean Stoves: Mukuru Clean Stoves, based in Kenya, is a business founded by a female and mostly run by female staff. They make stoves which are fired using processed biomass which constitutes wood, charcoal and sugarcane instead of solid fuels, which can lead to accidents and air pollution. 
 
India's Kheyti: Greenhouse-in-a-Box, founded and run by Kaushik Kappagantulu in India, is helping small-hold farmers in protecting their crops from pests and harsh weather conditions of the country, which has suffered the severe impact of climate change. 
 
United Kingdom's Notpla: Amongst the winners, one was a project based in the UK that provides a waste-free solution by creating bio-degradable and natural plastic, which is made of seaweed. The company, which is run by Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, has supplied more than a million takeaway food boxes to Just Eat, a food delivery platform. 
 
Australia's Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef: The Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef from Australia were selected for running a programme under which 60 women were trained in both digital and traditional ocean conservation methods. 
 
Oman's 44.01: Talal Hasan's project 44.01 in Oman has a unique proposition for its clients where it ensures to turn carbon dioxide into peridotite, a rock found in abundance globally as well in Oman. The project offers safe and low-cost alternative methods for storing carbon, like burying it in disused oil wells. 
 
What is the annual Earthshot Prize? 
 
Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize in 2021 to provide funds for projects that work towards saving the planet. 
 
This is the second edition of the Earthshot Prize after the first edition was held last year. The name of the prize takes reference from the "Moonshot" ambition of US President John F Kennedy in the 1960s to make a man land over the Moon in a decade. 
 
Every year five Earthshot Prizes worth $1.2 million will be awarded till 2030 to extend support to environmental innovation projects that can help build a better future. On December 5, nominations will be open for the 2023 edition of the Earthshot Prize.

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Five winners were announced by Prince William as recipients of the prestigious Prince of Wales's annual Earthshot Prize on Friday. Among the five winners, two recipients were William's childhood friends from Oman who had reportedly discovered how carbon dioxide can be turned into rock.

Five winners were announced by Prince William as recipients of the prestigious Prince of Wales's annual Earthshot Prize on Friday. Among the five winners, two recipients were William's childhood friends from Oman who had reportedly discovered how carbon dioxide can be turned into rock. The prize is given by The Royal Foundation, co-founded by Prince William himself. The second edition of the Earthshot Prize award ceremony saw celebrities from across the globe like David Beckham, Billie Eilish, Ellie Goulding, Annie Lennox and Chloe Halle walking the “green carpet” in Boston, as royal guests of Prince William and Princess Catherine. The name of the winners was announced at the awards ceremony by Prince William. The environmental entrepreneurs were awarded $1.2 million each by Prince William for their “groundbreaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet”. ALSO READ | India's recycling project bags Prince William's earthshot environment prize Addressing the ceremony, Prince William said: "I believe that the Earthshot solutions you have seen this evening prove we can overcome our planet's greatest challenges.” "By supporting and scaling them we can change our future," he added. WATCH | 'Earthshot Prize': Environmental innovators awarded nearly $7 million The winning projects are based in Australia, Oman, Kenya, the UK and India. The Earthshot Prize award committee, which includes various influential personalities like singer Shakira, actress Cate Blanchett, naturalist and “Planet Earth” narrator Sir David Attenborough, soccer star Dani Alves and NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming, soccer star Dani Alves finalised the winners. The winners were selected by the esteemed panel from the list of 15 finalists. One of the winners of the Earthshot Prize and founder of 44.01 Talal Hasan said that it was “a proud moment” for his team to win the prestigious award. "We started 44.01 two years ago because we saw the very real impact of climate change here in Oman. Winning the Earthshot Prize will help us scale our solution around the world, and ultimately eliminate billions of tonnes of CO2. Climate change is the greatest challenge we have ever faced but being part of this amazing group of finalists give us hope,” he said. Who are the five winners of the Earthshot Prize 2022? Kenya's Mukuru Clean Stoves: Mukuru Clean Stoves, based in Kenya, is a business founded by a female and mostly run by female staff. They make stoves which are fired using processed biomass which constitutes wood, charcoal and sugarcane instead of solid fuels, which can lead to accidents and air pollution. India's Kheyti: Greenhouse-in-a-Box, founded and run by Kaushik Kappagantulu in India, is helping small-hold farmers in protecting their crops from pests and harsh weather conditions of the country, which has suffered the severe impact of climate change. United Kingdom's Notpla: Amongst the winners, one was a project based in the UK that provides a waste-free solution by creating bio-degradable and natural plastic, which is made of seaweed. The company, which is run by Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, has supplied more than a million takeaway food boxes to Just Eat, a food delivery platform. Australia's Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef: The Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef from Australia were selected for running a programme under which 60 women were trained in both digital and traditional ocean conservation methods. Oman's 44.01: Talal Hasan's project 44.01 in Oman has a unique proposition for its clients where it ensures to turn carbon dioxide into peridotite, a rock found in abundance globally as well in Oman. The project offers safe and low-cost alternative methods for storing carbon, like burying it in disused oil wells. What is the annual Earthshot Prize? Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize in 2021 to provide funds for projects that work towards saving the planet. This is the second edition of the Earthshot Prize after the first edition was held last year. The name of the prize takes reference from the "Moonshot" ambition of US President John F Kennedy in the 1960s to make a man land over the Moon in a decade. Every year five Earthshot Prizes worth $1.2 million will be awarded till 2030 to extend support to environmental innovation projects that can help build a better future. On December 5, nominations will be open for the 2023 edition of the Earthshot Prize. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Prince William announces five winners of prestigious Earthshot Prize for environmentalism

In a $4 billion golf and real estate development project in neighbouring Oman, a Saudi real estate company has partnered with the Trump Organization, according to a stock market filing released on Sunday.

The Dar Al Arkan Global Company deal, which involves a division of the Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, comes at a time of increased hostilities between the Saudi government and the US administration of US President Joe Biden, who has a less cordial relationship with Saudi leaders than the previous administration of Donald Trump did.

The project includes "Trump residential villas, a hotel, and a golf course", according to the filing, adding that it will be "developed over 10 years on an area of 3.5 million square meters".&nbsp;

It "is being developed with the support of the Omani Company for Development and Tourism (Omran), the&nbsp;executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development," the filing said.

Trump, who stated this week that he will run for&nbsp;election in 2024, started his first international tour in Saudi Arabia after taking office in 2017.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Twitter's new owner Elon Musk restores Donald Trump's Twitter account

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The following year, he declined to denounce Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, for the assassination of writer Jamal Khashoggi in the country's consulate in Istanbul.

While Saudi officials dispute Biden's assertion, the US intelligence agency claimed that Prince Mohammed had given the go-ahead for the operation to target Khashoggi.

The disagreement between Washington and Riyadh is related to the OPEC+ oil cartel's decision to limit output by two million barrels per day last month. The White House has criticised this decision and compared it to "aligning with Russia" in the conflict in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-presidential-run-and-the-legal-challenges-that-hound-him-534994">Explained: Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential run and the legal challenges that hound him</a>

While this has been happening, former top Trump administration officials have remained close to the Saudis.

Steven Mnuchin, a former treasury secretary, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and former top advisor, attended a prestigious investment meeting in the Saudi capital in October.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at a Trump-owned hotel in Washington while Trump was in office, according to a report last week from a US congressional committee.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a $4 billion golf and real estate development project in neighbouring Oman, a Saudi real estate company has partnered with the Trump Organization, according to a stock market filing released on Sunday.

In a $4 billion golf and real estate development project in neighbouring Oman, a Saudi real estate company has partnered with the Trump Organization, according to a stock market filing released on Sunday. The Dar Al Arkan Global Company deal, which involves a division of the Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, comes at a time of increased hostilities between the Saudi government and the US administration of US President Joe Biden, who has a less cordial relationship with Saudi leaders than the previous administration of Donald Trump did. The project includes "Trump residential villas, a hotel, and a golf course", according to the filing, adding that it will be "developed over 10 years on an area of 3.5 million square meters". It "is being developed with the support of the Omani Company for Development and Tourism (Omran), the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development," the filing said. Trump, who stated this week that he will run for election in 2024, started his first international tour in Saudi Arabia after taking office in 2017. Also WATCH | Twitter's new owner Elon Musk restores Donald Trump's Twitter account The following year, he declined to denounce Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, for the assassination of writer Jamal Khashoggi in the country's consulate in Istanbul. While Saudi officials dispute Biden's assertion, the US intelligence agency claimed that Prince Mohammed had given the go-ahead for the operation to target Khashoggi. The disagreement between Washington and Riyadh is related to the OPEC+ oil cartel's decision to limit output by two million barrels per day last month. The White House has criticised this decision and compared it to "aligning with Russia" in the conflict in Ukraine. Also read | Explained: Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential run and the legal challenges that hound him While this has been happening, former top Trump administration officials have remained close to the Saudis. Steven Mnuchin, a former treasury secretary, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and former top advisor, attended a prestigious investment meeting in the Saudi capital in October. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at a Trump-owned hotel in Washington while Trump was in office, according to a report last week from a US congressional committee. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Donald Trump and Saudi company collaborate on Oman golf project

An Iranian American and former UNICEF official, Baquer Namazi, who has been detained in Tehran for over six&nbsp;years on spying charges has been released. The United States has previously called the charges against him baseless. Notably, he is also one&nbsp;of the four citizens whose freedom was demanded by Washington in the context of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Iranian media posted footage of Namazi boarding a plane out of Tehran and said, “Mohammad Baquer Namazi, who had been released from prison a few days ago, left Iran today”, but did not announce where he is going. Later that day, Namazi landed in Muscat and Oman’s government announced his arrival in a tweet, indicating that Iran has allowed him to leave for medical treatment.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the former UNICEF official’s lawyer said that he is released from Iran “after more than 6.5 years of illegal detention”, this includes the time he was in jail as well as the period when he was barred from leaving the country.&nbsp;

“After a short layover, he will be leaving Oman and heading to Abu Dhabi”, said the human rights lawyer representing the Namazi family, Jared Genser. According to reports, the Iranian American will get undergo surgery to clear out “severe blockage of his left internal carotid artery (ICA)” which puts him at a “very high risk” for a stroke.&nbsp;

The US has been pushing Iran to release Namazi, his son and two other Americans, this is amid efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers. Namazi’s son Siamak was also detained by Tehran. In 2016, the former UN official was convicted of “collaboration with a hostile government” and sentenced to 10 years in prison.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-baquer-namazi-the-american-held-in-iran-allowed-to-leave-521634">Who is Baquer Namazi? The American held in Iran allowed to leave</a>

Reportedly, the Iranian authorities released him on medical grounds in 2018 and closed his case in 2020, commuting his sentence to time served. However, barred him from leaving until Saturday, when the UN said that he is allowed to leave on medical grounds. His 51-year-old son was also convicted in 2016 on the same charges and was released from Tehran's Evin prison on Saturday on a one-week renewable furlough but he was barred from leaving the country.&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Namazi family’s lawyer, Babak Namazi, Baquer Namazi's son, expressed gratitude for his father's release from Iran but also sorrow that his brother could not leave the country.&nbsp;

“While getting my father out of Iran is incredibly important, today is also bittersweet. My brother Siamak, as well as Americans Emad (Shargi) and Morad Tahbaz, remain detained in Iran and our nightmare will not be over until our entire family (and) the other Americans are reunited with their families,” the statement read. Meanwhile, Genser added that while today is a good day for the Namazi family, the work is far from over and said that they need Iran and America to reach an agreement which would bring all American hostages, held in Tehran, home.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prisoners-who-could-be-freed-alongside-iran-nuclear-deal-458114">Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal</a>

Reportedly, the Iranian Americans have often been used as pawns between the two nations, as Iran does not acknowledge their US citizenship. The two countries are now at odds over the 2015 pact which limits Tehran’s nuclear program in return for some relief from sanctions place against them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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An Iranian American and former UNICEF official, Baquer Namazi, who has been detained in Tehran for over six years on spying charges has been released. The United States has previously called the charges against him baseless.

An Iranian American and former UNICEF official, Baquer Namazi, who has been detained in Tehran for over six years on spying charges has been released. The United States has previously called the charges against him baseless. Notably, he is also one of the four citizens whose freedom was demanded by Washington in the context of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. On Wednesday, the Iranian media posted footage of Namazi boarding a plane out of Tehran and said, “Mohammad Baquer Namazi, who had been released from prison a few days ago, left Iran today”, but did not announce where he is going. Later that day, Namazi landed in Muscat and Oman’s government announced his arrival in a tweet, indicating that Iran has allowed him to leave for medical treatment. On the other hand, the former UNICEF official’s lawyer said that he is released from Iran “after more than 6.5 years of illegal detention”, this includes the time he was in jail as well as the period when he was barred from leaving the country. “After a short layover, he will be leaving Oman and heading to Abu Dhabi”, said the human rights lawyer representing the Namazi family, Jared Genser. According to reports, the Iranian American will get undergo surgery to clear out “severe blockage of his left internal carotid artery (ICA)” which puts him at a “very high risk” for a stroke. The US has been pushing Iran to release Namazi, his son and two other Americans, this is amid efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers. Namazi’s son Siamak was also detained by Tehran. In 2016, the former UN official was convicted of “collaboration with a hostile government” and sentenced to 10 years in prison. ALSO READ: Who is Baquer Namazi? The American held in Iran allowed to leave Reportedly, the Iranian authorities released him on medical grounds in 2018 and closed his case in 2020, commuting his sentence to time served. However, barred him from leaving until Saturday, when the UN said that he is allowed to leave on medical grounds. His 51-year-old son was also convicted in 2016 on the same charges and was released from Tehran's Evin prison on Saturday on a one-week renewable furlough but he was barred from leaving the country. In a statement released by the Namazi family’s lawyer, Babak Namazi, Baquer Namazi's son, expressed gratitude for his father's release from Iran but also sorrow that his brother could not leave the country. “While getting my father out of Iran is incredibly important, today is also bittersweet. My brother Siamak, as well as Americans Emad (Shargi) and Morad Tahbaz, remain detained in Iran and our nightmare will not be over until our entire family (and) the other Americans are reunited with their families,” the statement read. Meanwhile, Genser added that while today is a good day for the Namazi family, the work is far from over and said that they need Iran and America to reach an agreement which would bring all American hostages, held in Tehran, home. ALSO READ: Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal Reportedly, the Iranian Americans have often been used as pawns between the two nations, as Iran does not acknowledge their US citizenship. The two countries are now at odds over the 2015 pact which limits Tehran’s nuclear program in return for some relief from sanctions place against them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tehran releases Iranian-American Baquer Namazi after over six years of detention

Oman is set to be the latest country in West Asia to start using India's RuPay card and UPI platform, which will benefit the huge Indian diaspora in the country. During the visit of minister of state for external affairs V. Muraleedharan, an agreement will be signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) for cooperation in digital finance and payments for the usage of RuPay and UPI.

Muraleedharan will be on an official visit to Oman on October 3rd and 4th. This will be his second visit to the Sultanate, during which he will meet the foreign minister&nbsp;Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, and attend community receptions, among various key engagements. He last visited Oman in December 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-rupee-hits-new-low-slips-below-81-mark-against-us-dollar-for-first-time-ever-518948">Also read |&nbsp;Indian rupee hits new low, slips below 81-mark against US dollar for the first time ever</a>

In west Asia, the RuPay card is used or is in the process of being used in the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. UAE was the first country in the gulf where RuPay was launched during PM Modi's August 2019 visit. RuPay is an Indian payment gateway like a Visa or Mastercard and is increasingly being expanded to India's neighbouring countries or nations with a huge Indian diaspora. It was launched in Singapore in May 2018, followed by Bhutan and the Maldives.

Oman hosts 650,000 Indians, who play a key role in the economic development of the country. Recently, Pankaj Khimji, who is an Omani of Indian origin, has been appointed adviser in the Omani ministry of commerce, industry, and investment promotion with the rank of vice minister, reportedly the first such appointment of an Indian-origin expat in a senior government position in the Gulf region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-proposes-use-of-rupay-card-to-oman-478161">Also read |&nbsp;India proposes use of RuPay card to Oman</a>

During the visit, MoS will also unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the premises of the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The life-size bronze statue of Gandhi Ji, commissioned by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), will be the first ever in Oman.

The visit is part of increased engagement between the two sides. Remember, the Omani secretary general for defence, foreign minister, and commerce minister visited India in February, March, and May 2022. India is one of the largest investors in Oman, with total investments of over US$ 7.5 billion. Bilateral trade is on the rise, with total trade in FY 2021-22 touching nearly US$ 10 billion. Oman plays an important role in supporting Indian naval deployments in the western Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.

Oman is set to be the latest country in West Asia to start using India's RuPay card and UPI platform, which will benefit the huge Indian diaspora in the country.

Oman is set to be the latest country in West Asia to start using India's RuPay card and UPI platform, which will benefit the huge Indian diaspora in the country. During the visit of minister of state for external affairs V. Muraleedharan, an agreement will be signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) for cooperation in digital finance and payments for the usage of RuPay and UPI. Muraleedharan will be on an official visit to Oman on October 3rd and 4th. This will be his second visit to the Sultanate, during which he will meet the foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, and attend community receptions, among various key engagements. He last visited Oman in December 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Indian rupee hits new low, slips below 81-mark against US dollar for the first time ever In west Asia, the RuPay card is used or is in the process of being used in the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. UAE was the first country in the gulf where RuPay was launched during PM Modi's August 2019 visit. RuPay is an Indian payment gateway like a Visa or Mastercard and is increasingly being expanded to India's neighbouring countries or nations with a huge Indian diaspora. It was launched in Singapore in May 2018, followed by Bhutan and the Maldives. Oman hosts 650,000 Indians, who play a key role in the economic development of the country. Recently, Pankaj Khimji, who is an Omani of Indian origin, has been appointed adviser in the Omani ministry of commerce, industry, and investment promotion with the rank of vice minister, reportedly the first such appointment of an Indian-origin expat in a senior government position in the Gulf region. Also read | India proposes use of RuPay card to Oman During the visit, MoS will also unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the premises of the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The life-size bronze statue of Gandhi Ji, commissioned by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), will be the first ever in Oman. The visit is part of increased engagement between the two sides. Remember, the Omani secretary general for defence, foreign minister, and commerce minister visited India in February, March, and May 2022. India is one of the largest investors in Oman, with total investments of over US$ 7.5 billion. Bilateral trade is on the rise, with total trade in FY 2021-22 touching nearly US$ 10 billion. Oman plays an important role in supporting Indian naval deployments in the western Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.

Oman to also start usage of India's RuPay card, UPI platform

An official request letter has been sent to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, urging his intervention in repatriating eight Indian fishermen stranded in Oman. Hailing from Kanyakumari, the southernmost district of India, the group of fishermen had gone to Oman around four months ago on a work visa. However, they haven't been paid their salaries since their month of arrival and their visa sponsor is said to have been unresponsive.

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8 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fishermen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fishermen</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kanyakumari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kanyakumari</a> are stranded in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oman</a> , without wages for 4months. They are not in possession of passports, owner is said to demand Rs.1.1lakh for releasing the passport 
 
They plead for repatriation 
 
Now <a href="https://twitter.com/annamalai_k?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@annamalai_k</a> has penned <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://t.co/LEOxg8TpoD">pic.twitter.com/LEOxg8TpoD</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1555148672652156928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"We came to Oman from Kanyakumari, it's been four months since we came here and we worked for two months. On request the owner to pay us our salary, he didn't do it. We don't have food or groceries and the owner hasn't met us in two months. When we approached the (Indian) embassy, they asked for our passport, but our passport is held by the owner and he is demanding over $1400 (Rs 110,000) to release our passport" the fishermen are seen saying in a video appeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-youth-recreate-cinema-stunt-during-floods-share-video-slapped-with-case-503571">India: Youth recreate cinema stunt during floods &amp; share video; slapped with case</a>

The Tamil Nadu unit of India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party has appealed to Dr. Jaishankar to ensure the safe repatriation of the Indian nationals, at the earliest. "We also request our Indian embassy in Oman to escalate this matter to the Ministry of Labour in Oman to ensure that these eight fishermen are paid their salary dues" read the letter by K. Annamalai, State President, TN BJP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An official request letter has been sent to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, urging his intervention in repatriating eight Indian fishermen stranded in Oman.

An official request letter has been sent to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, urging his intervention in repatriating eight Indian fishermen stranded in Oman. Hailing from Kanyakumari, the southernmost district of India, the group of fishermen had gone to Oman around four months ago on a work visa. However, they haven't been paid their salaries since their month of arrival and their visa sponsor is said to have been unresponsive. 8 #indian #fishermen from #tamilnadu #Kanyakumari are stranded in #oman , without wages for 4months. They are not in possession of passports, owner is said to demand Rs.1.1lakh for releasing the passport They plead for repatriation Now @annamalai_k has penned @DrSJaishankar pic.twitter.com/LEOxg8TpoD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 4, 2022 × "We came to Oman from Kanyakumari, it's been four months since we came here and we worked for two months. On request the owner to pay us our salary, he didn't do it. We don't have food or groceries and the owner hasn't met us in two months. When we approached the (Indian) embassy, they asked for our passport, but our passport is held by the owner and he is demanding over $1400 (Rs 110,000) to release our passport" the fishermen are seen saying in a video appeal. Also read | India: Youth recreate cinema stunt during floods & share video; slapped with case The Tamil Nadu unit of India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party has appealed to Dr. Jaishankar to ensure the safe repatriation of the Indian nationals, at the earliest. "We also request our Indian embassy in Oman to escalate this matter to the Ministry of Labour in Oman to ensure that these eight fishermen are paid their salary dues" read the letter by K. Annamalai, State President, TN BJP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian external affairs ministry's help sought to save fishermen stranded in Oman

A happy, celebratory occasion for a wedding couple and the guests quickly turned sour in Hawaii after giant waves wrecked the venue. Reportedly, couple&nbsp;Dillon and Riley Murphy had planned their big&nbsp;day at the&nbsp;Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday (July 17). However, nature had other plans for them.&nbsp;

A video clip of the wedding that has since gone viral on the realms of social media shows the guests and the couple bracing for the impact of the big wave. After a wait of a few seconds which appeared to stretch forever, a giant wave hit the boundary wall and splashed inside the venue. The bar, dining table and some other furniture was quickly destroyed.&nbsp;

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Luckily, unlike the accident in Oman a few days back where eight Indians were dragged by the powerful currents, the guests at the venue kept a safe distance from the raging waters.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-8-indian-family-members-swept-away-by-high-tides-in-oman-beach-two-dead-three-missing-497283">Watch: 8 of Indian family swept away by high tides in Oman beach, two dead, three missing</a>

However, the couple was lucky as their wedding cake was saved and no food was destroyed.&nbsp;“And we were kind of right at the moment where we were going to start moving a couple things and, yeah, this big wall basically just showed up. And luckily there was no food in any of the containers, the cake luckily made it.” the local media quoted Riley as saying.&nbsp;

Riley also remarked that after a little cleanup and drying off the venue, the ceremony was back on. Though the couple didn't have their&nbsp;dreamy wedding, they still managed to make the most of the conditions, which included dance in the mud, as the dance floor was swept off by the waves.&nbsp;“The show still went on and it was, it was a really, really fun night,” Riley said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A happy, celebratory occasion for a wedding couple and the guests quickly turned sour in Hawaii after giant waves wrecked the venue. Reportedly, couple Dillon and Riley Murphy had planned their big day at the Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday (July 17).

A happy, celebratory occasion for a wedding couple and the guests quickly turned sour in Hawaii after giant waves wrecked the venue. Reportedly, couple Dillon and Riley Murphy had planned their big day at the Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday (July 17). However, nature had other plans for them. A video clip of the wedding that has since gone viral on the realms of social media shows the guests and the couple bracing for the impact of the big wave. After a wait of a few seconds which appeared to stretch forever, a giant wave hit the boundary wall and splashed inside the venue. The bar, dining table and some other furniture was quickly destroyed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nature_Called (@k.e.n_n.y.b) × Luckily, unlike the accident in Oman a few days back where eight Indians were dragged by the powerful currents, the guests at the venue kept a safe distance from the raging waters. Read More: Watch: 8 of Indian family swept away by high tides in Oman beach, two dead, three missing However, the couple was lucky as their wedding cake was saved and no food was destroyed. “And we were kind of right at the moment where we were going to start moving a couple things and, yeah, this big wall basically just showed up. And luckily there was no food in any of the containers, the cake luckily made it.” the local media quoted Riley as saying. Riley also remarked that after a little cleanup and drying off the venue, the ceremony was back on. Though the couple didn't have their dreamy wedding, they still managed to make the most of the conditions, which included dance in the mud, as the dance floor was swept off by the waves. “The show still went on and it was, it was a really, really fun night,” Riley said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: Towering waves crash a tropical Hawaii wedding

A holiday excursion turned tragic for an Indian family after 8 members were swept away by large waves off Oman beach. Two members died while a rescue operation has been launched for three more people.

According to PTI news agency, the family is from India’s western Maharashtra state and has been living in Dubai.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when 42-year-old Shashikant Mhamane, his wife and their children Shruti, 9, and Shreyas, 6, were spending their time at the coast of Salah al-Mughsail.

Of the 8, the three who fell were rescued shortly after, the authority reported, while emergency care was readily available.

Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) said that two members of the family, including a child, were found dead on Tuesday, reports Al Arabiya news outlet.

Visuals of the horrifying accident went viral on Twitter where it can be seen that the family were getting their photos clicked while standing on the edge of the coast when a large and strong wave hits them.

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Watch: A family is swept away by a giant wave on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oman</a>'s Mughsail beach after eight members reportedly crossed the beach's boundary fence.<a href="https://t.co/2KHqOMobdD">https://t.co/2KHqOMobdD</a> <a href="https://t.co/w2auuYfUku">pic.twitter.com/w2auuYfUku</a>
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/1546835802780581888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As soon as the waves leave the sand and are pulled back into the ocean, a woman can be seen crying for help as two other members are washed away by the beach water.

Notably, the Sunday incident is just one of the many that were reported over the weakened in Oman where strong rain have aided strong and high tides across the beaches.

The CDAA on July 10 announced the closure of many tourist sites to avoid further deaths or accidents.

“Due to the large number of reports, indifference and nonadherence to instructions, directives and warning, [the CDAA] calls upon all citizens, residents and visitors to Oman visiting tourist attractions, that until this situation ends, such sites will be closed, and they will not be allowed to be approached,” Al Arabiya news quoted a statement from CDAA.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A holiday excursion turned tragic for an Indian family after 8 members were swept away by large waves off Oman beach. Two members died while a rescue operation has been launched for three more people.

A holiday excursion turned tragic for an Indian family after 8 members were swept away by large waves off Oman beach. Two members died while a rescue operation has been launched for three more people. According to PTI news agency, the family is from India’s western Maharashtra state and has been living in Dubai. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when 42-year-old Shashikant Mhamane, his wife and their children Shruti, 9, and Shreyas, 6, were spending their time at the coast of Salah al-Mughsail. Of the 8, the three who fell were rescued shortly after, the authority reported, while emergency care was readily available. Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) said that two members of the family, including a child, were found dead on Tuesday, reports Al Arabiya news outlet. Visuals of the horrifying accident went viral on Twitter where it can be seen that the family were getting their photos clicked while standing on the edge of the coast when a large and strong wave hits them. Watch: A family is swept away by a giant wave on #Oman's Mughsail beach after eight members reportedly crossed the beach's boundary fence.https://t.co/2KHqOMobdD pic.twitter.com/w2auuYfUku — Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 12, 2022 × As soon as the waves leave the sand and are pulled back into the ocean, a woman can be seen crying for help as two other members are washed away by the beach water. Notably, the Sunday incident is just one of the many that were reported over the weakened in Oman where strong rain have aided strong and high tides across the beaches. The CDAA on July 10 announced the closure of many tourist sites to avoid further deaths or accidents. “Due to the large number of reports, indifference and nonadherence to instructions, directives and warning, [the CDAA] calls upon all citizens, residents and visitors to Oman visiting tourist attractions, that until this situation ends, such sites will be closed, and they will not be allowed to be approached,” Al Arabiya news quoted a statement from CDAA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: 8 of Indian family swept away by high tides in Oman beach, two dead, three missing

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Oman on Monday as the two countries signed a string of trade deals and as international talks on Tehran's nuclear programme hang in the balance, leaving the Islamic republic under sanctions.

Raisi, on his second Gulf visit since taking office in August, was greeted by Sultan Haitham bin Tareq at the airport and received a 21-gun salute at the royal palace, an Omani statement said.

Raisi's one-day trip comes at a time when renewed talks on restoring a 2015 nuclear deal are at a stalemate. Oman played a mediating role between Tehran and Washington in the build-up to the original agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-talks-are-reopened-says-eu-478647">Iran nuclear deal talks are 'reopened', says EU</a>

The countries signed 12 memoranda of understanding during the visit, including in the fields of oil and gas, transport, education, trade and investment, reported the official Oman News Agency.

"Trade exchanges between the two countries of Oman and Iran will improve definitely," Raisi said before departure, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

"Both countries are determined to upgrade the level of political and economic ties," he added.

A delegation of 50 Iranian businessmen travelled to Oman last week, IRNA said, adding that Iran's minister for roads and urban development has announced plans for a joint shipping line and tourist flights.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran: Revolutionary Guards colonel Sayyad Khodai shot dead in Tehran attack

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Oman is also seeking to import gas from Iran by building an offshore pipeline between the two countries, who are discussing the development of joint gas fields offshore.

The sultanate, which faces Iran across the Gulf of Oman, endured economic pain during the pandemic, with its GDP dropping 6.4 per cent in 2020 and government debt soaring. It saw rare protests over high unemployment and lay-offs last year.

Raisi visited Qatar in February, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and took part in a conference of gas exporting countries.

Stop-start talks to bring Iran back to the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear ambitions in return for a lifting of sanctions that was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump in 2018, began in April last year.

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Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Oman on Monday as the two countries signed a string of trade deals and as international talks on Tehran's nuclear programme hang in the balance, leaving the Islamic republic under sanctions.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Oman on Monday as the two countries signed a string of trade deals and as international talks on Tehran's nuclear programme hang in the balance, leaving the Islamic republic under sanctions. Raisi, on his second Gulf visit since taking office in August, was greeted by Sultan Haitham bin Tareq at the airport and received a 21-gun salute at the royal palace, an Omani statement said. Raisi's one-day trip comes at a time when renewed talks on restoring a 2015 nuclear deal are at a stalemate. Oman played a mediating role between Tehran and Washington in the build-up to the original agreement. Also read | Iran nuclear deal talks are 'reopened', says EU The countries signed 12 memoranda of understanding during the visit, including in the fields of oil and gas, transport, education, trade and investment, reported the official Oman News Agency. "Trade exchanges between the two countries of Oman and Iran will improve definitely," Raisi said before departure, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. "Both countries are determined to upgrade the level of political and economic ties," he added. A delegation of 50 Iranian businessmen travelled to Oman last week, IRNA said, adding that Iran's minister for roads and urban development has announced plans for a joint shipping line and tourist flights. Watch | Iran: Revolutionary Guards colonel Sayyad Khodai shot dead in Tehran attack Oman is also seeking to import gas from Iran by building an offshore pipeline between the two countries, who are discussing the development of joint gas fields offshore. The sultanate, which faces Iran across the Gulf of Oman, endured economic pain during the pandemic, with its GDP dropping 6.4 per cent in 2020 and government debt soaring. It saw rare protests over high unemployment and lay-offs last year. Raisi visited Qatar in February, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and took part in a conference of gas exporting countries. Stop-start talks to bring Iran back to the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear ambitions in return for a lifting of sanctions that was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump in 2018, began in April last year. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Oman, Iran sign trade deals, MoUs during President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Gulf

India-Oman joint commission meeting was held recently in New Delhi where both sides discussed ways to boost the growing trade ties. In an exclusive conversation with WION's diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, India's envoy to Oman Amit Narang spoke about the latest meeting.

Oman is India's most-trusted partner in the Gulf region, says India's envoy to Oman Amit Narang

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released.

The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight.

An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat.&nbsp;

The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government.&nbsp;

It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman."

The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil.&nbsp;

The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January.&nbsp;

The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. "

Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country.&nbsp;

The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted.&nbsp;

Since 2015, a 9-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also, in the past, attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd. Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight. An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat. The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government. It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman." The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil. The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January. The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. " Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country. The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted. Since 2015, a 9-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also, in the past, attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

After Oman's intervention, seven Indians under Houthi detention released

With maritime security in focus, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi will be on a two-day India visit. He will land in New Delhi on March 23.

This is the first ever visit of the Oman FM to India after taking charge. He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday (March 24).

Oman is strategically located straddling the Strait of Hormuz in the north and Bab al-Mandab Strait in the south, and plays an important role in the maritime security of the region.

Oman is the only country in the Gulf region which holds joint exercises with India’s all three defence forces.

The West Asian country also provides key logistics support to Indian ships and aircraft in the region for anti-piracy and maritime security missions.

Badr was appointed as Omani Foreign Minister in August 2020, and had earlier served as Secretary General in Omani Foreign Ministry since 2007.

The last Omani foreign minister to visit India was in April 2017, while Jaishankar had visited the country in December 2019.

Badr and Jaishankar had met two times before. First in August 2021 in Tehran on the sidelines of oath-taking ceremony of the new president of Iran, and later in December 2021 in UAE on the sidelines of 5th Indian Ocean Conference. Both also held a virtual meeting in December 2020.

Oman is India's key interlocutor in the West Asian region. The country has been playing a constructive role in regional conflicts, including in relations to Yemen and Iran.

Recently, Oman played a critical role in the release of two British citizens of Iranian origin, Anoosheh Ashoori and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe from Iran.

Both of them were first brought to Oman from Iran on March 16, 2022, before their departure to the UK. The country's role was widely appreciated by the UK leadership.

The visit of Omani foreign minister comes even has this year has seen a number of high-level visits from the country from, especially on the defence side

The Secretary General of Oman’s Ministry of Defence Dr Mohammed Al-Zaabi visited India on January 30 this year for a five-day visit to chair the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC), co-chaired with the defence secretary.

During the visit, he became the first foreign dignitary to embark on India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier —Vikrant.

This was immediately followed by the visit of Commander of Royal Navy of Oman Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi to India.

Last month also saw the latest edition of bilateral air force exercise “Eastern Bridge VI” at Air Force Station in western Jodhpur city.

Apart from security and defence ties, Oman is also one of the important trade partners for India.

India-Oman trade stood at US$ 5.443 billion (export – US $2.35 billion and imports at US $3.09 billion). In the three quarters of the financial year 2021-22, bilateral trade has increased to the US $6.5 billion.

Excluding the oil and gas sector, India is the largest investor in Oman with over 4,100 Indian enterprises and establishments in Oman with an estimated investment of US$ 7.5 billion.

Amid the Covid pandemic, India became the first country to gift 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to Oman in January 2021.&nbsp;

With maritime security in focus, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi will be on a two-day India visit. He will land in New Delhi on March 23. This is the first ever visit of the Oman FM to India after taking charge.

With maritime security in focus, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi will be on a two-day India visit. He will land in New Delhi on March 23. This is the first ever visit of the Oman FM to India after taking charge. He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday (March 24). Oman is strategically located straddling the Strait of Hormuz in the north and Bab al-Mandab Strait in the south, and plays an important role in the maritime security of the region. Oman is the only country in the Gulf region which holds joint exercises with India’s all three defence forces. The West Asian country also provides key logistics support to Indian ships and aircraft in the region for anti-piracy and maritime security missions. Badr was appointed as Omani Foreign Minister in August 2020, and had earlier served as Secretary General in Omani Foreign Ministry since 2007. The last Omani foreign minister to visit India was in April 2017, while Jaishankar had visited the country in December 2019. Badr and Jaishankar had met two times before. First in August 2021 in Tehran on the sidelines of oath-taking ceremony of the new president of Iran, and later in December 2021 in UAE on the sidelines of 5th Indian Ocean Conference. Both also held a virtual meeting in December 2020. Oman is India's key interlocutor in the West Asian region. The country has been playing a constructive role in regional conflicts, including in relations to Yemen and Iran. Recently, Oman played a critical role in the release of two British citizens of Iranian origin, Anoosheh Ashoori and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe from Iran. Both of them were first brought to Oman from Iran on March 16, 2022, before their departure to the UK. The country's role was widely appreciated by the UK leadership. The visit of Omani foreign minister comes even has this year has seen a number of high-level visits from the country from, especially on the defence side The Secretary General of Oman’s Ministry of Defence Dr Mohammed Al-Zaabi visited India on January 30 this year for a five-day visit to chair the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC), co-chaired with the defence secretary. During the visit, he became the first foreign dignitary to embark on India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier —Vikrant. This was immediately followed by the visit of Commander of Royal Navy of Oman Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi to India. Last month also saw the latest edition of bilateral air force exercise “Eastern Bridge VI” at Air Force Station in western Jodhpur city. Apart from security and defence ties, Oman is also one of the important trade partners for India. India-Oman trade stood at US$ 5.443 billion (export – US $2.35 billion and imports at US $3.09 billion). In the three quarters of the financial year 2021-22, bilateral trade has increased to the US $6.5 billion. Excluding the oil and gas sector, India is the largest investor in Oman with over 4,100 Indian enterprises and establishments in Oman with an estimated investment of US$ 7.5 billion. Amid the Covid pandemic, India became the first country to gift 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to Oman in January 2021.

With maritime security in focus, Oman FM to visit India on March 23

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Zaabi, who is the executive head of the Omani defence establishment, will visit India from January 30 to February 4.&nbsp;

During the visit, he will co-chair the 10th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMMC) with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. JMMC is the top forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence and gives a framework to defence exchanges between the two sides. The last JMCC was held in Oman in 2018. &nbsp;

Being held after a gap of three years, largely due to Covid crisis, the 10th JMCC is expected to evaluate the ongoing defence exchanges and provide a roadmap for strengthening defence ties further. Indian side has been working for a long time so that the visit can happen soon. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-india-observes-martyrs-day-and-how-is-it-connected-to-mahatma-gandhi-448860" hreflang="en">Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi?</a>

Zaabi during India visit will call on Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is understood that he will also be given an overview of Indian defence production industry for possibilities of procurement and joint production of defence equipment. &nbsp;

Visit by Secretary General Zaabi kick starts a month of intensive defence exchanges with Oman. February will see high profile defence engagements, which includes visits of chief of Oman's Royal&nbsp;Air Force, chief of Oman's Royal Navy, and talks between Indian Navy officials and commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). The visits of the naval and air force chiefs of Oman are taking place after a gap of five years and is expected to enable a high-level re-engagement between the forces of two sides. &nbsp;

February will also witness a bilateral air force exercise in Jodhpur between India and Oman Air force. The annual bilateral air exercise this year will see the participation of over 150 personnel from Oman. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-special-friendship-with-israel-on-30th-anniversary-of-establishment-of-diplomatic-ties-448809" hreflang="en">PM Modi hails 'special friendship' with Israel on 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties</a>

Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks. The country also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions. The country also actively participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). &nbsp;

Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Oman strategic partnership. Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defence and strategic interests. Defence exchanges are a part of a framework MoU, which was renewed in 2021. &nbsp;

Apart from the engagements in defence, training is a key component in the ties. Omani forces regularly take part in training courses in India both at professional as well as higher command level. Same stands true for Indian armed forces, who take part in the staff and command courses conducted at NDC, Oman.&nbsp;

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi.

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi. Zaabi, who is the executive head of the Omani defence establishment, will visit India from January 30 to February 4. During the visit, he will co-chair the 10th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMMC) with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. JMMC is the top forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence and gives a framework to defence exchanges between the two sides. The last JMCC was held in Oman in 2018. Being held after a gap of three years, largely due to Covid crisis, the 10th JMCC is expected to evaluate the ongoing defence exchanges and provide a roadmap for strengthening defence ties further. Indian side has been working for a long time so that the visit can happen soon. Also Read: Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi? Zaabi during India visit will call on Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is understood that he will also be given an overview of Indian defence production industry for possibilities of procurement and joint production of defence equipment. Visit by Secretary General Zaabi kick starts a month of intensive defence exchanges with Oman. February will see high profile defence engagements, which includes visits of chief of Oman's Royal Air Force, chief of Oman's Royal Navy, and talks between Indian Navy officials and commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). The visits of the naval and air force chiefs of Oman are taking place after a gap of five years and is expected to enable a high-level re-engagement between the forces of two sides. February will also witness a bilateral air force exercise in Jodhpur between India and Oman Air force. The annual bilateral air exercise this year will see the participation of over 150 personnel from Oman. Also Read: PM Modi hails 'special friendship' with Israel on 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks. The country also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions. The country also actively participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Oman strategic partnership. Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defence and strategic interests. Defence exchanges are a part of a framework MoU, which was renewed in 2021. Apart from the engagements in defence, training is a key component in the ties. Omani forces regularly take part in training courses in India both at professional as well as higher command level. Same stands true for Indian armed forces, who take part in the staff and command courses conducted at NDC, Oman.

Oman defence ministry's secretary general, air and navy chief to visit India to strengthen ties

Oman is hosting six matches in the first round of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji feels that hosting such a high-profile tournament would boost the sport in the area.

Following an increase in Covid cases in India last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which was meant to host the event, frantically sought another location.

While they were able to affirm that the UAE will host the Super 12 stage of the tournament, they were unsure about hosting the opening round of the mega event.

Pankaj Khimji, a famous member of Oman's illustrious Khimji Ramdas family, stepped up and accepted the task of organising the qualifying round in Oman despite the lack of any existing infrastructure suitable of holding such an international event.

Soon, a lot of interest was generated about Pankaj, particularly because of his Indian origin. His family's connections to Oman go back more than a century.

Pankaj's father, Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji, the family's late patriarch and chairman of the Khimji Ramdas Group of Companies, was the world's only Hindu Sheikh, having been bestowed with the title by the Sultan of Oman in recognition of his contributions to the country's economy over the years. 
 
Pankaj's grandpa, Ramdas Thackersey, travelled to the busy commercial ports of Muscat to make a living 144 years ago, when the Middle East was still unaware of the treasures beneath their feet: oil and natural gas.

The business empire founded by Ramdas would flourish to the point that, at one point in history, the Khimji family would lend money to the Sultan of Oman.

Oman is in Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifying Stages, alongside Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the Super 12 Stages.

Khimji lavishes praise on the BCCI, claiming that the cricket body is extremely efficient and that everything is in order. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Oman is hosting six matches in the first round of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji feels that hosting such a high-profile tournament would boost the sport in the area.

Oman is hosting six matches in the first round of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji feels that hosting such a high-profile tournament would boost the sport in the area. Following an increase in Covid cases in India last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which was meant to host the event, frantically sought another location. While they were able to affirm that the UAE will host the Super 12 stage of the tournament, they were unsure about hosting the opening round of the mega event. Pankaj Khimji, a famous member of Oman's illustrious Khimji Ramdas family, stepped up and accepted the task of organising the qualifying round in Oman despite the lack of any existing infrastructure suitable of holding such an international event. Soon, a lot of interest was generated about Pankaj, particularly because of his Indian origin. His family's connections to Oman go back more than a century. Pankaj's father, Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji, the family's late patriarch and chairman of the Khimji Ramdas Group of Companies, was the world's only Hindu Sheikh, having been bestowed with the title by the Sultan of Oman in recognition of his contributions to the country's economy over the years. Pankaj's grandpa, Ramdas Thackersey, travelled to the busy commercial ports of Muscat to make a living 144 years ago, when the Middle East was still unaware of the treasures beneath their feet: oil and natural gas. The business empire founded by Ramdas would flourish to the point that, at one point in history, the Khimji family would lend money to the Sultan of Oman. Oman is in Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifying Stages, alongside Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland. The top two teams in each group will advance to the Super 12 Stages. Khimji lavishes praise on the BCCI, claiming that the cricket body is extremely efficient and that everything is in order. (With inputs from agencies)

Oman Cricket Chairman, Pankaj Khimji: Son of world's only Hindu Sheikh

As Cyclone Shaheen moved further inland into Oman and weakened, the death toll has risen to 13 on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The storm has wreaked havoc in Oman and other surrounding areas. Some fishermen from Iran are still missing. &nbsp;

On Sunday as the storm made landfall, a child drowned in Oman. The body of a man, who disappeared when floodwaters swept him away from his vehicle, has also been recovered by the authorities of the nation. Two foreigners from Asia have also died in a landslide in the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-child-dead-flights-suspended-as-cyclone-approaches-oman-417929" hreflang="en">One child dead, flights suspended as cyclone approaches Oman</a>

Seven additional deaths from the storm, were announced by the country's National Committee for Emergency Management on Monday afternoon. &nbsp;

Rescuers have found the bodies of two of five fishermen, who went missing off Pasabandar in Iran, the state-run IRNA news agency said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cyclone-shaheen-heavy-rains-to-lash-coastal-areas-in-pakistans-balochistan-417714" hreflang="en">Cyclone Shaheen: Heavy rains to lash coastal areas in Pakistan’s Balochistan</a>

Iranian deputy parliament speaker Ali Nikzad had earlier said on Sunday that he feared as many as six fishermen had been killed due to this cyclone. &nbsp;

The images of flooded roadways and valleys were telecasted by the Omani state television as the storm churned deeper into the sultanate. &nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates have already issued warnings to residents that the storm was coming. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Cyclone Shaheen moved further inland into Oman and weakened, the death toll has risen to 13 on Monday. The storm has wreaked havoc in Oman and other surrounding areas.

As Cyclone Shaheen moved further inland into Oman and weakened, the death toll has risen to 13 on Monday. The storm has wreaked havoc in Oman and other surrounding areas. Some fishermen from Iran are still missing. On Sunday as the storm made landfall, a child drowned in Oman. The body of a man, who disappeared when floodwaters swept him away from his vehicle, has also been recovered by the authorities of the nation. Two foreigners from Asia have also died in a landslide in the country. Also Read: One child dead, flights suspended as cyclone approaches Oman Seven additional deaths from the storm, were announced by the country's National Committee for Emergency Management on Monday afternoon. Rescuers have found the bodies of two of five fishermen, who went missing off Pasabandar in Iran, the state-run IRNA news agency said. Also Read: Cyclone Shaheen: Heavy rains to lash coastal areas in Pakistan’s Balochistan Iranian deputy parliament speaker Ali Nikzad had earlier said on Sunday that he feared as many as six fishermen had been killed due to this cyclone. The images of flooded roadways and valleys were telecasted by the Omani state television as the storm churned deeper into the sultanate. The United Arab Emirates have already issued warnings to residents that the storm was coming. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Shaheen: Death toll reaches 13 as storm moves further inland into Oman

Oman is bracing for tropical cyclone, Shaheen. Oman's rivers have swollen and streets have become inundated. The govt of Oman has announced a 2-day holiday.

Oman braces for tropical cyclone, Shaheen

One child has died in flash flooding while flights and schools have been suspended as tropical Cyclone Shaheen bears down on Oman, authorities said Sunday.

Another person was also reported missing in the flash floods in Al Amarat in Muscat province, Oman's National Committee for Emergency Management said.&nbsp;

Neighbouring United Arab Emirates said it was on "high alert". The storm, with wind speeds of up to 139 kilometres (86 miles) an hour, was 65 kilometres from Muscat and expected to hit Oman's northern coast between 6.00pm and 10.00pm (1400-1800 GMT).

Some flights to and from Muscat International Airport were suspended "to avoid any risks", the airport tweeted, while the Civil Aviation Authority urged people to avoid low-lying areas and valleys.

Oman declared a two-day national holiday on Sunday and Monday, shuttering schools, "due to the adverse climate conditions", the official Oman News Agency said.

The UAE was also bracing for possible impact, with emergency authorities urging people to avoid beaches and low-lying areas.

"We would like to assure everyone that the concerned authorities are on high alert and prepared to deal with any upcoming tropical situation," the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

One child has died in flash flooding while flights and schools have been suspended as tropical Cyclone Shaheen bears down on Oman, authorities said Sunday. Another person was also reported missing in the flash floods in Al Amarat in Muscat province, Oman's National Committee for Emergency Management said.

One child has died in flash flooding while flights and schools have been suspended as tropical Cyclone Shaheen bears down on Oman, authorities said Sunday. Another person was also reported missing in the flash floods in Al Amarat in Muscat province, Oman's National Committee for Emergency Management said. Neighbouring United Arab Emirates said it was on "high alert". The storm, with wind speeds of up to 139 kilometres (86 miles) an hour, was 65 kilometres from Muscat and expected to hit Oman's northern coast between 6.00pm and 10.00pm (1400-1800 GMT). Some flights to and from Muscat International Airport were suspended "to avoid any risks", the airport tweeted, while the Civil Aviation Authority urged people to avoid low-lying areas and valleys. Oman declared a two-day national holiday on Sunday and Monday, shuttering schools, "due to the adverse climate conditions", the official Oman News Agency said. The UAE was also bracing for possible impact, with emergency authorities urging people to avoid beaches and low-lying areas. "We would like to assure everyone that the concerned authorities are on high alert and prepared to deal with any upcoming tropical situation," the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said on Saturday.

One child dead, flights suspended as cyclone approaches Oman

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides.

The pact was signed by Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and his Omani counterpart Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi in Muscat, officials said.

Admiral Singh is on a three-day visit to Oman from Monday.

"The signing of the MoU between Royal Navy of Oman and Indian Navy would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

He said information would be exchanged between the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre and the MSC (Maritime Security Centre), Oman, and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

Apart from talks with Al-Rahbi, Singh is also scheduled to meet Chief of Staff Omani armed forces Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of Royal Army of Oman Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi, Commander of Royal Air Force Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri.

He would also be visiting key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman.

The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training.

Both navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020 off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022.

"This official visit of the Chief of Naval Staff to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman," Commander Madhwal said.

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides.

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides. The pact was signed by Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and his Omani counterpart Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi in Muscat, officials said. Admiral Singh is on a three-day visit to Oman from Monday. "The signing of the MoU between Royal Navy of Oman and Indian Navy would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. He said information would be exchanged between the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre and the MSC (Maritime Security Centre), Oman, and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region. Apart from talks with Al-Rahbi, Singh is also scheduled to meet Chief of Staff Omani armed forces Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of Royal Army of Oman Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi, Commander of Royal Air Force Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri. He would also be visiting key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman. The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training. Both navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020 off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022. "This official visit of the Chief of Naval Staff to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman," Commander Madhwal said.

India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation

Tehran has once again&nbsp;denied&nbsp;any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman.

On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7&nbsp;said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deliberate-targeted-uk-us-believe-iran-is-responsible-for-oman-oil-tanker-attack-402271">'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack</a>

Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president.

One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil.

Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation."&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-tanker-attack-uk-and-us-blame-iran-for-deadly-ship-attack-402395/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added.

US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran.&nbsp;This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street.

"The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?,"&nbsp;Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-uk-join-israel-in-accusing-iran-of-being-behind-attack-402466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack.&nbsp;
</div>

The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The deputy UN ambassador of Iran&nbsp;while rejecting the allegations&nbsp;insisted that the nation&nbsp;will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that&nbsp;"Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it. However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless". Also read | 'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president. One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil. Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation." "Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added. US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran. This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street. "The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?," Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi. "Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack. While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack. The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The deputy UN ambassador of Iran while rejecting the allegations insisted that the nation will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran FM spokesperson calls timing of Mercer Street attack 'noteworthy'

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's&nbsp;foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

The United States has also blamed&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that&nbsp;"Upon review of the available information, we are confident that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;conducted this attack,".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israels-accusations-over-ship-attack-calls-them-baseless-402204">Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless'</a>

Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Previously, following&nbsp;the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone.&nbsp;

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had&nbsp;"evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman.

"The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercer-street-tanker-attack-blamed-on-iran-israel-demands-tough-response-401974">Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'</a>

His statement came after&nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations".

Following Israel's&nbsp;push for UN action, Khatibzadeh&nbsp;also promised&nbsp;that Iran would defend its interests.

The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast.&nbsp;A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks. The United States has also blamed Iran for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack,". Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday. Also read | Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless' Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack. Previously, following the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone. Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had "evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman. "The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way." Also read | Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response' His statement came after Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations". Following Israel's push for UN action, Khatibzadeh also promised that Iran would defend its interests. The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast. A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack

The US&nbsp;Navy is assisting an Israeli-managed petroleum products tanker attacked off Oman with two crew members killed, the US&nbsp;military said on Saturday, adding the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike. 
 
Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned vessel that was attacked on Thursday, is being escorted by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, US&nbsp;Central Command said in a statement. 
 
"US&nbsp;Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack," said Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia. 
 
"Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack," it added. 
 
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid blamed Iran on Friday for the attack, which killed a Briton and a Romanian, and said it deserved a harsh response. There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it was responsible. 
 
Lapid spoke with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the incident on Saturday evening, he said on Twitter. 
 
"We are working together against Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat to all of us, by formulating a real and effective international response," Lapid said. 
 
Lapid added on Twitter: Iran "repeatedly errs in understanding our commitment to protecting ourselves and our interests." 
 
US&nbsp;and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said on Friday that Iran was their leading suspect for the incident. 
 
Al Alam TV, the Iranian government`s Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. 
 
The vessel is managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. The company said on Friday the vessel was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US&nbsp;naval escort.

The US Navy is assisting an Israeli-managed petroleum products tanker attacked off Oman with two crew members killed, the US military said on Saturday, adding the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike.

The US Navy is assisting an Israeli-managed petroleum products tanker attacked off Oman with two crew members killed, the US military said on Saturday, adding the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike. Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned vessel that was attacked on Thursday, is being escorted by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, US Central Command said in a statement. "US Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack," said Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia. "Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack," it added. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid blamed Iran on Friday for the attack, which killed a Briton and a Romanian, and said it deserved a harsh response. There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it was responsible. Lapid spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the incident on Saturday evening, he said on Twitter. "We are working together against Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat to all of us, by formulating a real and effective international response," Lapid said. Lapid added on Twitter: Iran "repeatedly errs in understanding our commitment to protecting ourselves and our interests." US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said on Friday that Iran was their leading suspect for the incident. Al Alam TV, the Iranian government`s Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. The vessel is managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. The company said on Friday the vessel was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US naval escort.

US military aids Israel-managed tanker attacked off Oman

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman.

In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton&nbsp;and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercer-street-tanker-attack-blamed-on-iran-israel-demands-tough-response-401974">Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'</a>

However, in a televised press conference, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that&nbsp;"The Zionist regime ... must stop such baseless accusations — and it is not their first time to direct such accusations at Iran,".

Khatibzadeh said Israel's remarks were "condemned" and the Iranian people will not hesitate for a second to defend their national interests and security.&nbsp;

Eyal Ofer, an Israeli billionaire, managed the MT Mercer Street, which was struck off the Oman coast Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-attack-on-israel-linked-oil-tanker-off-oman-401846">Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman</a>

In a statement issued Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had directed diplomats to pressure the UN to take action against what he calls "Iranian terrorism".

US military and vessel operators both said the attack&nbsp;that killed two crew members,&nbsp;was likely a drone strike.&nbsp;

An Iranian Arabic-language television cited unnamed sources as saying that the attack on&nbsp;MT Mercer Street was in&nbsp;retaliation to an Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. This is yet to be confirmed.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was travelling from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, with no cargo aboard, according to Zodiac Maritime.

There has been a rise in tensions in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 following former president Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement,&nbsp;Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In recent months&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have traded accusations of&nbsp;attacking each other's vessels.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman. In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman. In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday. Also read | Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response' However, in a televised press conference, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that "The Zionist regime ... must stop such baseless accusations — and it is not their first time to direct such accusations at Iran,". Khatibzadeh said Israel's remarks were "condemned" and the Iranian people will not hesitate for a second to defend their national interests and security. Eyal Ofer, an Israeli billionaire, managed the MT Mercer Street, which was struck off the Oman coast Thursday. Also read | Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman In a statement issued Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had directed diplomats to pressure the UN to take action against what he calls "Iranian terrorism". US military and vessel operators both said the attack that killed two crew members, was likely a drone strike. An Iranian Arabic-language television cited unnamed sources as saying that the attack on MT Mercer Street was in retaliation to an Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. This is yet to be confirmed. At the time of the incident, the vessel was travelling from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, with no cargo aboard, according to Zodiac Maritime. There has been a rise in tensions in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 following former president Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In recent months Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each other's vessels.

Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless'

A Briton and a Romanian were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;when an&nbsp;Israeli-managed petroleum product&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;came under&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;off&nbsp;the coast of&nbsp;Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that&nbsp;Israel's foreign minister blamed on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and said deserved a harsh response.

There were varying explanations for what happened to Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship, with&nbsp;Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime describing the incident as "suspected piracy" and a source at the&nbsp;Oman&nbsp;Maritime Security Center as an accident that occurred outside&nbsp;Omani territorial waters.

Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have traded accusations of&nbsp;attacking each other's vessels in recent months and&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had told Britain's foreign secretary of the need for a tough response to the incident in which&nbsp;two&nbsp;crew members, one British and the other Romanian, were&nbsp;killed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-attack-on-israel-linked-oil-tanker-off-oman-401846">Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman</a>

"Iran&nbsp;is not just an&nbsp;Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that harms us all. The world must not be silent in the face of&nbsp;Iranian terrorism that also harms freedom of shipping," Lapid said in a statement.

US&nbsp;and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;was their leading suspect for the incident, which a US&nbsp;defence&nbsp;official said appeared to have been carried out by a drone, but stressed their governments were seeking conclusive evidence.

Al Alam TV, the&nbsp;Iranian government's Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on Dabaa airport in Syria.

There was no immediate&nbsp;official reaction from&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to the accusation that it may have been responsible.

Israeli news website Ynet said the assessment in&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;was that there were&nbsp;two&nbsp;attacks on the ship, spaced several hours apart. The first caused no damage, and the second hit the bridge, causing the casualties.

It quoted an unnamed&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;official as saying: "Israel&nbsp;will find it hard to turn a blind eye" to the&nbsp;attack.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

The United States regards the possibility of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;obtaining nuclear arms, an ambition Tehran denies, as a direct threat to its ally&nbsp;Israel.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;was not piracy. The vessel was about 152 nautical miles (280 km) northeast of the&nbsp;Omani port of Duqm when it was&nbsp;attacked, it said.

London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by&nbsp;Israeli magnate Eyal Ofer whose father Sammy was&nbsp;Israel's most famous shipowner, said the ship was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US&nbsp;naval escort.

According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;was headed for Fujairah, a bunkering port and oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

A Briton and a Romanian were killed when an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker came under attack on Thursday off the coast of Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that Israel's foreign minister blamed on Iran and said deserved a harsh response.

A Briton and a Romanian were killed when an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker came under attack on Thursday off the coast of Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that Israel's foreign minister blamed on Iran and said deserved a harsh response. There were varying explanations for what happened to Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship, with Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime describing the incident as "suspected piracy" and a source at the Oman Maritime Security Center as an accident that occurred outside Omani territorial waters. Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each other's vessels in recent months and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had told Britain's foreign secretary of the need for a tough response to the incident in which two crew members, one British and the other Romanian, were killed. Also read | Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman "Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that harms us all. The world must not be silent in the face of Iranian terrorism that also harms freedom of shipping," Lapid said in a statement. US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said Iran was their leading suspect for the incident, which a US defence official said appeared to have been carried out by a drone, but stressed their governments were seeking conclusive evidence. Al Alam TV, the Iranian government's Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it may have been responsible. Israeli news website Ynet said the assessment in Israel was that there were two attacks on the ship, spaced several hours apart. The first caused no damage, and the second hit the bridge, causing the casualties. It quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying: "Israel will find it hard to turn a blind eye" to the attack. Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. The United States regards the possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear arms, an ambition Tehran denies, as a direct threat to its ally Israel. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the attack was not piracy. The vessel was about 152 nautical miles (280 km) northeast of the Omani port of Duqm when it was attacked, it said. London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by Israeli magnate Eyal Ofer whose father Sammy was Israel's most famous shipowner, said the ship was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US naval escort. According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size tanker was headed for Fujairah, a bunkering port and oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'

Two&nbsp;crew&nbsp;members of an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;managed by a company owned by a prominent Israeli businessman were killed in an&nbsp;attack&nbsp;off&nbsp;Oman, the vessel's London-based&nbsp;operator&nbsp;said Friday.

Analysts said the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the "shadow war" between Israel and Iran, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf.

Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, said the incident onboard&nbsp;the MT Mercer Street&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday left one Romanian and a UK national&nbsp;dead.

"We are not aware of harm to any other personnel," it said in a statement, adding that the&nbsp;Japanese-owned&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;was back under the control of its&nbsp;crew, and was steaming to an undisclosed "safe location" under US naval escort.

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The British victim worked as a guard for UK maritime security firm Ambrey, the company said.

In Israel, the office of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and spokespeople for Defence Minister Benny Gantz and the Israeli army, declined to comment&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;attack.

'Probably Iran'&nbsp;

Meir Javedanfar, an expert&nbsp;on&nbsp;Iranian diplomacy and security at Israel's IDC Herzliya University, told AFP the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;was "most probably Iran".

The exact details of how the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;occurred have yet to be confirmed.

Javedanfar said Iranians "feel badly disadvantaged when it comes to responding to attacks inside Iran which have been associated to Israel", including an April strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Natanz uranium enrichment site reportedly executed by Israel.

An&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;a maritime vessel "is one area where (Iranians) feel they can try to at least retaliate," he added, calling the latest strike an escalation in the "shadow war" between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;Middle Eastern powerhouses.

But he assessed the fundamental dynamics of the rivalry would change little. "Both sides will continue what they're doing," he said.

Zodiac Maritime is part of the Zodiac Group, owned by billionaire Ofer, whose enterprises span shipping, real estate, technology, banking and investments.

Ofer was ranked the world's 197th richest person by Forbes this year, with a fortune of $11.3 billion. His firms own and operate over 160 ships.

The Arabian Sea and surrounding Indian Ocean were plagued by piracy around a decade ago, but incidents have waned in recent years after foreign navies stepped up patrols.

'Significant escalation'&nbsp;

Zodiac initially called the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;MT Mercer Street "a suspected piracy incident".

The vessel was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam to Fujairah with no cargo on board when the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;occurred, it added.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an anti-piracy task force run by the Royal Navy -- also issued a report of "a vessel being attacked" around 152 nautical miles (280 kilometres)&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;coast&nbsp;of&nbsp;Oman.

It classed the incident as "non-piracy".

Maritime industry analysts Dryad Global said the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;was similar to previous incidents against vessels associated with Israel and Iran.

Two&nbsp;ships operated by Israeli firm Ray Shipping were attacked earlier this year.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;the MT Mercer Street is now assessed to be the fifth&nbsp;attack&nbsp;against a vessel connected to Israel," Dryad said in an email note&nbsp;on&nbsp;the incident.&nbsp;

But it said before the deaths were confirmed that the loss of&nbsp;two&nbsp;personnel "would represent a significant escalation in events that... would likely lead to significant international condemnation and would require diplomatic redress".

It advised clients that the risk to commercial vessels associated with Israel and Iran in the Gulf waterway was "heightened", pointing to lingering tensions between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;powers over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"Such incidents remain irregular and are highly unlikely to impact normal commercial operations throughout the region," it added.

Two crew members of an oil tanker managed by a company owned by a prominent Israeli businessman were killed in an attack off Oman, the vessel's London-based operator said Friday.

Two crew members of an oil tanker managed by a company owned by a prominent Israeli businessman were killed in an attack off Oman, the vessel's London-based operator said Friday. Analysts said the attack bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the "shadow war" between Israel and Iran, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf. Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, said the incident onboard the MT Mercer Street on Thursday left one Romanian and a UK national dead. "We are not aware of harm to any other personnel," it said in a statement, adding that the Japanese-owned tanker was back under the control of its crew, and was steaming to an undisclosed "safe location" under US naval escort. Update on the situation involving the M/T Mercer Street: pic.twitter.com/sRuuyvwLA8 — Zodiac Maritime (@Zodiac_Maritime) July 30, 2021 × The British victim worked as a guard for UK maritime security firm Ambrey, the company said. In Israel, the office of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and spokespeople for Defence Minister Benny Gantz and the Israeli army, declined to comment on the attack. 'Probably Iran' Meir Javedanfar, an expert on Iranian diplomacy and security at Israel's IDC Herzliya University, told AFP the attack was "most probably Iran". The exact details of how the attack occurred have yet to be confirmed. Javedanfar said Iranians "feel badly disadvantaged when it comes to responding to attacks inside Iran which have been associated to Israel", including an April strike on the Natanz uranium enrichment site reportedly executed by Israel. An attack on a maritime vessel "is one area where (Iranians) feel they can try to at least retaliate," he added, calling the latest strike an escalation in the "shadow war" between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses. But he assessed the fundamental dynamics of the rivalry would change little. "Both sides will continue what they're doing," he said. Zodiac Maritime is part of the Zodiac Group, owned by billionaire Ofer, whose enterprises span shipping, real estate, technology, banking and investments. Ofer was ranked the world's 197th richest person by Forbes this year, with a fortune of $11.3 billion. His firms own and operate over 160 ships. The Arabian Sea and surrounding Indian Ocean were plagued by piracy around a decade ago, but incidents have waned in recent years after foreign navies stepped up patrols. 'Significant escalation' Zodiac initially called the attack on MT Mercer Street "a suspected piracy incident". The vessel was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam to Fujairah with no cargo on board when the attack occurred, it added. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an anti-piracy task force run by the Royal Navy -- also issued a report of "a vessel being attacked" around 152 nautical miles (280 kilometres) off the coast of Oman. It classed the incident as "non-piracy". Maritime industry analysts Dryad Global said the attack was similar to previous incidents against vessels associated with Israel and Iran. Two ships operated by Israeli firm Ray Shipping were attacked earlier this year. "The attack on the MT Mercer Street is now assessed to be the fifth attack against a vessel connected to Israel," Dryad said in an email note on the incident. But it said before the deaths were confirmed that the loss of two personnel "would represent a significant escalation in events that... would likely lead to significant international condemnation and would require diplomatic redress". It advised clients that the risk to commercial vessels associated with Israel and Iran in the Gulf waterway was "heightened", pointing to lingering tensions between the two powers over Iran's nuclear ambitions. "Such incidents remain irregular and are highly unlikely to impact normal commercial operations throughout the region," it added.

Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15.&nbsp;

Prior, the ICC after the board meeting had affirmed that the BCCI would hold hosting privileges of the T20 World Cup regardless of whether the tournament is moved out of India: "The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played," the ICC said in an official release.

The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. Albeit the Indian cricket board hasn't authoritatively affirmed the turn of events or kept in touch with the ICC, it's accepted the tournament will be played in the middle east with UAE and Oman as hosts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-ask-ecb-to-arrange-couple-of-warm-up-games-for-team-india-reports-393976" hreflang="en">BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm up games for Team India: Reports</a>

The BCCI had been allowed time till June end to tell ICC where they would have the T20 World Cup. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the 2020 release of the T20 World Cup that should be held in Australia being delayed to 2022.&nbsp;

Exactly when things appeared to be marginally better in India, the IPL 2021 initiated yet was suspended unexpectedly halfway as the second influx of the pandemic unleashed ruin in the country. With the danger of a potential third wave posing a potential threat, the BCCI isn't ready to face additional challenges.&nbsp;

The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues.&nbsp;

The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches and will be played at the three major UAE venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.&nbsp;

With the first round being facilitated in quite a while in the UAE and Oman, the BCCI will guarantee that post-IPL, the grounds of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will have sufficient opportunity to have new pitches for the Super 12s.

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15.

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15. Prior, the ICC after the board meeting had affirmed that the BCCI would hold hosting privileges of the T20 World Cup regardless of whether the tournament is moved out of India: "The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played," the ICC said in an official release. The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. Albeit the Indian cricket board hasn't authoritatively affirmed the turn of events or kept in touch with the ICC, it's accepted the tournament will be played in the middle east with UAE and Oman as hosts. ALSO READ: BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm up games for Team India: Reports The BCCI had been allowed time till June end to tell ICC where they would have the T20 World Cup. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the 2020 release of the T20 World Cup that should be held in Australia being delayed to 2022. Exactly when things appeared to be marginally better in India, the IPL 2021 initiated yet was suspended unexpectedly halfway as the second influx of the pandemic unleashed ruin in the country. With the danger of a potential third wave posing a potential threat, the BCCI isn't ready to face additional challenges. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues. The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches and will be played at the three major UAE venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals. With the first round being facilitated in quite a while in the UAE and Oman, the BCCI will guarantee that post-IPL, the grounds of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will have sufficient opportunity to have new pitches for the Super 12s.

Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on October 17 in the UAE: Reports

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs.

Hundreds of&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;men demonstrated in the northern port city of Sohar, a focal point of protests that pose the biggest challenge yet to new ruler Sultan Haitham, social media postings showed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-politician-hints-at-peace-accords-with-oman-indonesia-at-wion-global-summit-372907">Israeli politician hints at peace accords with Oman, Indonesia at WION Global Summit</a>

One activist told Reuters that&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;temporarily stopped traffic on the main road and clashed with security forces. The British-based&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;Centre for Human Rights tweeted reports of police firing tear gas, reports that Reuters could not confirm.

State news agency ONA published an unsourced statement, saying attacks on public property contradict&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;norms and that police "fulfilled their duty to maintain public order and safety without infringing on freedoms".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-in-the-desert-coronavirus-cripples-gulf-economies-310022">Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies</a>

Unemployment was the main driver behind Arab Spring-like protests in Oman in 2011 that subsided after the then ruler sacked the government, created thousands of jobs and gave money to the unemployed.

Sultan Haitham on Tuesday gave new directives to create up to 32,000 full and part-time government jobs.

But Haitham, who assumed power in January 2020 following the 50-year reign of the late Sultan Qaboos, has been constrained by the impact of low oil prices and COVID-19 on the economy of the relatively small energy producer which has high levels of debt.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oman-blocks-clubhouse-app-used-for-free-debates-in-mideast-370706">Oman blocks Clubhouse, app used for free debates in Mideast</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

He has enacted long-delayed reforms to ease pressure on state finances, including introducing a value-added tax.

"We want jobs to support our families and build our futures. These are basic rights but we have been deprived of them," one man said in video footage on Tuesday evening in Sohar published on Twitter by private&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;radio station Hala FM.

"They make promises but there is nothing," he said.

Another man in the video, also not identified by name, lamented changes in Sohar's social fabric in the past two decades as it transformed into an industrial zone.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omanis-revive-memory-of-village-swallowed-by-desert-355740">Omanis revive memory of village swallowed by desert</a>

"The country puts expats ahead of us," he said.

Protests were reported in several other towns this week.

"We see little prospect of unemployment coming down meaningfully in the coming months," said Amir Khan, senior economist at Saudi National Bank, citing the government's constrained ability to ramp up public expenditure.

Khan said the protests once again raise the prospect of Oman turning to wealthy Gulf neighbours, which Muscat said last year it was in talks with for financial support.

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs.

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs. Hundreds of Omani men demonstrated in the northern port city of Sohar, a focal point of protests that pose the biggest challenge yet to new ruler Sultan Haitham, social media postings showed. Also Read | Israeli politician hints at peace accords with Oman, Indonesia at WION Global Summit One activist told Reuters that protesters temporarily stopped traffic on the main road and clashed with security forces. The British-based Omani Centre for Human Rights tweeted reports of police firing tear gas, reports that Reuters could not confirm. State news agency ONA published an unsourced statement, saying attacks on public property contradict Omani norms and that police "fulfilled their duty to maintain public order and safety without infringing on freedoms". Also Read | Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies Unemployment was the main driver behind Arab Spring-like protests in Oman in 2011 that subsided after the then ruler sacked the government, created thousands of jobs and gave money to the unemployed. Sultan Haitham on Tuesday gave new directives to create up to 32,000 full and part-time government jobs. But Haitham, who assumed power in January 2020 following the 50-year reign of the late Sultan Qaboos, has been constrained by the impact of low oil prices and COVID-19 on the economy of the relatively small energy producer which has high levels of debt. Also Read | Oman blocks Clubhouse, app used for free debates in Mideast He has enacted long-delayed reforms to ease pressure on state finances, including introducing a value-added tax. "We want jobs to support our families and build our futures. These are basic rights but we have been deprived of them," one man said in video footage on Tuesday evening in Sohar published on Twitter by private Omani radio station Hala FM. "They make promises but there is nothing," he said. Another man in the video, also not identified by name, lamented changes in Sohar's social fabric in the past two decades as it transformed into an industrial zone. Also Read | Omanis revive memory of village swallowed by desert "The country puts expats ahead of us," he said. Protests were reported in several other towns this week. "We see little prospect of unemployment coming down meaningfully in the coming months," said Amir Khan, senior economist at Saudi National Bank, citing the government's constrained ability to ramp up public expenditure. Khan said the protests once again raise the prospect of Oman turning to wealthy Gulf neighbours, which Muscat said last year it was in talks with for financial support.

Jobs, not promises: Omanis protest for fourth day

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries. I would guesstimate Oman, who also has a young leader interested in peaceful relations with Israel."&nbsp;

Speaking at the WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, she said there have been "incredible overtures" and "'under the radar cooperation'' in the context of normalisation with Indonesia, which has one of the largest Muslim population in the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The countries doing under the radar normalisation with Israel will be the countries who will be going for official normalisation in a year or so, according to the politician. "About 200 Israeli companies were trading with UAE under the radar for years before official normalisation of ties,” added Hassan-Nahoum.&nbsp;

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Speaking at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> in Dubai, Israeli politician <a href="https://twitter.com/FleurHassanN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FleurHassanN</a> shed light on what Abraham Accords meant for Israelis on the ground<a href="https://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx">https://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx</a>
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Israel also wants normalisation of ties with Saudi Arabia. "There is a desire to begin under the radar engagement with Saudi Arabia in the form of exchange in innovation through Bahrain," she revealed.&nbsp; 
The deputy mayor expressed hope that these initiatives will continue to accelerate and said Israel has always been ready for peace with all the neighbours, including Palestinians with open hands.&nbsp;

"Israel wants peace and is always ready to make painful compromises to get it. Every parent has to send their sons to army at the age of 18. I am sending my son in six months. No parent would want to if there is a choice." &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Hassan-Nahoum, there is only one way forward, which is peace and co-existence. &nbsp;Israel looks to bring peace to the whole region and wants a peaceful Palestine, she added. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries.

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries. I would guesstimate Oman, who also has a young leader interested in peaceful relations with Israel." Speaking at the WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, she said there have been "incredible overtures" and "'under the radar cooperation'' in the context of normalisation with Indonesia, which has one of the largest Muslim population in the world. The countries doing under the radar normalisation with Israel will be the countries who will be going for official normalisation in a year or so, according to the politician. "About 200 Israeli companies were trading with UAE under the radar for years before official normalisation of ties,” added Hassan-Nahoum. Speaking at #WIONGlobalSummit in Dubai, Israeli politician @FleurHassanN shed light on what Abraham Accords meant for Israelis on the groundhttps://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × Israel also wants normalisation of ties with Saudi Arabia. "There is a desire to begin under the radar engagement with Saudi Arabia in the form of exchange in innovation through Bahrain," she revealed. The deputy mayor expressed hope that these initiatives will continue to accelerate and said Israel has always been ready for peace with all the neighbours, including Palestinians with open hands. "Israel wants peace and is always ready to make painful compromises to get it. Every parent has to send their sons to army at the age of 18. I am sending my son in six months. No parent would want to if there is a choice." According to Hassan-Nahoum, there is only one way forward, which is peace and co-existence. Israel looks to bring peace to the whole region and wants a peaceful Palestine, she added.

Israeli politician hints at peace accords with Oman, Indonesia at WION Global Summit

Oman has cut off access to the buzzy new audio chat app Clubhouse, the country's telecommunications regulator confirmed on Monday, setting off fears that authorities across the Persian Gulf may censor a rare forum for discussion of sensitive topics in the region.&nbsp;

The Omani government has forbidden the app because it was operating without the proper license, Omar al-Abri, an official in the country's telecommunications regulator said. He did not elaborate on the licensing problem, and it remains unclear whether the ban is a temporary suspension to smooth out the bureaucracy or the latest government attempt to suppress dissent in the sultanate.&nbsp;

Over the past few days, scores of users in Oman reported receiving error messages when they tried to use the platform. Many said they could only bypass restrictions using a virtual private network (VPN). Clubhouse did not respond to repeated requests for comment on restrictions in Oman or elsewhere in the Gulf.&nbsp;

Clubhouse, the invitation-only social media app, has exploded in popularity in recent months, particularly gaining traction in the Middle East where social media remains a highly contested and sometimes perilous space.&nbsp;

The sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf retain tight controls on traditional media like newspapers and television, and increasingly employ vague cybercrime laws to patrol internet platforms and apps. Private outlets self-censor out of fear of running afoul of so-called red lines. In Oman, where the police often patrol in riot-ready vehicles with chicken wire covering the windows, US Diplomats routinely describe the press as muzzled.&nbsp;

The chatrooms of Clubhouse, a sort-of town square for unfettered discussions of politics and social issues, have provided a window through the censorship. Recent free-flowing exchanges in the region have featured activists from Egypt's 2011 uprising, feminists in Kuwait, government officials in Libya and even a transgender woman in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

But the surging excitement has been tempered by anxiety over possible censorship, following China's decision to block the app last month as part of the government's crackdown on free speech. Thailand's government also has warned users not to misuse the app or face possible legal consequences.&nbsp;

Although the United Arab Emirates reassured user earlier this month that the government had not banned the app, users nationwide have reported audio glitches that frequently make listening into discussions impossible.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Oman has cut off access to the buzzy new audio chat app Clubhouse, the country's telecommunications regulator confirmed on Monday, setting off fears that authorities across the Persian Gulf may censor a rare forum for discussion of sensitive topics in the region.

Oman has cut off access to the buzzy new audio chat app Clubhouse, the country's telecommunications regulator confirmed on Monday, setting off fears that authorities across the Persian Gulf may censor a rare forum for discussion of sensitive topics in the region. The Omani government has forbidden the app because it was operating without the proper license, Omar al-Abri, an official in the country's telecommunications regulator said. He did not elaborate on the licensing problem, and it remains unclear whether the ban is a temporary suspension to smooth out the bureaucracy or the latest government attempt to suppress dissent in the sultanate. Over the past few days, scores of users in Oman reported receiving error messages when they tried to use the platform. Many said they could only bypass restrictions using a virtual private network (VPN). Clubhouse did not respond to repeated requests for comment on restrictions in Oman or elsewhere in the Gulf. Clubhouse, the invitation-only social media app, has exploded in popularity in recent months, particularly gaining traction in the Middle East where social media remains a highly contested and sometimes perilous space. The sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf retain tight controls on traditional media like newspapers and television, and increasingly employ vague cybercrime laws to patrol internet platforms and apps. Private outlets self-censor out of fear of running afoul of so-called red lines. In Oman, where the police often patrol in riot-ready vehicles with chicken wire covering the windows, US Diplomats routinely describe the press as muzzled. The chatrooms of Clubhouse, a sort-of town square for unfettered discussions of politics and social issues, have provided a window through the censorship. Recent free-flowing exchanges in the region have featured activists from Egypt's 2011 uprising, feminists in Kuwait, government officials in Libya and even a transgender woman in Saudi Arabia. But the surging excitement has been tempered by anxiety over possible censorship, following China's decision to block the app last month as part of the government's crackdown on free speech. Thailand's government also has warned users not to misuse the app or face possible legal consequences. Although the United Arab Emirates reassured user earlier this month that the government had not banned the app, users nationwide have reported audio glitches that frequently make listening into discussions impossible. (With inputs from agencies)

Oman blocks Clubhouse, app used for free debates in Mideast 

Crises differ between countries according to the different viewpoints and ideologies of each country, whether these policies are designed and planned to reach a goal. The crisis may be also a recent emergency, as is the case in the "Covid 19" pandemic, which hit many countries without warning. The crisis may have limited features with one party in a country, as happened in Greece, the economic collapse and the crisis that was threatening the euro area.&nbsp;

Crises may be unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral, as is case with the liberation of Kuwait war in 1991. Crises may be outside the control of the state due to natural disasters such as volcanoes and hurricanes.

The crisis is defined as a period of tension and a turning point from one situation to another, and it needs a quick decision to stop this decline or collapse as it affects the various relevant entities as it is the case with political, economic, natural, social, military and security crises.

Crises of all kinds are a major part of political, social and human life of all degrees. This leads everyone to seriously think about how to move the crisis and reach the best results. This what was call shifting from negative to positive? This shift requires wise leadership and exemplary leaders.

The diplomatic strategy enjoys widespread interest among the leading elites and formal and informal institutions because of their close relationship with many international politics. The strategy is used today in various fields of life. The strategy is thus the goals set by the head of state or senior officials to reach results of a specific nature. They put in place tools to achieve such a strategy.

Diplomatic strategy is one of the most important tools for decision-makers and their future vision of the country's foreign policy in dealing with its regional and international environment. This policy depends mainly on national interests and how to strengthen and sustain the internal fabric of the country and develop it in the best way possible through its tools - diplomatic missions of various degrees.

Recently, the Sultanate received 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India where the medicine was produced at Serum Institute. Oman’s Minister of Health has thanked the government of India for delivering 100,000 vaccines at no charge, to help with the country’s coronavirus vaccination drive. The doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were produced by the Serum Institute of India, having undergone clinical trials to ensure they were safe to use on humans.

The deep historical ties between the Sultanate and India span thousands of years. Late Sultan Qaboos laid the foundations of a solid diplomatic strategy between the two countries, as they share the same concept of strategy and objectives. The two countries diplomacies are based on quiet diplomacy away from foreign interference in the regional and international environment. The first Indian ambassador to the Sultanate arrived in 1973 and the Sultanate opened an embassy in New Delhi in 1972.

It is well known that India is a country with an ancient history and civilization for thousands of years and it is an advanced industrial country in all fields.&nbsp;

There have been flourishing old trade and cultural relations hundreds of years ago linking the two friendly peoples outside the scope of international protocols and frameworks of diplomatic systems. In terms of diplomacy and politics, the Sultanate’s government-supported India’s position to have permanent membership in the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

India has been an important trading partner for Oman since the beginning of its strong ties and ties. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq emphasized the foreign policy approach, as His Majesty said, “We will externally follow the line drawn by Sultan Qaboos. This positive and distinguished step by the friendly Republic of India did not come out of a vacuum, but rather came with the concerted views and efforts of the head of the two countries.

The Omani people and government will record this generous gesture and step by India in golden letters. The gesture will remain in history as an example of love and respect between the two friendly countries and peoples at various governmental and popular levels. It also reflects the keenness of both countries to remain beside each other at will and woe. I hope that this initiative will be an example to be followed in resolving international crises. I hope this will deter unfriendly countries to stop weaving conspiracies here and there to serve causes that will not serve humanity.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Crises differ between countries according to the different viewpoints and ideologies of each country, whether these policies are designed and planned to reach a goal.

Crises differ between countries according to the different viewpoints and ideologies of each country, whether these policies are designed and planned to reach a goal. The crisis may be also a recent emergency, as is the case in the "Covid 19" pandemic, which hit many countries without warning. The crisis may have limited features with one party in a country, as happened in Greece, the economic collapse and the crisis that was threatening the euro area. Crises may be unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral, as is case with the liberation of Kuwait war in 1991. Crises may be outside the control of the state due to natural disasters such as volcanoes and hurricanes. The crisis is defined as a period of tension and a turning point from one situation to another, and it needs a quick decision to stop this decline or collapse as it affects the various relevant entities as it is the case with political, economic, natural, social, military and security crises. Crises of all kinds are a major part of political, social and human life of all degrees. This leads everyone to seriously think about how to move the crisis and reach the best results. This what was call shifting from negative to positive? This shift requires wise leadership and exemplary leaders. The diplomatic strategy enjoys widespread interest among the leading elites and formal and informal institutions because of their close relationship with many international politics. The strategy is used today in various fields of life. The strategy is thus the goals set by the head of state or senior officials to reach results of a specific nature. They put in place tools to achieve such a strategy. Diplomatic strategy is one of the most important tools for decision-makers and their future vision of the country's foreign policy in dealing with its regional and international environment. This policy depends mainly on national interests and how to strengthen and sustain the internal fabric of the country and develop it in the best way possible through its tools - diplomatic missions of various degrees. Recently, the Sultanate received 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India where the medicine was produced at Serum Institute. Oman’s Minister of Health has thanked the government of India for delivering 100,000 vaccines at no charge, to help with the country’s coronavirus vaccination drive. The doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were produced by the Serum Institute of India, having undergone clinical trials to ensure they were safe to use on humans. The deep historical ties between the Sultanate and India span thousands of years. Late Sultan Qaboos laid the foundations of a solid diplomatic strategy between the two countries, as they share the same concept of strategy and objectives. The two countries diplomacies are based on quiet diplomacy away from foreign interference in the regional and international environment. The first Indian ambassador to the Sultanate arrived in 1973 and the Sultanate opened an embassy in New Delhi in 1972. It is well known that India is a country with an ancient history and civilization for thousands of years and it is an advanced industrial country in all fields. There have been flourishing old trade and cultural relations hundreds of years ago linking the two friendly peoples outside the scope of international protocols and frameworks of diplomatic systems. In terms of diplomacy and politics, the Sultanate’s government-supported India’s position to have permanent membership in the UN Security Council. India has been an important trading partner for Oman since the beginning of its strong ties and ties. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq emphasized the foreign policy approach, as His Majesty said, “We will externally follow the line drawn by Sultan Qaboos. This positive and distinguished step by the friendly Republic of India did not come out of a vacuum, but rather came with the concerted views and efforts of the head of the two countries. The Omani people and government will record this generous gesture and step by India in golden letters. The gesture will remain in history as an example of love and respect between the two friendly countries and peoples at various governmental and popular levels. It also reflects the keenness of both countries to remain beside each other at will and woe. I hope that this initiative will be an example to be followed in resolving international crises. I hope this will deter unfriendly countries to stop weaving conspiracies here and there to serve causes that will not serve humanity. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Oman will record India sending vaccines in golden letter

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