Oman and Iran held joint naval and land forces drills on Thursday, aiming to enhance combat preparedness of the neighbours who share a maritime border along the Gulf of Oman.
The exercises come at a time when Iran is expecting what experts say could be a massive Israeli attack. Israel is expected to retaliate after an Iranian ballistic missile strike on October 1, involving 180 missiles, which damaged Nevatim, a strategically important Israeli air base.
A counter attack now would likely involve air strikes. But it could also come from the sea, due to Israel's cruise missile carrying Dolphin Class submarines. Amid Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where Iran supports Hamas and Hezbollah, the two countries have increasingly attacked each other directly. Israel killed two senior Iranian generals at Iran's Damascus embassy on April 1, sparking the first round of direct Iranian strikes.
The latest naval drills were held “to improve combat readiness and implement agreements related to maritime security scenarios,” Mehr news reported. The Jamaran destroyer “along with other surface combat units of the IRGC Navy” took part in the exercises, the goverment-linked outlet in Iran said.
The Jamaran, a small class of warship known as a corvette, was recently moored at Sultan Qaboos port, according to Tehran Times. The ship, built in 2010 with a crew of about 140, is one of Iran’s more advanced warships, able to carry torpedoes, powerful C-802 anti-ship missiles, drones and a helicopter.
The vessel has frequently patrolled the Arabian Sea during the current regional crisis, following the eruption of the Israel-Gaza war last year. The Jamaran was joined by the Zereh missile boat, a fast attack vessel with a crew of 31, the official IRNA news agency said.
The US has accused the Jamaran of failing to respond to a Ukrainian fishing vessel in distress in the Red Sea after it was struck with a Houthi missile. No Omani vessel was named in the naval drills.
Land exercises involved Omani helicopter-borne paratroops in an operation dubbed “Mountain Falcons 1”. The Times of Oman showed an army NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter flying over the mountains in an undisclosed location.
On the Iran side, X account Iran Defence spotted Iranian paratroopers from the 65th brigade also taking part in the exercise. Video from the drills appears to show soldiers clearing an urban area of mock enemy fighters. Iran said the exercises involved counterterrorism training.
Iran Defence observed that the 65th “previously fought in Oman during the Dhofar war in the 1960-70s, under the previous name of the 23rd brigade," meaning that the unit was part of a coalition involving Britain during Iran's pre-revolution Shah-era.
The exercises were among several held involving both forces in recent months. In November, joint naval drills were held, including ships from the IRGC’s navy.
Last year, Oman held naval exercises with ships and aircraft from the US Central Command, the US' regional military headquarters.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
