Warships and aircraft from the US, France, Belgium and Japan are taking part in joint exercises in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
This year’s war games, known as Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise, or Gaswex, aim to enhance mutual capabilities in maritime security, the US Navy said.
Participants include ships and aircraft from the French Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group, auxiliary ship FS Var, frigates FS Provence and FS Chevalier Paul, Belgian frigate HNLMS Leopold I and Japanese destroyer JS Ariake.
US forces include the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal and aircraft including F-35, P-8, MH-60, Air Force F-16s, E-3 and tankers.
“By co-operatively training together, exercises like this allow participating naval forces to effectively develop the necessary skills to address threats to regional security, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce,” the US Navy said.
It is one of many exercises in which the US military participates with partner nations in the US Central Command area of responsibility each year.
Iran abandoned all limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after former president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord in 2018.
President Joe Biden has expressed a desire to return to the deal if Iran honours the accord’s limits on the Iranian nuclear programme. But tension remains high because militias in Iraq, probably backed by Tehran, continue to take aim at US interests.
Last month, Mr Biden launched an air strike on Syria in retaliation.
There was no immediate reaction from Iran to the naval drill.
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
