Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion
Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion
Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion
Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion

Israel says 'Iranian commandos' used limpet mines to attack ship in Gulf of Oman


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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran for a blast aboard an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week but sidestepped a question about whether Israel would retaliate.

Israeli Security Cabinet Minister Yoav Gallant, who was a commander in the Israeli Defence Forces, told Israeli news outlet Ynet that "Iranian commandos" carried out the attack using limpet mines.

That was also the assessment of Israeli inspectors who examined the ship in Dubai.

Israel's foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi held a call with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi on Monday. Mr Askhenazi tweeted about the call writing, "during the call, views were exchanged on a number of issues of common interest, as well the importance of supporting all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.

"We agreed to maintain our direct channel of communication and to further enhance cooperation."

Oman has yet to follow its Gulf neighbours in normalizing relations with Israel with Mr Al Busaidi saying just two weeks ago that “we are content so far with the level of our current relations and dialogue, which involves the appropriate channels of communication.”

Oman has also made clear that it wishes to broker a deal between Iran and the United States as well as a deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

On Friday, the MV Helios Ray, a vehicle-carrier ship, was hit by a blast above the water line that a US official said ripped holes in both sides of its hull.

"This was indeed an operation by Iran. That is clear," Mr Netanyahu told Kan Radio.

Asked if Israel would retaliate, he repeated previous statements about his determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

"We are striking at it [Iran] all over the region," he said.

Kan said the interview was recorded on Sunday night, before Syria accused Israel of carrying out missile strikes in southern Damascus.

Israel previously said it was carrying out frequent military operations actions against Iranian groups or arms handovers in Syria.

Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion
Initial pictures of the damage to Helios Ray. Courtesy Intel Omarion
PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

How to volunteer

The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.

THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

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Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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