Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami, right, accompanied by the IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, speaks to Iranian media during his visit to the island of Abu Musa on January 2, 2020. Iran's Revolutionary Guard via Sepahnews / AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami, right, accompanied by the IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, speaks to Iranian media during his visit to the island of Abu Musa on January 2, 2020. Iran's Revolutionary Guard via Sepahnews / AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami, right, accompanied by the IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, speaks to Iranian media during his visit to the i
Iran's Revolutionary Guard chief vows firm response to enemies
Hossein Salami delivers warning while reviewing troop preparedness on occupied Arabian Gulf islands
Iran is ready to match any aggression by the US with decisive and firm blows, the commander of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday as Iranians marked the first anniversary of the assassination of top general Qassem Suleimani in a US drone strike.
Hossein Salami was speaking during an inspection of troops stationed on occupied Abu Musa island, accompanied by the IRGC Navy commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.
"We are here today to evaluate and be assured of our powerful capabilities at sea and against enemies who sometimes boast ... and threaten," Mr Salami said in remarks reported by the IRGC's Sepahnews website.
"We would respond with a reciprocal, decisive and strong blow to whatever action the enemy would take against us."
Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb islands are located in the Gulf near the entrance to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.
The islands were seized by Iran when the UAE was formed in 1971. The Tunbs had historically belonged to Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Musa to Sharjah, when both emirates were still part of the Trucial States.
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The UAE has sought to settle the issue of Iran’s illegal occupation through peaceful methods and arbitration. This country has repeatedly pressed the case directly with international organisations and with Iran itself. The UAE enjoys widespread support for its case. Iran has consistently rejected referring the matter to the International Court of Justice.
Tensions have been building up in the run-up to the anniversary of Suleimani's killing in Baghdad on January 3, with two American B-52 bombers recently flying over the region.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday accused outgoing US President Donald Trump of aiming to fabricate a "pretext for war" after Mr Trump blamed Tehran for a rocket strike on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 20.
The US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has been patrolling Gulf waters since late November, but American media said this week that the acting US defence secretary Christopher Miller had ordered the ship to return home.
The New York Times, quoting US officials, said this move was part of a de-escalatory signal to Tehran to avoid a conflict in Mr Trump's last days in office.
Tension between Washington and Tehran escalated after Mr Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a landmark nuclear deal with Iran and world powers in 2018 and launched a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, reimposing and reinforcing crippling sanctions.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major General Hossein Salami, centre, accompanied by the IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, right, inspects troops during his visit to the island of Abu Musa on January 2, 2020. Iran's Revolutionary Guard via Sepahnews / AFP
The two countries have twice come to the brink of war since June, 2019, especially after the killing of Suleimani.
Days after the killing, Iran launched a volley of missiles at Iraqi bases housing US and other coalition troops, with Mr Trump refraining from any further military response.
Rear Adm Tangsiri had last visited the two Tunb islands on December 25 and stressed the need for the troops' "combat-readiness and awareness", according to ISNA news agency.
Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, gives a speech during a ceremony in Tehran January 1, 2021 as part of commemorations of the killing of his predecessor, Qassem Suleimani in a US attack one year ago. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
An Iranian woman holds a picture of Qassem Suleimani during the commemoration ceremony in Tehran, Iran January 1, 2021. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
Mourners react during the commemoration Qassem Suleimani's assassination. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
A photo of Qassem Suleimani is placed on a chairs during the commemoration of his assassination. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
An image grab taken from a broadcast by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on October 1, 2019 shows Qassem Suleimani speaking during an interview with members of the Iranian supreme leader's bureau in Tehran. IRIB TV / AFP
Ebrahim Raisi, head of Iran's judiciary, gives a speech during the ceremony at Tehran University to mark the one year anniversary of the killing of Qassem Suleimani. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
Guests attend the commemoration ceremony for Qassem Suleimani in Tehran on January 1, 2021. AFP
Qassem Suleimani's daughter, Zeinab, attends the commemoration ceremony. West Asia News Agency via Reuters
Iranian judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi speaks during the ceremony. AFP
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Know before you go
Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Race 3
Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films Director: Remo D’Souza Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem Rating: 2.5 stars
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
