Two Americans jailed as spies in Iran will be released today after a US$1m bail-for-freedom deal was approved by the courts clearing the way for the release of the men after more than two years in custody.

At least 12 people have died from Cyclone Gonu in the Arabian Peninsula sultanate, a spokesman for the Royal Oman Police told Oman TV today.

Cyclone Gonu battered Oman’s coast yesterday with fierce winds and torrential rains, forcing thousands from their homes and shutting down oil installations before heading towards the world’s most important crude oil tanker route.