International

    WASHINGTON: Iran’s hardline leadership has reportedly spent the past two months preparing for a possible major war. The preparations allegedly began after the signing of an Islamabad memorandum of understanding in mid-June. According to the report, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was given greater control over the country’s regular military, while officers with experience in the Iran-Iraq War and previous domestic crackdowns were appointed to key positions.   At the same time, Iran expanded its internal counterintelligence operations and accelerated the production of missiles and drones. Iranian leaders also reportedly moved quickly to strengthen their control over the Strait of Hormuz by targeting ships and expanding the potential battlefield toward the Red Sea.   US officials said Arab intelligence agencies had obtained evidence suggesting that Iran’s hardline leadership was pursuing a strategy aimed at expanding the conflict and creating greater difficulties for the United States.   The developments have reportedly caused concern among Gulf countries such as Kuwait. Iranian leaders have increasingly spoken about offensive operations against enemy territory, with the stated objective of inflicting significant damage and preventing a repeat of the attacks Iran experienced during last year’s 12-day war and the current conflict. Mohammad Hassan Sangtarash, a defense analyst considered close to the Iranian government, said there is a widespread view in Iran that “the real war has not started yet.” He described the events so far as limited and gradual escalation intended to weaken the enemy’s capabilities before a potentially larger attack.   Israeli officials are concerned that Iran is rebuilding its infrastructure and restoring access to missile bases much faster than expected. The report claimed that Iran has successfully targeted US bases and retains enough firepower to threaten commercial shipping and energy infrastructure in the Gulf. Iran had been pursuing a dual-track policy. While its diplomats were attempting to negotiate a peace agreement with the United States, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was reportedly taking steps to prepare security institutions for a major confrontation that Tehran itself could potentially initiate. Arab intelligence reports cited by the newspaper reportedly indicated that, during the period following the signing of the memorandum, the IRGC sent advisers to allied groups in Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon to help prepare for potentially intensified attacks. The IRGC also allegedly supervised the deployment of missiles, naval weapons and drone launchers at locations overlooking the Red Sea. Officials claimed that Iranian forces provided Yemeni militants with intelligence and lists of potential targets, including Saudi ports and energy facilities, while also offering advice on avoiding Saudi retaliation. The newspaper further reported that the IRGC had warned Gulf states that if the United States attacked Iranian energy facilities, Iran could retaliate against their energy infrastructure. Iranian officials allegedly provided Arab counterparts with detailed lists of individual potential targets. IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi reportedly acknowledged in a July interview with Tasnim News Agency that Iran had used the ceasefire period to strengthen its capabilities, accelerate missile production and improve missile accuracy. Meanwhile, sources close to senior Iranian negotiators reportedly warned that the current peace talks could merely represent a temporary pause before a larger conflict. Mehdi Mohammadi, a strategic adviser to Iran’s chief negotiator, described the current stalemate as the “calm before the storm.” In an earlier statement, Mohammadi also said that Iran still had many scores to settle with US President Donald Trump and claimed that the country was fully prepared for a major confrontation.

  WAVRE: Australia began their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ireland in Pool C at the Belfius Hockey Arena on Sunday. The Australian side, ranked third in the world, produced a strong attacking display in the opening half and established a commanding three-goal advantage before the interval. Joel Rintala was the standout performer for Australia, scoring twice, while Blake Govers also found the net through a penalty corner. Australia opened the scoring when Rintala successfully converted an opportunity to beat Irish goalkeeper Jamie Carr. The early goal gave Australia confidence, and they continued to apply pressure on Ireland’s defence. Rintala then struck again to double Australia’s advantage and put Ireland under increasing pressure. The Australians continued their dominance before half-time, with Blake Govers adding another goal from a penalty corner. His successful conversion gave Australia a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break and left Ireland facing a difficult task in the second half. Ireland returned after the interval with a much more aggressive approach. The Irish players adopted a higher press and began creating more opportunities around the Australian circle. Luke Witherow came close to reducing the deficit, but Australian goalkeeper Ash Thomas produced an excellent save to deny him. Ireland eventually managed to get on the scoresheet when Ali Empey converted a rebound following a penalty corner. The goal gave the Irish side renewed hope of making a comeback and changed the momentum of the contest. However, Australia’s defence remained composed under pressure. Ireland continued searching for additional goals and created several late opportunities, but Thomas stood firm in front of the Australian goal. With less than three minutes remaining, the goalkeeper made three important saves to prevent Ireland from narrowing the gap further. Australia successfully protected their 3-1 advantage until the final whistle, securing an important victory in their opening Pool C fixture. In the other Pool C match, Spain also made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign by defeating South Africa 3-1. Spain, known as the Redsticks, immediately took control of the contest and put South Africa under considerable pressure. Their attacking efforts produced two goals in quick succession during the first half. Forward Marc Reyne opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Jose Basterra doubled Spain’s advantage just one minute later. Spain continued to dominate possession and maintain pressure on their opponents. Basterra added his second goal towards the end of the second quarter, giving Spain a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time. South Africa fought back after the break and managed to score through Mustapha Cassiem in the third quarter. The goal provided some encouragement, but Spain remained in control and prevented South Africa from producing a stronger comeback. Despite South Africa’s efforts in the latter stages, Spain comfortably held on to their advantage and completed a 3-1 victory. With both Australia and Spain winning their opening matches, Pool C has begun with strong performances from the two sides as the competition for the knockout stages intensifies.

  BUDAPEST: At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured after a tourist bus carrying Polish passengers veered off a motorway and plunged into a ravine in Hungary, according to police and emergency authorities. The tragic accident took place on Sunday when the bus left the M3 motorway, which connects the Hungarian capital Budapest with the northeastern city of Nyiregyhaza, before crashing into a ravine. Authorities said the passengers travelling on the bus were Polish nationals. Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial findings suggest that the accident may have occurred after the driver fell asleep while driving. Following the incident, police took the bus driver into custody as investigators began examining the possible causes of the crash. According to Hungary’s public broadcaster, a total of 57 passengers and two drivers were travelling on the bus when it crashed. Rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene and began a difficult operation to evacuate the passengers and recover those trapped inside or beneath the heavily damaged vehicle. Emergency workers faced significant challenges because of the size and weight of the bus. The vehicle reportedly weighed around 24 tonnes, making it difficult to move using conventional rescue equipment. Before cranes arrived at the scene, rescue workers attempted to lift the rear axle of the bus in an effort to reach and rescue people who were trapped underneath it. After the necessary heavy equipment arrived, cranes were used to lift the entire bus and assist rescuers in completing the operation. The rescue effort continued as emergency personnel searched the wreckage and surrounding area for injured passengers and victims. Hungary’s ambulance service said that 10 people sustained serious injuries in the accident. They were provided with emergency medical treatment at the scene before being transported to hospitals for further care. Another 37 passengers suffered minor injuries and were also treated by emergency teams. The authorities continued to assess the condition of the injured and investigate the exact circumstances that led to the crash. Officials are expected to examine the driver’s condition, the vehicle’s mechanical state, road conditions and other possible factors that may have contributed to the accident. The deadly crash has caused grief in both Hungary and Poland, particularly among the families of those who were travelling on the bus. The incident also highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services when dealing with large vehicles involved in serious road accidents. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. He also conveyed his sympathies to those injured in the crash and wished them a speedy recovery. Authorities have continued their investigation into the accident, while emergency and medical teams have remained engaged in providing assistance to the injured. Further details about the identities of the victims and the final cause of the crash are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The incident is among the latest serious road accidents involving tourist transportation in Europe and has raised renewed concerns about passenger safety, driver fatigue and road safety measures on major highways.

  ABU DHABI: A rare “Super White” falcon has been sold for AED 250,000 (approximately Rs18.9 million) at an international falconry auction in Abu Dhabi, attracting considerable attention from falcon enthusiasts and bidders. The auction took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as part of the opening auction evening of the international exhibition dedicated to falconry and related traditions. The event became particularly memorable when Emirati bidder Khalid bin Saifan made a dramatic jump in the bidding to secure the rare bird. The bidding had reached AED 210,000 when Khalid bin Saifan suddenly increased the offer to AED 250,000 in a single bid. His unexpected move surprised the audience gathered in the hall and immediately secured the “Super White” falcon for him. The significant increase demonstrated the high value placed on rare and distinctive falcons among enthusiasts and collectors in the region. Following his successful bid, Khalid bin Saifan expressed his happiness by reciting a traditional Emirati poetic verse. His celebration added a cultural dimension to an auction that highlighted the long-standing importance of falconry in Emirati heritage. A total of seven rare birds were presented during the Saturday evening auction. Among them, the “Super White Gyr” emerged as the highest-priced falcon sold during the event. Its exceptional appearance and rarity contributed to the strong interest it received from bidders. Falconry has deep historical and cultural roots in the United Arab Emirates and remains an important part of the country’s heritage. Events such as these auctions provide falcon enthusiasts with opportunities to acquire rare birds while also promoting traditional practices associated with falconry. The falcons purchased through the auction will also have an opportunity to obtain an “ADIHEX badge.” The badge will allow eligible falcons to participate in the historic President’s Cup Falconry Competition for the 2026–27 season. The competition is considered an important event in the regional falconry calendar and provides an opportunity for skilled falcons and their handlers to compete at a high level. The international exhibition itself is scheduled to run from August 28 to September 6. During the exhibition, a total of eight different auctions will be held, giving participants multiple opportunities to bid for rare falcons and other valuable birds. Both online and in-person bidding options will be available during the upcoming auctions. This approach is expected to attract participants from inside the UAE as well as falconry enthusiasts and collectors from other countries. The sale of the “Super White Gyr” for AED 250,000 highlights the continuing demand for rare falcons and the financial value attached to exceptional birds. It also demonstrates how traditional Emirati heritage continues to attract interest through modern events that combine cultural preservation, international participation and competitive auctions. With seven birds already presented during the opening auction evening and seven more auctions scheduled during the exhibition, further high-value sales could take place in the coming days. The event is expected to remain a major gathering for falconers, breeders, collectors and enthusiasts interested in the preservation and development of falconry traditions. The successful sale of the rare “Super White” falcon has therefore provided an impressive start to the auction programme, while also underscoring the cultural significance and enduring popularity of falconry in the UAE.