IRGC threatens US and Israel with revenge after parade attack

The deputy head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned US and Israeli leaders on Monday to expect a "devastating" response from Tehran, accusing them of involvement in an attack on a military parade in the city of Ahvaz.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony, the IRGC's acting commander Gen Hossein Salami vowed revenge against the attack's perpetrators and what he called the "triangle" of Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States.

"You are responsible for these actions; you will face the repercussions. We warn all of those behind the story, we will take revenge," the general said.

"You have seen our revenge before... you will see that our response will be crushing and devastating and you will regret what you have done," he said in a speech on the state television.

On Monday Iran said they arrested 22 people involved in the attack.

"Some 22 people involved in the attack in Ahvaz have been identified and arrested ... weapons, exclusive material and communication equipment were seized in the house that belonged to the five-member terrorist group that carried out the attack," the Intelligence Ministry said, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Thousands of people packed the streets of the southwestern city of Ahvaz to mourn the victims of Saturday's assault that killed 25 people, including 12 members of the IRGC.

Many chanted "death to Israel and America".

In Saturday's attack, four assailants fired on a viewing stand in Ahvaz where Iranian officials had gathered to watch an annual event marking the start of the Islamic Republic's 1980-88 war with Iraq.

_________

Iran embassy bomber arrested in Lebanon refugee camp

US report says Iran is top terror sponsor while global attacks fall

_________

Arab separatists have claimed the assault. ISIS also claimed responsibility for the attack, but offered no clear evidence it carried it out.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony, Iran's Defence Minister Amir Hatami warned the terrorists to expect the revenge of the Iranian nation.

A man helps women and children as they try to flee at the scene of the attack on the military parade. AFP
Iranian soldiers take cover during the terror attack at a military parade in the city of Ahvaz. EPA
Iranian soldiers, women, and children lay down and run during the attack. EPA
Iranian soldiers patrol after the terror attack at a military parade in the city of Ahvaz. EPA
Civilians try to take shelter during the military parade as gunmen started firing. AP Photo
A truck carrying long range missile 'Sejil' during the annual military parade marking the Iraqi invasion in 1980. EPA
Iranian soldiers, women, and children lay down and run during the attack. EPA

At Monday's funeral ceremony in Ahvaz, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavai announced that many suspects involved in the attack have been identified and "a majority of them were detained."

"We will punish the terrorists, one by one," he promised the crowd.

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Brief scores:

Toss: Northern Warriors, elected to field first

Bengal Tigers 130-1 (10 ov)

Roy 60 not out, Rutherford 47 not out

Northern Warriors 94-7 (10 ov)

Simmons 44; Yamin 4-4

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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Gulf Men’s League
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Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
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Gulf Women
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Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
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Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
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