“Iran’s chess game is going well, but US Navy carriers are queens not pawns,” Telegraph, 10-31-23.  The Iranian government’s desire to escalate the Gaza war and open up Hezbollah is tempered by the presence of the Ford off the coast of Lebanon.  In other words, radical Shia expansion is being deterred (hopefully) by Western democratic-minded power.

“Lawyer Arrest Fuels Outrage Over Iran Teen’s Death,” Barron’s, 10-31-23.  Nasrin Sotoudeh, 60, was arrested at the funeral on Sunday in Tehran of Armita Garawand, 17, whose death was reported by Iranian state media at the weekend after a month in a coma.

Be assured that Iran through its Quds Force is NOT discouraging these plans and threats by various groups.  “FBI Director Wray warns terror threat to Americans at ‘whole other level’ amid Hamas-Israel conflict,” Fox, 10-31-23.

“Amid Israel War, Iran Tests Massive Haydar Missile From Bell Helicopter That Can Hit Tanks 30 KMs Away,” Eurasian Times, 10-31-23.

Nasrallah doesn’t want to die.  “Hezbollah Hesitates as Israel Strikes Gaza,” NYT, 10-31-23.

“Iranian hackers caught spying on governments and military in Middle East,” The Record, 10-31-23.

The only foreign minister (Abdollahian) in the world to meet with Hamas’ leader (Haniyeh).  “Iran’s FM Meets With Hamas Leader In Qatar,” 10-31-23.

“Profiles of 15 Iranian-Backed Militias in the Middle East,” Long War Journal, 10-31-23.

“Iran’s nuclear envoy threatens Israel’s annihilation after return from Hamas meeting in Russia,” Washington Examiner, 10-31-23.