“2 men rearrested on suspicion of spying for Iran over suspected plot at U.S.-run air base in England,” CBS, 10-20-26. Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the U.K., said … “[O]ur position remains the same; we consider it highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement.” … Iranian officials have said several times since the beginning of the war that any bases used to attack the country would be considered legitimate targets. But the Iranian Embassy in London said in a previous statement that the regime “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran” to the incident.” If you’ve watched the news on Iran for several years or followed this blog, you know this is M.O. for Iran—threaten, but then don’t want to be penalized for their acts.
“Iran says it has a ‘new operational plan’ if the U.S. resumes attacks, as shipping vessels report strikes,” CNBC, 10-18-26. Issued by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and one of the few persons supposedly with access to the Leader.
“‘The world will be amazed:’ Iran’s commanders prepare for further war,” CNN, 10-18-26. Iran: Parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi as defence minister, filling the post after his predecessor was killed in US-Israeli attacks. His background leading Iran’s aerospace industries and commitments to expand defence production suggest that rebuilding missile capabilities and sustaining support for allied forces will remain priorities.
“Iranian parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as new defense minister,” AA, 10-18-26. In similar fashion but emphasizing his missile background, “Meet Iran’s new defense chief: A missile veteran threatening war with Israel,” i24, 10-18-26.
“Iran rolls out regional Data Authority amid threats to Mideast tech infrastructure,” Iran International, 10-18-26.
“Iran warns Hezbollah to prepare for US strike, Tehran believes is “only a matter of time,” diplomats tell i24NEWS | LIVE BLOG,” I24, 10-15-26.
“Hamburg court jails 2 men over plot to attack Jewish leaders,” DW, 10-15-26. “The men were found guilty of espionage and attempted murder. According to the court, they planned to attack the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and president of the German-Israeli society.” … “Prosecutors said that one defendant, a 54-year-old Dane with Afghan roots, had received his orders directly from Iran’s al-Quds Brigades, the foreign arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The man was said to have recruited his accomplice, a 43-year-old Afghan man living in Denmark, to carry out one of the attacks, or find someone who could. … Germany’s Foreign Office summoned Iran’s ambassador after Danish authorities made the arrests, prompting the Iranian embassy in Berlin to release a statement rejecting what it called “unfounded allegations made at the behest of Iran’s enemies.” So, what will Iran’s FM say now? The same line it always uses, that (despite a trial) these are unproven allegations, and that the actors had no tie to Iran. In short, we live in two worlds—the West, where evidence is produced and considered, and Iran, where evidence only means what the Regime says.
“Rubio urges Lebanon to resist Hezbollah pressure over seized explosives,” Axios, 10-15-26.
“Human rights abuses in drone production at Yelabuga,” George W. Bush Presidential Center, 10-14-26.
“Iran war updates: Cargo ships sunk in Hormuz, Houthis claim Riyadh attack,” Al Jazeerz, 10-14-26.
“Iran shifting tactics to step up attacks on shipping before US vote, officials say,” Reuters, 10-14-26.
He makes an appearance! “Zarif under fire for dismissing nuclear deterrence before war,” Iran International, 10-14-26.
“Saudis launch new strikes on Houthis; Iran-backed group threatens U.S. if it joins in,” CBS, 10-13-26.
“Iran: Five protest-related arbitrary executions in one week must spur global action,” Amnesty International, 10-13-26.
“Iran reportedly fortifies nuclear sites as it prepares for possible U.S. strikes after midterms,” CNBC, 10-13-26.
“Saudis launch new strikes on Houthis; Iran-backed group threatens U.S. if it joins in,” CBS, 10-13-26.
“Iran expanding attacks on ships beyond Hormuz to keep oil prices high; official vows full closure coming – report,” I24, 10-13-26.
Pretty slick. This offer to negotiate is really blackmail since Iran ultimately controls and arms the Houthis. Saudi won’t fall for it. “Iran Offers to Mediate Between Its Houthi Allies and Saudi Arabia,” NYT, 10-12-26.
“Security incident at U.S.-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, U.K. prime minister says,” NBC, 10-12-26.
“Iran-US diplomacy stalls as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify,” Iran International, 10-12-26.
“Iran-Backed Militants Are Tightening the Screws on Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince,” WSJ, 10-12-26.
“Iran Fortifying Nuclear Sites and Rallying Its People for Return to Fighting,” WSJ, 10-12-26.
“At Least 12 Killed, Hundreds Injured at Saudi Airport in Houthi Strikes,” WSJ, 10-10-26.
“Direct hits on two Riyadh airport terminals by Iran-backed militants were deadliest attack in kingdom in more than a decade; military vows response.”
“US military says it disabled cargo vessel trying to run Iran blockade,” Reuters, 10-10-26.
“Zarif accused of aiding US, ‘suicidal attack’ on Iran’s security,” Iran International, 10-10-26. He’s back.
“Two men deny spying for Iran on Israeli embassy in London,” Iran International, 10-9-26.
“Iran and Houthis Try to Regain Upper Hand in Hormuz With Spate of New Attacks,” WSJ, 10-9-26.
“Iran’s Theory of Victory: Tehran’s Fight for Great-Power Status in the Post-American Middle East,” Foreign Affairs, 10-9-26. “Its officials may not see eye to eye on each tactic. But they share the same ambitions: evicting U.S. forces from the Persian Gulf, forcing Washington to remove all its sanctions, and getting the United States to accept that Iran is a great power. This agenda might sound overly audacious, given that Iran has been materially weakened. But the Islamic Republic thinks its aims are within reach. It believes its military can drive U.S. troops from the Persian Gulf by continuing to strike American bases directly and by getting Arab countries to push the United States to leave. It thinks that by wreaking havoc on energy markets, it can force Washington to lift economic restrictions, as well. Tehran’s theory of victory, in other words, is that it can hold out and inflict enough pain that the United States will end its containment of Iran.”
“Pentagon prepares 3-day intensive Iran strike option as Trump says no attack before midterms: NYT,” AA, 10-9-26.
“US military told to prepare for resumption of large-scale operations against Iran – Axios,” Arab News, 10-8-26.
“How Iran’s drones hit America’s Achilles heel,” Politico, 10-8-26.
“Two Latvian men arrested on suspicion of trespassing at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire,” itv news, 10-8-26. Story at U.S. intelligence site worth following, and consistent with other actions by Iran’s hired thugs.
“A REUTERS SPECIAL REPORT: Iran’s wartime hunt for protesters at home and abroad ushers in a new era of repression,” Reuters, 10-8-26.
“Iran Has Few Options to Circumvent the U.S. Blockade on its Oil Tankers,” Maritime Executive, 10-8-26.
“Iran nuclear chief says country won’t abandon enrichment or hand over its uranium,” Reuters, 10-8-26.
“No Safe Haven: How Iran And Russia Target Exile Enemies,” RFE/RL, 10-8-26. “[D]espite being thousands of kilometers from Iran, he is not beyond the reach of the country’s security services.”
“US sanctions 17 ships in push to shut down Iran’s shadow fleet,” Iran International, 10-8-26.