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“Scoop: U.S. intel memo warns of “advanced” Iranian plots to kill officials abroad,” Axios, 10-23-26.  “U.S. intelligence finds Iran has “substantially increased” its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with lethal plots reaching “advanced stages,” according to an Oct. 23 memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio obtained by Axios. Why it matters: U.S. officials say the intelligence is one reason the State Department is drawing down personnel at several American embassies across the Middle East, amid mounting fears of a broader regional conflict.”  “Advanced stages” is close to action.

“The Iran war’s toxic impact on one of the planet’s most unique seas,” CNN, 10-23-26.  Twice as much oil pollution in the Gulf in the past year due to Iran’s attacking of ships.

“Fact Sheet: Costs of the Iran War,” Center for American Progress, 10-23-26.  Consider the source.  But this blog let’s this be treated as news, along with other sources.  “The Trump administration’s war in Iran has raised prices across the board, increased inflation, and costs about $2,000 per household.”  This is one of the reasons he will lose the House.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.