October 21
International: Seven Israelis were arrested on suspicion of gathering intelligence for Iran in exchange for cash transfers from Tehran for more than two years. The suspects conducted missions in coordination with two Iranian agents and allegedly photographed Israeli military infrastructure. Some of the suspects were involved in a potential plan to harm an Israeli citizen, according to the police and Shin Bet.
International: An Iranian spokesperson denied claims from Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that Tehran interfered in Lebanese affairs when a senior Iranian official said that Iran was prepared to help negotiate a U.N. resolution on Lebanon.
International: The U.S. Department of Justice proposed new policies to prevent Iran, China, and Russia from accessing Americans' bulk personal data for cyber attacks, blackmail, or spying. The Justice Department will be able to enforce the law through criminal and civil punishments.
October 22
Diplomatic: Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Sabah al Khaled al Sabah and delivered President Masoud Pezeshkian’s message that Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon must be stopped. He emphasized Iranian efforts to maintain good relationships with its neighbors. Araghchi claimed that Kuwait, among other Arab states, had assured him that their “land and airspace will not be used to attack Iran.”
October 23
International: President Pezeshkian attended the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia where he met with his Emirati counterpart and Egyptian President Abdel-Fatteh el Sissi. Pezeshkian discussed Israeli “aggression” and said Iran would respond to any Israeli attacks on Iran. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pezeshkian discussed the protection of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as developments for the Chabahar Port and the International North South Transport Corridor.
International: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Emirati President Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, where they discussed tensions over three disputed islands in the Straits of Hormuz, over which the United Arab Emirates also claims sovereignty.
October 24
Military: Iranian Artesh Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi said that Iran will increase drone and cyber cooperation with Pakistan during a meeting with the Pakistani Chief of Army General Asim Munir.
October 26
Military: Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran in response to Iran’s October 1 missile attacks. Israel conducted “precise and targeted strikes” on 20 military sites damaging missile air defense systems and missile manufacturing facilities in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran. Israel notably did not target oil infrastructure or nuclear facilities. Iran downplayed the damage but reserved its right to a response.