Iran Summary – October 2025

With Chinese and Russian support, Iran formally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on October 18, with the Islamic Republic declaring itself free from the 2015 deal’s restrictions after the United Nations (UN) reimposed sanctions on the regime via the snapback mechanism in late September. Flouting snapback, Russia reaffirmed its dedication to aiding Iran’s military while China worked to help the regime rebuild its ballistic missile stockpile, according to European intelligence sources.

While the Houthis have paused their missile and drone attacks since the Gaza ceasefire commenced, the group continues its destabilizing actions inside Yemen. Coinciding with the Gaza ceasefire, Israeli forces monitored growing threats from Iranian proxies, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups in Iraq.

Iran’s malign reach also spread online, with Iranian hackers targeting civilian infrastructure, including diplomatic organizations throughout the Middle East and North Africa, shipping and logistics firms, and an Israeli hospital. These cyberattacks come as authorities and courts worldwide arrested and sentenced several individuals for spying or plotting attacks on Iran’s behalf, including two Iran-backed Russian mobsters who attempted to assassinate an Iranian-American activist in the United States.

Meanwhile, Iran has carried out at least 209 executions in October, the highest monthly count in 2025, including several political prisoners and accused Israeli collaborators. The regime also announced plans to deploy over 80,000 volunteer troops to Tehran to enforce Sharia law as protests mounted over the regime’s corruption and economic mismanagement.

Click here to read the October 2025 Iran Summary.