Iran's Armor Problem in the Southeast Iran faces a growing insurgency in Sistan and Baluchistan, where conventional armor cannot easily deal with mobile armed groups. The 88th Armored Division operates in the southeast, with military personnel among those targeted in the latest attacks. Four Baloch armed groups established the People's Fighters Front in December 2025. HRANA recorded 63 armed incidents and at least 94 deaths across Sistan and Balochistan and Kerman between March 31 and October 10, 2026. Clashes intensified in October, including fighting near Zahadan on October 13. Armor can provide firepower, but counterinsurgency also requires intelligence, mobility and local security. Tehran's challenge is not only to win engagements, but to prevent a protracted insurgency from stretching its forces across multiple fronts. Sources: HRANA, RFE/RL, Iran International.

Iran's Armor Problem in the Southeast Iran faces a growing insurgency in Sistan and Baluchistan, where conventional armor cannot easily deal with mobile armed groups. The 88th Armored Division operates in the southeast, with military personnel among those targeted in the latest attacks. Four Baloch armed groups established the People's Fighters Front in December 2025. HRANA recorded 63 armed incidents and at least 94 deaths across Sistan and Balochistan and Kerman between March 31 and October 10, 2026. Clashes intensified in October, including fighting near Zahadan on October 13. Armor can provide firepower, but counterinsurgency also requires intelligence, mobility and local security. Tehran's challenge is not only to win engagements, but to prevent a protracted insurgency from stretching its forces across multiple fronts. Sources: HRANA, RFE/RL, Iran International.