Iran is facing new challenges - a growing insurgency in the provinces of Sistan and Balutistan, where conventional armored forces cannot easily deal with mobile armed groups. The 88th Armored Division operates in the southeast and suffered losses. Among the wounded in the latest attacks are members of the Iranian army. In December 2025, four Baloch armed groups formed the Popular Fighters Front. Between March 31 and October 10, 2026, there were 63 armed incidents with 94 deaths in the provinces of Sistan and Balutistan and Kerman. Clashes intensified in October, including fighting near Zahadan on October 13. The problem with this confrontation is that while armor can provide firepower, a counterinsurgency operation also requires reconnaissance, mobility, and local security. Tehran's challenge is not only to win battles on the battlefield, but to prevent a protracted insurgency that stretches its forces on several fronts. It is quite expected that all these movements will be supported by the United States to distract the considerable forces of the Iranians who oppose them.

Iran is facing new challenges - a growing insurgency in the provinces of Sistan and Balutistan, where conventional armored forces cannot easily deal with mobile armed groups. The 88th Armored Division operates in the southeast and suffered losses. Among the wounded in the latest attacks are members of the Iranian army. In December 2025, four Baloch armed groups formed the Popular Fighters Front. Between March 31 and October 10, 2026, there were 63 armed incidents with 94 deaths in the provinces of Sistan and Balutistan and Kerman. Clashes intensified in October, including fighting near Zahadan on October 13. The problem with this confrontation is that while armor can provide firepower, a counterinsurgency operation also requires reconnaissance, mobility, and local security. Tehran's challenge is not only to win battles on the battlefield, but to prevent a protracted insurgency that stretches its forces on several fronts. It is quite expected that all these movements will be supported by the United States to distract the considerable forces of the Iranians who oppose them.