Published on July 26, 2025

Overview

In a shocking and tragic event on Saturday, July 26, 2025, gunmen stormed a courthouse in Zahedan, located in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, killing at least six people, including a woman and her one-year-old child, and injuring more than a dozen others.

The attack, quickly condemned by Iranian authorities, was reportedly carried out by members of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl, who claimed responsibility shortly afterward via social media.

Where Did It Happen?

The assault targeted a judiciary complex in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchestan, a region often at the center of ethnic and sectarian unrest. The province borders Pakistan and Afghanistan and is home to a large population of ethnic Baluchis, many of whom are Sunni Muslims.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to local sources and Iranian state media:

Around 8:00 AM local time, armed militants entered the courthouse using firearms and grenades.

They opened fire indiscriminately on civilians and court employees.

Security forces quickly responded, engaging in a firefight with the attackers.

Three militants were killed during the operation.

Civilian casualties include a mother and her infant, highlighting the brutality of the attack.

Who Is Behind the Attack?

The Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) terrorist group, active in the region since 2012, claimed responsibility. The group is known for violent attacks against Iranian police, military, and government officials. They aim to fight for autonomy for the Baluch minority and are linked to extremist networks across the Pakistan-Iran border.

Why This Attack Matters

This attack comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region:

The province has been under increased military surveillance due to rising militant activity.

Zahedan has witnessed several attacks in recent years, targeting police, military, and now judiciary institutions.

It signals the growing boldness of separatist groups, and possibly the failure of Iran’s internal security apparatus in securing critical public infrastructure.

Casualty Report (as of July 26)

Category Count

Civilians killed 6 (including a woman and a child)

Injured 13–20

Militants killed 3

Group responsible Jaish al-Adl

Government Response

Iranian officials labeled the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and vowed retaliation. President Ebrahim Raisi offered condolences and called for a full investigation. Security forces have tightened control over the region, and further arrests are expected.

What’s Next?

Iran may launch military operations in Sistan-Baluchestan.

Heightened tension between ethnic Baluch communities and Iranian authorities is likely.

Global human rights groups may raise concerns about retaliatory crackdowns in the region.

Conclusion

The July 26 Zahedan courthouse attack is another dark chapter in Iran’s ongoing security challenges. The killing of innocent civilians — including a mother and her child — is a stark reminder of the human cost of extremism. As Iran ramps up its response, the world watches closely to see whether the cycle of violence will continue, or if genuine solutions will emerge.