Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Iran has commenced the construction of a towering wall along its borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan, aiming to curb security threats such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration. The wall, standing at four meters tall and stretching nearly 300 kilometers, is being built across the southern provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as Razavi Khorasan. Future phases will extend the barrier into Ilam, Kurdistan, and Western Azerbaijan.
Iranian officials highlight that 80% of drug trafficking into the country comes from these border regions. Funded by the state, the project seeks to fortify Iran’s borders, with construction efforts already in full swing. Tehran’s decision to expedite the project follows a string of high-profile terrorist attacks earlier this year.
However, the move has sparked diplomatic friction with Afghanistan. Afghan authorities argue that closing the border requires mutual consent, which Iran reportedly did not seek. Simultaneously, ongoing talks over the Helmand River’s water resources add another layer of complexity, as both nations negotiate how the barrier could affect shared access to vital waterways.
Iran had previously initiated similar border fortifications in 2021, with 60 kilometers of wall constructed, though the total border spans over 900 kilometers. The latest developments underscore Tehran’s heightened security concerns along its eastern frontier.
