TEHRAN – Iran is struggling to cope with the rising numbers of foreign nationals entering the country, with limited international assistance exacerbating the issue, according to Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

Speaking in Kerman Province on Tuesday, Momeni emphasized the need for stricter border controls, explaining that Iran “has no other choice” but to limit entries due to the overwhelming strain on national resources. 

“International aid in this regard to Iran is close to zero,” Momeni stated. “We cannot host any more guests, so we must close the borders to prevent repeated movements.”

“We are not anti-immigrant; we have coexisted peacefully with our neighbors for centuries,” Momeni noted. However, he stressed that without adequate international support, Iran is reaching a breaking point. 

At the ceremony, held to introduce Kerman’s new governor, Momeni also praised the regional legacy of martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, highlighting the public’s strong show of respect at his funeral. 

He then turned to pressing domestic challenges, including Kerman’s development needs and the impact of the increasing foreign population, which has strained provincial resources.

“Kerman Province is suffering from this situation,” he said, adding that border closures are necessary to curb repeated unauthorized entries.

The government has prioritized sealing the borders since the fourteenth administration began, Momeni explained. He outlined plans to enforce a full border seal using physical, electronic, and optical measures, adding that recent inspections showed the eastern border closure process is accelerating. 

“Repatriating illegal immigrants has been challenging, partly because of repeated reentries. Achieving a fully secure border is a critical priority,” Momeni emphasized, noting that the strain extends beyond borders. The increased need for fuel and housing in provinces like Kerman has driven up smuggling and informal settlement issues, which are now high on the government’s agenda.

Without significant international assistance, Momeni warned, Iran will have to rely on its own border control efforts to manage the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country.

On Sunday, deputy commander of the Army Ground Forces Brigadier General Nozar Nemati announced that Iran have successfully completed a 25-kilometer section of the country’s eastern border wall to strengthen anti-smuggling measures. 

Nemati elaborated on the scope of the border closures, noting that the Ground Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army have successfully secured approximately 1,600 kilometers of borders in the eastern, western, southwestern, and northwestern regions, working in collaboration with border guard units to ensure enduring security.

The border closure initiative, covering multiple provinces, plays a vital role in Iran's overarching strategy to maintain its territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens. By improving border security protocols, Iranian authorities aim to more effectively regulate the movement of people and reduce the threats linked to unlawful activities such as drug trade and human trafficking. This effort is focused on bolstering national security and curbing illegal operations along Iran's borders.