TEHRAN – Iran will complete construction of a border wall along its eastern frontiers by the end of the first half of the next Iranian calendar year, announced Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Saturday while inspecting a section of the wall being built along the Iran-Pakistan border.

During his visit to the southeastern city of Mirjaveh, the primary crossing point between Iran and Pakistan, the Minister highlighted that the first phase of the border-sealing initiative spans approximately 90 kilometers and commenced at the end of June. He stated, "Based on our projections, this border-blocking project is expected to be completed in the first half of the next Iranian year." 

Momeni stressed that an unsealed border allows deported illegal immigrants to easily return, declaring, “The plan to secure the border will tackle this issue and improve regional security.” 

Momeni noted that the border blockade includes both physical barriers, such as barbed wire, and smart technology like radar systems, stating that this integration enhances security.

Emphasizing that stable security is essential for progress and development, Momeni stated, “By implementing the border sealing plan, we will not only curb drug and goods smuggling but also regulate the movement and return of undocumented foreign nationals, which is crucial for the security of the Sistan and Baluchistan province.”

A rise in drug trafficking terrorism in recent years has forced Iran to move towards sealing off its borders. The country has currently prioritized sealing its borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan.  

On October 20, Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi, commander of the Iranian Police Border Guards, underscored that while Iran is looking to build walls along all its eastern and western border provinces, the regions sharing borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan must be included more urgently.

Goudarzi asserted that “the border wall aims to prevent the smuggling of fuel, goods, and narcotics while also curbing illegal immigration.” He also emphasized that around 80% of illegal drugs in Iran originate from the borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Sealing Iran's border with Pakistan is crucial for addressing security challenges in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, which has faced numerous attacks on civilians and security forces In the past years.

The Jaish al-Adl terrorist group, known inside Iran as Jaish al-Zulm and backed by Israeli and Western intelligence, has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent Iranians. 

The terrorist group's most recent attack occurred on October 26, which coincided with Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Members of the terror outfit ambushed two vehicles in Taftan county, killing 10 soldiers and police officers. 

Iran is encountering similar challenges along its border with Afghanistan. Three of the deadliest attacks that have hit Iran in recent years were carried out by terrorists that had entered the country through the Afghan borders. The attacks include two in Shiraz in 2022 and 2023, and one in Kerman in 2024 which killed about 100 people. 

An influx of illegal refugees is another issue Iran is trying to address. After years of occupation by the U.S., Afghan civilians grappling with poverty and insecurity are increasingly leaving the war-stricken country in pursuit of money or safety. 

On October 1, Iran's Minister of Interior emphasized the brotherhood between Iran and Afghanistan and highlighted their commonalities, while also stating that Iran, due to limited resources, is unable to accept more foreign nationals. 

"Our top priority is the deportation of illegal immigrants through a well-structured plan. We must address this sensitive issue with a balanced approach to ensure our activities do not foster anti-immigrant sentiment," Momeni concluded.

Iran is dealing with its own financial issues caused by years of Western sanctions.