The project aims to prevent drug trafficking, fuel and goods smuggling, and illegal migration

Monitoring Desk

Iran continues to intensify its efforts to fortify its eastern borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan through extensive construction of physical barriers, reflecting its prioritization of national security in a volatile regional environment. Recent statements by high-ranking military officials confirm significant progress in building these border walls, aiming to curb illegal crossings, drug trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism.

According to Iranian security services, Iran’s borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan account for 80% of drug trafficking into the country.

Back in early 2021, Iran began building a barrier on its border with Afghanistan. About 60 km of the wall was built, although the total length of the border between the two countries is more than 900 km. During the construction of the wall, negotiations between Iran and Afghanistan over the water resources of the Helmand River are also ongoing – it is unclear how the construction of the wall will affect the use of the waterway and the use of water on both sides of the river.

For barriers at border with Pakistan, Iran first started discussing the construction of barriers in January this year after the high-profile terrorist attacks in Kerman and Sistan-Baluchestan.

Tehran says it wants to build the fence to prevent terrorist groups from entering from neighboring Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Progress and Scale of the Border Wall Project

Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, recently inspected border regions in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province, emphasizing that Iran is actively walling up its eastern borders to enhance security. He highlighted the stationing of numerous units from the Army, IRGC, and Police, underscoring the comprehensive military approach to border protection.

So far, the construction has made substantial strides:

Over 120 kilometers of border walls have been completed in the first phase.

The current project aims to cover nearly 953 kilometers along Iran’s eastern border.

More than 300 kilometers are planned for the initial phase, with ongoing work in Razavi Khorasan Province involving prefabricated concrete walls.

Contracts with 16 construction companies have been signed to expedite progress.

Deputy Army Commander Sadegh Nouri noted that the project involves modern prefabricated concrete segments, designed to create a robust barrier against unauthorized crossings.

Impact on Security and Migration

Iran reports that the border wall project has already contributed to a significant decrease in unauthorized Afghan migration, addressing a long-standing humanitarian and security concern. The physical barriers, complemented by smart surveillance systems, aim to prevent illegal infiltration and reduce cross-border instability.

Iran’s enhanced border security posture also targets the persistent threat of drug trafficking, insurgent infiltration, and terrorism—especially considering recent attacks by groups such as Jaish al-Adl, which have claimed Iranian lives and destabilized border communities.

Strategic and Diplomatic Dimensions

While officials publicly frame the wall as a necessary measure for internal security, the initiative also raises diplomatic sensitivities. There are ongoing concerns from Afghanistan about unilateral border construction without prior consultations, potentially complicating Iran-Afghanistan relations. Additionally, handling cross-border water rights — notably relating to the Helmand River — remains an important but challenging component of regional stability.

Furthermore, Iran’s focus on border reinforcement underscores its desire to maintain control amid external pressures and regional instability, including concerns about foreign support for militant groups and drug cartels.

Broader Regional and Future Outlook

Iran’s ongoing border construction signifies a strategic assertion of sovereignty and a bid to stabilize internal security. Yet, to foster enduring peace and stability, these physical measures should ideally be complemented by diplomatic efforts, regional cooperation, and addressing underlying socio-economic issues in border areas.

In conclusion, Iran’s accelerated border wall projects mark a pivotal step toward securing its eastern frontiers. While these structures provide immediate security benefits, their long-term success will depend on a balanced approach that combines physical security, diplomatic engagement, and regional collaboration.