Iran builds massive border wall to curb unauthorized crossings

Iran has embarked on an extensive border fortification project, constructing walls along its eastern borders. The initiative is designed to curb unauthorized border crossings and bolster control over its volatile eastern regions.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, confirmed the development during a visit to Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Caliber.Az reports citing Iranian media.

While inspecting military units stationed at the border, Bagheri emphasized the strategic importance of fortifying the region, stating that both the Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the Police Command have been deployed to ensure the success of the operation. This initiative remains a top priority for the Iranian military leadership.

The border fortification project, specifically along the border with Afghanistan, has made considerable progress. General Sadegh Nouri, deputy commander of the Northeast Regional Headquarters of the Army's Ground Forces, revealed that 81 kilometres of the wall in Razavi Khorasan Province had already been completed. This marks significant progress in an ambitious plan that aims to create a 953-kilometre long security barrier.

In an interview with the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) on May 17, General Nouri explained that the wall construction employs prefabricated concrete segments, with the first phase of the project having already completed 120 kilometres over the past two years. The current focus is on completing more than 300 kilometres in the first phase, with contracts signed with 16 companies to expedite the process.

One of the key objectives of the border wall is to mitigate the illegal entry of Afghan migrants into Iran. General Nouri reported that the construction of the wall has already led to a noticeable reduction in unauthorized crossings, which were a significant concern for border security.

By Vafa Guliyeva