Iran has completed 100 kilometers of a planned security wall along its border with Afghanistan, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, announced on Friday.

The development marks a significant phase in Tehran’s broader initiative to strengthen border security and manage cross-border challenges in the volatile eastern frontier.

During an inspection visit to the fortified section of the border in Razavi Khorasan Province, Bagheri emphasized the strategic importance of the wall project in addressing critical security concerns. He confirmed that the barrier will be integrated with advanced electronic and intelligent surveillance systems, enabling real-time monitoring and response capabilities.

“This wall is a vital step toward ensuring long-term national security,” Bagheri said. “It will play a pivotal role in combating narcotics trafficking, the smuggling of goods and fuel, and unauthorized entry into the country.”

The wall, which stands four meters high, is part of a larger 300-kilometer construction plan designed to span key sections of the Iran-Afghanistan border. The initiative comes amid growing concern over illegal migration and drug trafficking, particularly following the return of the Islamic Emirate to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement and cooperation with the de facto Afghan authorities, Iranian officials have voiced frustration over what they describe as insufficient control on the Afghan side of the border. In recent months, Tehran has stepped up both surveillance and enforcement measures along its eastern boundary.

Iran shares a 945-kilometer border with Afghanistan, a major global source of opium and methamphetamine. Razavi Khorasan, which lies at the heart of this frontier, has been a frequent flashpoint for smuggling and border security incidents.

Officials say the wall project will also support Iranian border guards, who have faced increasing operational pressures due to the surge in unauthorized crossings and the growing sophistication of smuggling networks.

The full construction is expected to continue in phases, with further segments due to be completed over the coming months. (ILKHA)