Iran Allocates €3 Billion to Secure Borders, Prioritizing Afghanistan Frontier

Iran has allocated €3 billion to its Armed Forces for a comprehensive 5-year border blockade program, with a primary focus on securing the Afghanistan border to combat smuggling and insecurity. The initiative, approved by President Ebrahim Raisi, aims to strengthen border security and prevent cross-border criminal activities through a multi-layered approach involving wall construction, fencing, and intelligent border control systems.

According to Majid Mirahmadi, an Interior Ministry official, the border closure plan will prioritize routes facilitating smuggling, particularly along the Afghanistan border. "The goal is to enhance security and prevent human and weapon trafficking, as well as address drug trafficking and other insecurities plaguing Iran," stated Mirahmadi. The Deputy Security Minister emphasized that more than $20 billion of smuggled goods enter or leave Iran annually, and the border closures are intended to resolve these issues.

The impoverished Sistan Baluchestan region, which borders Afghanistan, has been a hotspot for clashes between security forces and separatist militants, as well as drug smuggling. Iran has been cracking down on fuel smuggling to Pakistan and Afghanistan, which has been facilitated by the country's low fuel prices. President Raisi has emphasized the need to protect the border region against any insecurity, as it creates economic opportunities for the country.

Why this matters: The border blockade program reflects Iran's commitment to combating cross-border crime and enhancing national security. The allocation of significant resources to this initiative highlights the severity of the challenges posed by smuggling and instability along Iran's borders, particularly with Afghanistan.

Brigadier General Ali Zolghadri, speaking at the Regional Cooperation Workshop of Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan, criticized the double standards of Western countries on the issue of migrants, stating that they mostly seek to secure their own interests. The workshop, attended by representatives from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, aimed to analyze preventive measures on illegal immigration, fight organized networks of human trafficking, and identify the transit routes of migrants.

Iran's intelligence agencies have found clues regarding the elements involved in the recent terrorist explosions in Kerman and have arrested some of those who had a role in the incident. The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for the blasts, which targeted people attending ceremonies to mark the fourth anniversary of the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Analysts warn against blocking landlocked Afghanistan's borders and emphasize the need for Iran and Afghanistan to jointly fight terrorists along their shared border.

Key Takeaways

• Iran allocates €3 billion for 5-year border blockade program, focusing on Afghanistan.
• Program aims to enhance security, prevent smuggling of goods, drugs, and weapons.
• Sistan Baluchestan region is a hotspot for clashes and drug smuggling.
• Iran cracks down on fuel smuggling to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Iran arrests suspects involved in recent terrorist explosions in Kerman.