Intend To Seal Border & Objections Not Permitted, Iranian Army Commander Tells Taliban

Kioumars Heydari, the commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces, has responded to the Taliban's objections against the plan to seal the border, declaring, "We intend to seal our borders, and no one has the right to object."

The Taliban had previously asserted that Afghanistan does not pose a threat to any nation and questioned the necessity of such a plan.

In reaction to Iran's border closure initiative with Afghanistan, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid informed the press that any such measure should be founded on mutual agreement.

Mujahid further remarked that Afghanistan does not endanger the security of any nation, including Iran, and stated, "There is currently no need for such measures."

Countering the statements made by the Taliban spokesperson, the Iranian Army's Ground Forces commander said, "We have always respected the principle of good neighbourliness with all our geographical neighbours, and the Islamic Republic has never had the intention to threaten, invade, aggress upon, or occupy even an inch of neighbourly territories."

Heydari further mentioned, "It's a common practice for all countries to implement border closures according to their own strategies and plans, and no one has the right to question our actions near our border."

He underlined that it is the prerogative of the Islamic Republic to decide on measures for securing its borders and "thus, others cannot impose on us what actions we should take along our borders”.

The Ground Forces commander had previously announced that the initial phase of the Afghanistan-Iran border closure project, extending over 74 kilometres, is in progress.

Heydari has referred to this initiative as one of "Iran's most significant national projects”.

This military official from Iran disclosed that the initial phase of border sealing is being carried out through four construction operations, with fencing currently being erected and road construction set to commence subsequently.

Following the Taliban's ascension to power in Afghanistan, there have been multiple confrontations between Taliban forces and Iranian border guards in Iran's western regions.