Iranian border guards have closed the Pul-e Abrishum border crossing in southwestern Nimroz province, halting movement between Afghanistan and Iran, multiple local sources told Amu on Wednesday.
The reason for the closure remains unclear, and neither Taliban officials in Nimroz nor Iranian authorities have made any official statements about the move.
Sources said the shutdown has disrupted the flow of travelers and trade vehicles, though limited crossings may still be occurring through informal routes.
The Pul-e Abrishum crossing, located near Zaranj city, is one of the two main official border routes between Afghanistan and Iran, along with the Islam Qala crossing in Herat province. The crossing serves as a key route for trade, fuel imports, and migrant returns.
This is not the first time the border has been closed. In September, Iranian border guards temporarily shut down Pul-e Abrishum for a week without explanation, disrupting commerce and the movement of migrants.
Iran has stepped up deportations of Afghan nationals in recent months. According to Taliban, thousands of Afghans are expelled daily through border crossings, including Pul-e Abrishum and Islam Qala. On Monday alone, more than 1,600 migrants were deported from Iran, according to the Taliban’s Commission for Refugees.
The closures come amid heightened tensions between Afghanistan and its neighbors over border management and migration. Iranian officials have said the number of Afghans attempting to enter the country “illegally” has more than doubled in the past year, while Taliban authorities have called for “respectful treatment” of returning migrants.
Trade between Afghanistan and Iran, meanwhile, remains vital for both sides — particularly for Afghanistan, which relies heavily on Iranian imports of fuel, food, and construction materials.
