Afghan and Iranian officials have agreed to start border marker renovation in the near future, following a meeting in Kabul between Minister Noorullah Noori and Ambassador Ali-Reza Bikdeli.
Afghan Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs Noorullah Noori met Iranian Ambassador to Kabul Ali-Reza Bikdeli on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to discuss the Afghanistan Iran border agreement. The talks focused on stabilising the shared border and initiating border marker renovation. Noori confirmed the process would begin soon, marking progress in Kabul Tehran cooperation.
This development holds significance for South Asia, where border stability between Afghanistan and Iran can reduce smuggling, enhance trade routes, and mitigate water disputes along the 921-kilometre frontier. Such steps may foster regional security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Meeting Highlights Kabul Tehran Cooperation
During the meeting at the Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs in Kabul, both sides emphasised commitment to the Afghanistan Iran border agreement. According to a ministry statement, Noori assured full support for accelerating border marker renovation. He stated the Islamic Emirate would resolve any implementation challenges promptly.
Bikdeli, representing Tehran, highlighted border cooperation as vital for expanding bilateral ties. The Iranian Embassy in Kabul issued a statement noting that joint efforts on Afghanistan Iran border markers would strengthen relations. Officials agreed to deploy technical teams to oversee the work.
The Afghanistan Iran border agreement addresses long-standing issues, including marker deterioration that has led to occasional disputes. Border marker renovation aims to clarify demarcations, preventing encroachments and supporting anti-smuggling measures.
Commitments Under the Afghanistan Iran Border Agreement
Noori pledged comprehensive cooperation in stabilising the common border. The ministry statement detailed that the process for renovating Afghanistan Iran border markers would commence officially soon. This includes surveying sites and installing updated markers.
Bikdeli affirmed Iran’s readiness to collaborate fully. He stressed expediting the Afghanistan Iran border agreement to benefit both nations. The embassy statement described border issues as a cornerstone for broader Kabul Tehran cooperation.
Both parties referenced a prior accord from October 2025, where deputy-level talks resumed the project after a seven-year halt. That meeting involved Iranian Deputy Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Noori, confirming immediate resumption.
Historical Context of Afghanistan Iran Border Markers
The Afghanistan-Iran border spans 921 kilometres, from the tripoint with Turkmenistan to the Pakistan border. Established by treaties in the 19th and 20th centuries, it follows natural features like the Helmand River.
Border marker renovation has been intermittent. In 2024, Afghanistan reported completing some sign renovations with Iran, but broader efforts stalled due to political changes and resource constraints. The seven-year pause since 2018 stemmed from disputes over water sharing and security concerns.
Kabul Tehran cooperation on borders has improved since 2021, with agreements on trade crossings like Milak. In January 2026, Iran opened a new land route at Milak to boost cargo movement, doubling truck capacity. This complements the current Afghanistan Iran border agreement.
Past tensions include clashes in 2023 over Helmand water rights, where Iran claimed insufficient flow under a 1973 treaty. Afghanistan disputed this, citing drought. The border marker renovation could ease such frictions by providing clear demarcations.
Trade between the nations exceeds USD 2 billion annually, with Iran supplying fuel and goods to Afghanistan. Stabilising Afghanistan Iran border markers supports economic ties, crucial for landlocked Afghanistan.
Security remains key. Both countries face smuggling of drugs and arms. The Afghanistan Iran border agreement includes measures to enhance patrols and intelligence sharing.
Challenges in Border Marker Renovation
Implementing the Afghanistan Iran border agreement faces logistical hurdles. Remote terrain in Herat and Nimroz provinces complicates access. Technical teams must map areas prone to erosion.
Funding details are unclear. Afghanistan’s ministry has not specified budgets, while Iran has committed resources. Kabul Tehran cooperation may involve joint financing.
Environmental factors, like river shifts, have altered markers historically. The renovation will use modern GPS technology for accuracy.
Local tribes along the border support the initiative, viewing it as a step to reduce cross-border incidents. Community involvement could aid in monitoring renovated Afghanistan Iran border markers.
Broader Implications for South Asia
The Afghanistan Iran border agreement extends beyond bilateral ties. South Asia, including Pakistan and India, monitors these developments. Stable borders reduce refugee flows and illicit trade affecting the region.
Iran’s role in Afghan reconstruction grows. Tehran hosts millions of Afghan refugees and provides aid. Enhanced Kabul Tehran cooperation on borders could facilitate repatriation.
In the context of regional forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, this pact demonstrates progress. Afghanistan’s observer status and Iran’s membership highlight shared interests.
What’s Next
Technical committees from both sides will convene shortly to finalise timelines. The ministry expects fieldwork to start within weeks, weather permitting.
Monitoring mechanisms will ensure compliance. Regular meetings under the Afghanistan Iran border agreement framework are planned.
This step forward in border marker renovation concludes a phase of negotiations, promising sustained Kabul Tehran cooperation on Afghanistan Iran border markers.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 3rd, 2026
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