Iran, Tehran, June 14 / Trend T. Jafarov/
Iran has closed down three borders with neighboring countries due to security concerns at the presidential elections in the country.
"Iran has closed borders in Ilam, West Azarbaijan and Kermanshah provinces," deputy Interior minister Ali Abdollahi said.
The above mentioned provinces border with Iran's neighboring countries of Turkey and Iraq.
Abdollahi noted that the governors of these provinces submitted the requests to the security council of Iran's Interior Ministry, and they were granted.
"The vehicle movement has been stopped, however the Iranian pilgrims who want to enter Iran are free to do so," Abdollahi noted, adding that additional security measures and supervision is being applied in the Ilam, West Azarbaijan and Kermanshah provinces.
On June 12, Mehran province Governor Hojjatollah Nasiripour said that Iran will close Mehran border ahead of the presidential election.
In May, Fars reported citing deputy head commander of the border security, Mohammad Reza Tavoosi that Iran will tighten the border security close to upcoming presidential elections.
He said that the borders needs to be strengthened for security purposes. Tavoosi added that security forces will be tasked to make sure the voting at the border provinces of Iran will be carried out without incidents.
The deputy commander noted that the border security will be on alert around 15 Iranian border provinces.
In April, Deputy Commander of Iran's Border Operation Troops Hamid Sharafi said that the residents of border areas will assist border guards during the presidential elections, after necessary training.
Sharafi noted that the number of border guards had been increased in the mountainous areas, it is planned to strengthen control on maritime borders too.
The 11th presidential elections have officially started today in Iran.
There are six candidates participating in the current presidential elections: Secretary of Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili, former Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Velayati, Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, President of the Strategic Research Center of the Expediency Council Hassan Rohani, and former Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Gharazi.
The primary results of the June 14 presidential election will be announced by the Iranian Interior Ministry, and would be then approved by the Guardian Council.