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A Citizen from Gilan-e Gharb Killed by Mine Explosion in Iran-Iraq Border Area

Feb 5, 2026 February 5, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iraj Mahmoudi, a citizen from Gilan-e Gharb, died from injuries sustained in a mine explosion from the Iran-Iraq war. This incident highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded ordnance in border areas, which continues to affect local populations. The persistence of these hazards raises concerns about the effectiveness of mine clearance efforts in Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The death of Iraj Mahmoudi serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Iraj Mahmoudi MENTIONED
Victim of mine explosion
"His death highlights the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance in Iran, particularly affecting local communities."
Sheida Nourbakhsh MENTIONED
Security deputy of Gilan-e Gharb governorate
"As a government official, her statements reflect the state's acknowledgment of the mine problem and its impact on local safety."
Shirin Ebadi MENTIONED
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and activist
"Her advocacy for mine clearance and criticism of the government's efforts bring international attention to the issue."

📰 What Happened

Iraj Mahmoudi died from injuries sustained in a mine explosion in Gilan-e Gharb, highlighting the persistent danger of unexploded ordnance from the Iran-Iraq war.

  • Approximately 42,000 square kilometers of Iran's border areas are still contaminated with mines.
  • 27 people were reported as victims of mine and explosive remnants in the previous year.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This incident underscores the government's failure to adequately address the dangers of unexploded mines, impacting public safety and trust.
🌍 Regional: The ongoing mine issue can affect regional stability and cross-border interactions, particularly with Iraq.
🌐 International: International organizations may view Iran's mine clearance efforts as insufficient, impacting its global human rights reputation.

📚 Background

The Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) left a legacy of unexploded mines that continue to threaten civilian lives decades later.

Landmine clearance efforts Human rights in Iran
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 70%
Sources like Hahrana are often critical of the Iranian government, which may influence their reporting on human rights issues.

Human rights news sources have reported the death of a citizen from Gilan-e Gharb following a mine explosion leftover from the eight-year Iran-Iraq war. According to Hahrana, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, Iraj Mahmoudi, from the village of Vijan, a part of Gilan-e Gharb, succumbed to injuries from a mine explosion on Tuesday, February 23. Sheida Nourbakhsh, the security deputy of the Gilan-e Gharb governorate, reported on February 17 that three men aged between 35 and 50 were injured due to a mine explosion in the 'Ban Sarat' area in the Somar district, located in the Iran-Iraq border region. According to Hahrana, Iraj Mahmoudi was hospitalized in a hospital in Ilam due to his injuries. The report states that approximately 42,000 square kilometers of Iran's border areas are still contaminated with mines from the Iran-Iraq war, and every year, a number of Iranian citizens are killed or injured due to mine explosions. According to the state news agency IRNA, while an official ceremony was held to mark the end of the clearance of 700,000 hectares of mine-contaminated land in Kermanshah province in 2012, mine explosions in these areas continue. According to the Hengaw Human Rights Organization, 27 people were victims of mine and explosive remnants last year. Kolbars are among the main victims of leftover mines in the Iran-Iraq border areas. Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and one of the founders of the Mine Clearance Participation Center, previously stated in an interview with Voice of America that the Islamic Republic has not cooperated in clearing mine-contaminated areas.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 90%

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