Seems to be a bit of a grey area regarding entering Iran without a carnet, I've always found Iranian borders to be a complete lottery, never the same experience twice. I'm glad to hear you were also fingerprinted, as this was the first time in four trip that it was done, and I was beginning to suspect they suspected me of something specific. I'm pretty sure those fingerprints won't go any further than the bottom draw of the office at the border though. The Iranian authorities are on super-suspicion mode, and are more ridiculous, discurteous and mindless than ever.
In the end, my carnet arrived on the day I left Herat for Iran. DHL f***ed-up big time, the package was sat in Kandahar Airbase for two weeks as the moron at the UK end didn't know what to do. But ultimately, I crossed the Dogharoon border without any problems. No Thanks to DHL, but TNT saved the day, they can actually do what they promise.
In contrast, I've always found that entering Turkmenistan with the car was simple and straightforward, albeit expensive. But at least the prices are written down. I was once asked for $100 for 'insurance' at the Iranian border, but I ranted like a madman until they relented and told me it was OK.
Thanks
Daniel
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