Dust is one of the most significant environmental hazards in arid and semi-arid regions, with adverse effects on human health, agriculture, and the economy. Due to its geographical location and specific climatic conditions, Sistan and Baluchestan Province is recognized as one of Iran's critical areas. This research aims to identify the sources and pathways of dust movement using the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and the particle backward trajectory method over the period 1980–2021. The results of this study indicate that Zabol, Zahedan, and Iranshahr stations are identified as the main dust hotspots, with the highest frequency of events occurring in summer and between 09:00 and 15:00 GMT. The implementation of the HYSPLIT model led to the identification of seven dust sources, including two local sources (Hamoun and Jazmurian wetlands) and five transboundary sources in the deserts of neighboring countries and the dried plains of Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan provinces, and in limited cases, the Lut Desert in the northwest of the province. Approximately 82% of the dust originates locally, while 18% comes from transboundary sources, with the dominant transport pathways being northeast–southwest and southwest–northeast. The findings of this research can provide a suitable basis for management planning, mitigating the environmental and health impacts of dust, enhancing public awareness, and formulating policies compatible with the climatic conditions of the province.