US Central Command: Formation of 'Task Force Iron Gate' to Prevent Illegal Flows and Transfer of Advanced Weapons to Iran by Land
US Central Command establishes task force to prevent flow of weapons and prohibited materials to Iran via land borders and Caspian Sea
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, directed on November 7 the establishment of a task force to support U.S. government efforts to prevent Iran from using land routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials. Cooper had issued his directive to form “Task Force Iron Gate,” a team comprising approximately 20 civilian and military personnel, headquartered in Tampa, Florida. This CENTCOM-affiliated team will work in coordination with other U.S. government agencies to prevent the transfer of advanced weapon systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illicit revenue flows across Iran’s land borders and through the Caspian Sea.
Cooper stated, “The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate enhances the success of our strict maritime blockade against Iran, and strengthening cooperation between CENTCOM and partners in other government agencies will further constrain Iran’s ability to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military arsenal.”
CENTCOM added that in recent months, the U.S. maritime blockade has successfully prevented Iran from exporting crude oil worth more than $25 billion. Strict enforcement operations at sea continue against all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports.
