US: Force to Expand Naval and Land Blockade on Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced the issuance of directives to establish a new task force to support ongoing U.S. government efforts to prevent Iran from using land routes to transfer weapons and vital materials. The statement issued by CENTCOM clarified that Admiral Cooper directed the formation of a task force named “Task Force Iron Gate,” a team comprising approximately 20 civilian and military personnel, headquartered in Tampa, Florida. This 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 to Iran via land borders and the Caspian Sea. In this context, Cooper emphasized that the establishment of “Task Force Iron Gate” enhances the success of the strict naval blockade imposed on Iran, adding that strengthening cooperation between CENTCOM and government agencies will further limit Iran’s ability to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military arsenal. The statement noted that this step follows the success of the U.S. naval blockade in recent months in preventing Iran from exporting crude oil worth over $25 billion, amid continued strict enforcement operations at sea against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.