US establishes new task force to disrupt Iranian weapons shipments through land routes

WASHINGTON — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday the establishment of a new task force aimed at disrupting Iran’s use of land routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials, expanding Washington’s efforts to restrict Tehran’s military capabilities.In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said its commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, ordered the formation of Task Force Iron Gate on Nov. 7.The task force, comprising approximately 20 civilian and military personnel, will be based in Tampa, Florida.The unit will coordinate with other US government agencies to monitor and prevent the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and revenue streams Washington considers illegal across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea.“The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea,” Cooper said.He added that closer cooperation among US government agencies would further restrict Tehran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons manufacturing facilities and replenish its military capabilities.The announcement comes as Washington maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports, which CENTCOM said has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months.According to CENTCOM, the new initiative will focus on Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea, complementing existing naval restrictions covering Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.The command said maritime enforcement measures would continue against vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, with humanitarian aid exempt from the restrictions.