US CENTCOM forms Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iran's ground weapons supply routes

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has established a new task force to prevent Iran from using land routes to transport advanced weapons, sanctioned materials and other restricted goods, expanding Washington's efforts to choke off Tehran's supply networks.

Announced on Saturday, Task Force Iron Gate will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. The team will coordinate with other US government agencies to monitor, detect and disrupt the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illegal revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper directed the formation of the task force as part of ongoing US efforts to restrict Iran's ability to move military-related materials and generate revenue through illicit networks.

"The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea," Cooper said.

"Strengthening CENTCOM's collaboration with US interagency partners will further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military," he added.

The move comes amid an ongoing US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, enforcement measures at sea have prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months.

The command said strict enforcement would continue against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports, with humanitarian aid exempted from the restrictions.

The accompanying CENTCOM map identifies two components of the US strategy: Task Force Iron Gate, covering Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea, and the naval blockade, covering Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.