US Announces Task Force Iron Gate
The US military has announced a new task force called "Iron Gate" to help stop Iran from moving advanced weapons and other sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.
Task Force Details
US Central Command (Centcom) made the announcement on Saturday. The task force is based in Tampa, Florida, and has 20 civilian and military personnel. It will work with other US government agencies.
The team aims "to prevent Iran from using ground routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials".
Statement from Centcom
"The new Centcom team will coordinate with other US government agencies on preventing the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea," the statement read.
"Strengthening Centcom's collaboration with US interagency partners will further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Centcom. He added that the new task force "reinforces the success" of the US blockade.
Impact of Naval Blockade
Centcom claimed that its naval blockade has stopped Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil.
Broader US Pressure on Iran
This is one of the latest steps by the US to increase economic and logistical pressure on Iran after a decrease in hostilities.
In August, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast". This is an economic pressure campaign targeting five sectors Iran used to support its economy: digital assets, gold, technology, aviation, and shipping.
Bessent said, "In the Second World War, D-Day marked the historic beginning of a campaign with our allies to target and drive the enemy from its positions, including in third countries."
He added, "Today, in that same spirit, we are launching an economic onslaught against Iran's financial connections around the globe. Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime, until Tehran stands alone."
Previous Naval Blockade
In June, US President Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to stop Iranian oil exports. The measure applies to all vessel traffic regardless of flag and covers the entire Iranian coastline, including ports and oil terminals.
The measure would not block neutral transit passage through the strait to or from non-Iranian destinations. Humanitarian shipments would be allowed subject to inspection.
Despite the blockade, Tehran has been able to export oil and liquefied natural gas.
Source: dawn