US forms Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iran's land exports
The new unit will monitor land borders and the Caspian Sea to stop the movement of weapons and sanctioned materials.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday the creation of Task Force Iron Gate to stop Iran from moving advanced weaponry, restricted items and sanctioned materials via land routes and the Caspian Sea, according to reports by The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Based in Tampa, Florida, the task force will consist of approximately 20 military and civilian personnel. The team is intended to work with other US government agencies to identify and interrupt the flow of dual-use technologies, illegal revenue and weapons systems across Iran's borders.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the new initiative builds on the existing naval blockade against Iran. He said that increasing collaboration with US interagency partners would limit Iran's capacity to fund terrorism, replenish its military and rebuild weapons factories.
The US is currently maintaining a naval blockade on shipping connected to Iranian ports. CENTCOM reported that this maritime enforcement has stopped Iran from exporting over $25 billion in crude oil in recent months, though humanitarian aid is exempt from these restrictions.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi claimed on Saturday that Tehran is exporting defence products, including the Khordad-3 air defence system, the 358 loitering munition and Arman missiles. Mohebbi described the export of such equipment as a significant achievement for the country.
