US military to form task force to restrict Iranian land commerce
The new unit, named Task Force Iron Gate, aims to stop the movement of advanced weapons and sanctioned materials across borders.
The US military is establishing a task force to strengthen efforts to limit the movement of sanctioned materials and advanced weapons systems across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea, according to a statement seen by Reuters.
The announcement of the new unit, which will be called Task Force Iron Gate, is expected to be made by US Central Command (CENTCOM) later on Saturday, the Times of India reported.
Based in Tampa, Florida, the task force will work alongside other US government agencies to monitor the movement of weapons, dual-use items, and illegal revenue streams.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of Central Command, said that increasing cooperation with interagency partners will help limit Iran's capacity to fund terrorism, restore weapons factories, and restock its military.
This move follows a naval blockade on Iran that lasted several months.
