Moving beyond the naval blockade, the US central command on Saturday announced the creation of a special task force to prevent Iran from using land routes and the Caspian Sea to transport advanced weapons, sanctioned materials and other “restricted” goods.According to Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper, “Task Force Iron Gate” will comprise around 20 civilian and military personnel. It will operate from Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other US government agencies to disrupt the movement of weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illegal revenue streams 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.“Strengthening CENTCOM’s collaboration with U.S. interagency partners will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military,” he added.The announcement comes as Washington continues enforcing a naval blockade targeting shipping linked to Iranian ports.According to Centcom, the blockade has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months. It said restrictions remain in place on all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Credit: US Central command
On Saturday, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi claimed Tehran was exporting defence equipment like Arman missiles, the 358 loitering munition and the Khordad-3 air defence system, while also meeting domestic demands.“Today, in addition to meeting domestic needs, we have become an exporter of defence equipment and products—a significant achievement for the country,” Mohebbi said.“If another war breaks out, the world will witness the IRGC Aerospace Force’s new capabilities, and our enemies will be astonished by its strength and power,” he added.Centcom said the new initiative would support ongoing US government efforts to prevent Iran from using overland routes to move advanced weapons and other materials.