The United States has established a new military-led task force to disrupt Iran’s efforts to move advanced weapons, restricted materials and other military-related supplies across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the formation of Task Force Iron Gate on November 7, following an order by its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper.
The task force, comprising about 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, will coordinate with other US government agencies to identify and disrupt networks involved in transporting advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenue across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea.
According to CENTCOM, the initiative is designed to reinforce the impact of the US naval blockade against Iran and further restrict the country’s ability to sustain its military operations.
Admiral Cooper said the move would weaken Iran’s capacity to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons manufacturing facilities and replenish its military stockpiles.
He also claimed that the US naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than 25 billion dollars’ worth of crude oil in recent months.
CENTCOM said restrictions remain in force on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports as Washington intensifies efforts to cut off Tehran’s access to military supplies and revenue.
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