The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the establishment of a new task force aimed at disrupting Iran’s alleged use of land-based transit routes to transport advanced weapons, as Washington intensifies efforts to curb Tehran’s military supply networks. In an official statement, CENTCOM said ‘Task Force Iron Gate’ was established today and will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. The task force will coordinate with various US government agencies to prevent the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenue streams across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. CENTCOM also claimed that the US naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than 25 billion dollar worth of crude oil in recent months. It added that strict maritime enforcement measures remained in place against vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The announcement comes amid statements by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force highlighting the country’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, technological advancements and commitment to military self-reliance.
