U.S. Central Command to launch Task Force Iron Gate to curb Iran's land and sea trade
The U.S. military will create a new task force to limit Iran's export of weapons, dual-use goods and illicit revenue, complementing an existing naval blockade.
Washington – The U.S. Central Command announced plans to establish Task Force Iron Gate, a new unit that will operate from Tampa, Florida, to tighten restrictions on the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use items and other sanctioned material across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. The task force will work with other U.S. government agencies to disrupt revenue streams that support Tehran's military capabilities.
"Strengthening CENTCOM’s collaboration with US interagency partners will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Central Command.
According to a statement seen by Reuters, the task force follows a naval blockade that Central Command estimates has stopped Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil.