CENTCOM Creates Task Force Iron Gate to Disrupt Iran’s Land Supply Routes

U.S. Central Command announced on November 7 that Adm. Brad Cooper had directed the creation of Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iranian supply routes. The new internal team will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other U.S. government agencies. Its mission covers the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illegal revenue streams across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. CENTCOM described the task force as an addition to existing U.S. government efforts to prevent Iran from moving advanced weapons and other materials along ground routes. Cooper said the new body “reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea.” He said closer cooperation between agencies would limit Iran’s capacity to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and replenish its military. Those are the command’s stated objectives for the initiative. The announcement links the new team to continuing maritime pressure. CENTCOM said its naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil in recent months. That figure is the command’s assessment. It also said strict enforcement against ships entering or leaving Iranian ports would continue as the new staff takes up its coordination role.