US launches task force to disrupt Iran’s land-based supply routes

CENTCOM announced Task Force Iron Gate to prevent Iran from transporting advanced weapons and other materials overland, expanding the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Based in Tampa, Florida, the force will coordinate with US agencies to restrict the movement of weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenue across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. Former US official Michael Mulroy said the task force would identify weapons supply routes and how Iran transports energy, while a possible escalation ordered by President Donald Trump could target economic infrastructure. CENTCOM also said it had disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of the blockade.