US builds Iron Gate to choke Iran's weapons lifeline

Getty Images The US Central Command ( CENTCOM ) has established a new task force to prevent Iran from using land routes to transport advanced weapons, sanctioned materials and other restricted goods, expanding Washington's efforts to choke off Tehran's supply networks. Announced on Saturday, Task Force Iron Gate will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. The team will coordinate with other US government agencies to monitor, detect and disrupt 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 Commander Admiral Brad Cooper directed the formation of the task force as part of ongoing US efforts to restrict Iran's ability to move military-related materials and generate revenue through illicit networks. "The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea," Cooper said. "Strengthening CENTCOM's collaboration with US interagency partners will further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military," he added. Live Events The move comes amid an ongoing US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, enforcement measures at sea have prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months. The command said strict enforcement would continue against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports, with humanitarian aid exempted from the restrictions. The accompanying CENTCOM map identifies two components of the US strategy: Task Force Iron Gate, covering Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea, and the naval blockade, covering Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Task Force Iron Gate CENTCOM Iran weapons supply routes US naval blockade advanced weapons systems Iran crude oil export Caspian Sea sanctioned materials Admiral Brad Cooper (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Task Force Iron Gate CENTCOM Iran weapons supply routes US naval blockade advanced weapons systems Iran crude oil export Caspian Sea sanctioned materials Admiral Brad Cooper Explore More Stories Sass Jordan cause of death: How did ‘Racine’ singer die after cancelling shows over ‘serious medical condition’? Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan, voice behind ‘Make You a Believer’ and ‘Tell Somebody,’ dies at 63 Helicopter crash on Montreal’s South Shore leaves 4 dead; Transport Minister expresses condolences as probe begins Nova Scotia teacher charged with sexually assaulting student at school as police identify more victims Nova Scotia Crime: Teacher faces multiple serious charges, prohibited from public places after alleged assaults at Riverton school Psychology explains why people who dislike being interrupted may be protecting more than just their train of thought Powerball jackpot climbs to $313 million for September 21 drawing - Here's what Monday night's winner could take home Quote of the Day by Malala Yousafzai: ‘One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can…’ - How one person can spark global change with the simplest tools Quote of the Day by Thomas Mann: ‘Whoever loves the more is at a disadvantage and must suffer’ - Nobel-winning novelist on why the person who care more may have more to lose Quote of the Day by Anton Chekhov: ‘Every happy man should have someone with a little hammer at his door to knock and remind him that there are unhappy people, and…’ Gary Myers death: NASCAR legend dies at 76; sons mourn ‘hero’ who shaped four generations of racing Quote of the day by Rita Wilson: ‘Be fearless in trying new things, whether they are physical, mental…’ – Sleepless in Seattle actress on turning fear into growth Manager keeps booking 4:45 PM Friday meetings despite team logging off at 5, employee calls it a ‘Friday ambush’ and asks if it’s a power move 1 2 3