U.S. Central Command Forms Task Force to Target Iran’s Land Routes

U.S. Central Command has created Task Force Iron Gate to target routes that could carry weapons, restricted goods and illicit funds across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea, widening U.S. pressure beyond shipping.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, ordered the unit on Nov. 7. It will be based in Tampa, Florida, and include about 20 civilian and military personnel, operating as an internal CENTCOM team.

The task force will work with other U.S. government agencies to prevent advanced weapons systems, dual-use technology, sanctioned goods and illicit funds from moving through those routes. Cooper said the unit reinforces the existing maritime campaign and strengthens cooperation across federal agencies. He said the effort would further restrict Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and replenish its forces.

U.S. controls on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports had cost Iran more than $25 billion in crude oil exports in recent months. Task Force Iron Gate brings land transport corridors and Caspian routes into that effort.