US military looking to expand naval blockade and restrict Iranian land commerce: Report

The US military is establishing a new task force, named Task Force Iron Gate, to expand efforts to restrict Iran's movement of advanced weapons systems and other sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea. According to the Jerusalem Post, the task force will be based in Tampa, Florida, and will consist of approximately 20 civilian and military personnel. The group will coordinate with other US government agencies to focus on dual-use items and illegal revenue streams.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of Central Command, stated that strengthening collaboration with interagency partners is intended to constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military. The Jerusalem Post reports that Central Command estimates its naval blockade has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil to date.

Separately, President Trump said on Friday that the U.S. launched new "minor" defensive strikes against Iranian air defense systems. The Hill reports that the U.S. military also conducted strikes against Iran's Qeshm Island, which houses a naval base in the Strait of Hormuz, on the Monday preceding the midterms.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, The Hill, Jerusalem Post, Al-Monitor — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.