US ‘Task Force Iron Gate’ in the works to restrict Iranian land commerce alongside naval blockade

Following a lengthy naval blockade on Iran, the United States is preparing a new task force dubbed "Iron Gate" to intensify efforts to curb the country's shipment of advanced weaponry and restricted materials through its land borders and the Caspian Sea. The task force, announced on Saturday by US Central Command (Centcom), consists of 20 civilian and military individuals based in Tampa, Florida.

Its primary objective is to prevent Iran from utilizing ground routes to transport such materials. Centcom plans to collaborate with other US government entities to achieve this aim.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of Centcom, stated that the task force will enhance the blockade's effectiveness in restraining Iran's capacity to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and rejuvenate military capabilities. According to Centcom estimates, the naval blockade has already impeded Iran's crude oil exports, amounting to over $25 billion.

This initiative marks one of the latest moves by the US to impose economic and logistical pressure on Iran, especially after a slowdown in hostilities. In August, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled Operation Economic Outcast, an economic pressure campaign targeted towards five sectors Iran relied upon to sustain its economy: digital assets, gold, technology, aviation, and shipping. Bessent emphasized that the campaign aims to sever all economic avenues supporting Iran, compelling Tehran to stand alone.

In June, US President Donald Trump reinstated a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, prohibiting Iranian oil exports regardless of vessel flag. The measure applies to all maritime traffic in and out of Iranian ports and oil terminals, although it allows neutral passage for non-Iranian vessels and permits humanitarian shipments subject to inspection. Despite these restrictions, Tehran has continued exporting oil and liquefied natural gas.