Israeli defense minister calls for unity against Iran as IRGC dismisses US 'Iron Gate' plan

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz called for national unity to confront Iranian threats, arguing that the government's security warnings were being ignored by opposition parties ahead of elections. He dismissed any future attacks by accusing them of skepticism towards security measures. Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohabbi dismissed the US “Iron Gate” task force aimed at restricting Iran's arms transfers and trade routes.

Mohabbi claimed Iran had prepared for such measures and maintained strong ties with its neighbors, emphasizing that economic pressure would not collapse the Iranian economy. He stated that the conflict involved both military and economic dimensions, stressing the need for consistent strong actions against the enemy. US Central Command announced the creation of the “Iron Gate” task force, which includes around 20 personnel and aims to hinder Iran's use of land and sea routes for weapons transfers.

This move reinforces the maritime blockade on Iran, which has already curtailed its crude oil exports by over $25 billion in recent months.