US launches task force to tighten pressure on Iran

Washington, on November 9, announced the establishment of a new task force to bolster the existing naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Donald Trump introduced "Task Force Iron Gate," a 20-member team aimed at disrupting land routes into Iran, including shipments of weapons and illicit materials. The task force, based in Florida, will work alongside US government agencies to curb Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief, Admiral Brad Cooper, emphasized that the task force would "further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military." Task Force Iron Gate will coordinate efforts to prevent the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed the US initiative as futile, asserting it would not lead to an economic collapse in the country. Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi stated that the United States will be unable to impose the economic blockade it seeks and will fail to block communication channels between Iran and neighboring countries. CENTCOM also reported that the naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting over $25 billion in crude oil.

In August, Washington launched an "economic asphyxiation" campaign against Iran in response to Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The measures were intended to cripple Iran's already weakened economy, following the Islamic republic's targeting of vessels attempting to pass through the key conduit for global oil supplies.