CENTCOM stands up Task Force Iron Gate to choke Iran's land routes and Caspian traffic

U.S. Central Command is creating Task Force Iron Gate to squeeze Iran's land borders and Caspian Sea routes after months of a naval blockade, Reuters reported Saturday, citing a CENTCOM statement ahead of its release.

Adm. Brad Cooper ordered the Tampa-based team — about 20 military and civilian personnel working with other federal agencies — to disrupt advanced weapons, dual-use technology, sanctioned materials, and illegal cash moving overland and across the Caspian.

"Strengthening CENTCOM's collaboration with U.S. interagency partners will further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military," Cooper said. CENTCOM estimates the naval blockade has already blocked more than $25 billion in Iranian crude exports.