U.S. Launches Task Force Iron Gate to Restrict Iranian Land Commerce Beyond Naval Blockade

U.S. Central Command said Saturday it is standing up Task Force Iron Gate to help restrict Iran’s land and Caspian Sea commerce in advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, and other sanctioned material. The task force, based in Tampa, will coordinate with the Treasury, State, Justice, and intelligence communities.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Central Command, stated that strengthening interagency collaboration “will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military.” CENTCOM estimates the months-long naval blockade has already prevented more than $25 billion in Iranian crude exports. Reuters reporting indicated Iran has imported at least $2 billion in hardware, explosives, and heavy-duty trucks since January 2025 via the Caspian Sea from Russia, trucks from Central Asia, and air freight from China.

The new effort expands enforcement beyond maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have claimed their forces are stronger than at the start of hostilities; U.S. forces have separately reported firing on a vessel attempting to breach the Gulf blockade. The administration has maintained the blockade while stating it has no immediate plans for large-scale renewed strikes following the midterms.