Washington:President Donald Trump announced the establishment of a new task force aimed at disrupting land transit routes into Iran, believed by the US military to be used for the shipment of weapons and illicit materials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, US Central Command revealed on Saturday the creation of a 20-member team to enhance the existing US naval blockade of Iranian ports amid an ongoing eight-month conflict. President Trump highlighted the task force's role, stating on his Truth Social platform that "Task Force Iron Gate is in full force and effect in the Islamic Republic of Iran," emphasizing its capability alongside "history's greatest Naval Blockade."
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, mentioned that the task force is designed to further limit Iran's capacity to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons facilities, and replenish military resources. The team, consisting of civilian and military personnel based in Florida, will work with US government agencies 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.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the US's efforts would not succeed in causing an economic collapse in Iran. Spokesman Hossein Mohebi, as reported by Fars news agency, asserted that the US will not fulfill its goal of imposing an economic blockade or exerting extreme economic pressure on Iran. Mohebi also claimed that communication channels between Iran and neighboring countries would remain open despite US efforts.
CENTCOM reported that the naval blockade has already stopped Iran from exporting over $25 billion in crude oil. This blockade and the new task force are part of Washington's "economic asphyxiation" campaign against Iran, which was initiated in response to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil supplies.