The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of the "Iron Gate" task force, under the orders of Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, to disrupt the transport of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, protected materials and illegal income to Iran across its land borders and the Caspian Sea. The new unit, which includes about 20 military and civilian personnel based in Tampa, Florida, will coordinate with U.S. government agencies to limit Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and modernize its military arsenal. The initiative expands Washington's existing naval blockade of Iran, which CENTCOM says has already prevented more than $25 billion in Iranian crude oil exports.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of the "Iron Gate" task force, under the orders of Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, to disrupt the transport of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, protected materials and illegal income to Iran across its land borders and the Caspian Sea. The new unit, which includes about 20 military and civilian personnel based in Tampa, Florida, will coordinate with U.S. government agencies to limit Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and modernize its military arsenal. The initiative expands Washington's existing naval blockade of Iran, which CENTCOM says has already prevented more than $25 billion in Iranian crude oil exports.