U.S. military forms task force to cut off land routes Iran uses to support illicit shipments.

US Central Command released a statement. On November 7, the commander of U.S. Central Command ordered the establishment of a task force to support the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from transporting advanced weapons and other supplies over land. Admiral Brad Cooper has ordered the formation of Task Force Iron Gate. Based in Tampa, Florida, the task force comprises around 20 civilian and military personnel and operates as an internal unit within Central Command. This new team under Central Command will coordinate with other U.S. government agencies to jointly block advanced weapon systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illicit funds from flowing through Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. General Cooper stated: “The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate consolidates the success of our ironclad maritime blockade against Iran. Strengthening cooperation between Central Command and our interagency partners will further limit Iran’s ability to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military forces.” In recent months, the U.S. maritime blockade has cost Iran over $25 billion in crude oil exports. The U.S. continues to enforce strict maritime controls on all vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports.