US Army launches 'Operation Iron Gate' to block Iran's land weapons smuggling

The United States military announced Saturday the creation of a task force, "Operation Iron Gate," to prevent Iran from transporting weapons by land, one day after President Donald Trump confirmed new attacks on the Islamic Republic. The task force, based in Tampa, Florida, will consist of 20 civilian and military personnel tasked with stopping the transfer of advanced weapons, sanctioned materials, and illicit revenue through Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the team will further limit Iran's ability to finance terrorism and rebuild its military capabilities, complementing an ongoing naval blockade that has reportedly prevented over $25 billion in Iranian oil exports. The announcement follows Trump's confirmation of limited strikes against an Iranian air defense system, which he said was destroyed in minutes. Reports indicate Washington has conducted smaller attacks on defense infrastructure on Qeshm Island for weeks, aiming to weaken Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.