US expands Iran pressure with new task force targeting land supply routes

The US military has created Task Force Iron Gate, a new team of about 20 personnel based in Tampa, Florida, to disrupt Iran's overland networks for transporting weapons and sanctioned materials. The initiative expands Washington's enforcement campaign beyond maritime operations. CENTCOM announced the task force on Saturday, stating it will coordinate with US agencies on sanctions enforcement, intelligence, and law enforcement to target Iranian ground supply routes, including across the Caspian Sea. Adm. Brad Cooper said the effort builds on the success of naval blockade operations. The move follows intensified US pressure on Iran over its regional activities and weapons programs, including alleged support for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. CENTCOM claims naval operations have blocked over $25 billion in Iranian crude oil exports in recent months.