US 'Iron Gate' Task Force to Block Iran Land Borders Sparks Tension Warnings

The United States is preparing a new 20-person task force, named "Iron Gate," to block Iran's land borders in addition to existing naval sanctions, a move that has sparked warnings of escalating tensions. The task force, organized by US Central Command and based in Florida, aims to cut off overland routes used for goods entering Iran after sea ports were sanctioned. Admiral Brad Cooper stated the naval blockade has been successful and land routes will now be targeted. Criticism has emerged from former US security official Joe Kent, who resigned over US-Israeli attacks on Iran, calling the move a threat to ongoing peace negotiations. The US has also recently attacked an Iranian cargo ship and an island.