US launches Iron Gate task force to cut Iran's land supply routes

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that a new task force, "Iron Gate," is operational to disrupt land routes into Iran used for weapons and illicit shipments, expanding the US blockade. Tehran vowed the effort will fail. US Central Command formed the 20-member team, based in Florida, to complement a naval blockade of Iranian ports during the eight-month war. The force will coordinate with US agencies to prevent movement of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, and illegal revenue across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Iran's Revolutionary Guard dismissed the initiative, saying Washington cannot impose an economic blockade or collapse Iran's economy. CENTCOM reported the naval blockade has prevented over $25 billion in crude oil exports, part of an "economic asphyxiation" campaign launched in August.