U.S. Sets Up 'Iron Gate' Task Force to Block Iran's Arms and Resource Routes

The United States Central Command established the Iron Gate task force on Saturday to disrupt land and maritime routes used by Iran to transport advanced weapons and other materials. The unit will be headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other U.S. government agencies. The mission includes blocking the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenues across Iranian borders and the Caspian Sea. Former Defense Department official Michael Mulroy said the task force should identify arms entry routes and investigate how Iran transports its energy. Centcom also reported disabling a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday after striking the ship Huda. Since July, U.S. forces have diverted 147 commercial vessels, while five others were disabled after refusing orders. Iran's IRNA agency reported explosions on Qeshm island and other locations.