US task force targets Iran's land border weapons smuggling

The US has established a new task force to prevent Iran from using land borders and the Caspian Sea to transport advanced weapons and sanctioned materials, expanding its efforts beyond an eight-month naval blockade. The move aims to cut off Tehran's access to weapons and financial networks. CENTCOM announced Task Force Iron Gate on November 7, with about 20 personnel based in Tampa, Florida, coordinating with US agencies to stop weapons trafficking and sanctions evasion. The naval blockade has already prevented Iran from exporting over $25 billion in crude oil. Iran's extensive land borders with Iraq, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others make the interdiction effort immense, with unclear methods for stopping clandestine trade. The initiative follows US midterm elections, and the Rewards for Justice program is also offering millions for information on Iran's nuclear program.