US task force targets Iran's land supply routes

The United States has created a task force to cut off Iran's land supply routes, according to the American Central Command (Centcom), as reported by Al Jazeera. The measure was announced on Saturday. The Iron Gate task force, based in Tampa, Florida, will work with other US agencies to block advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue flows across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Former Pentagon official Michael Mulroy said the group will identify arms entry routes and energy transport methods. Centcom also disabled a commercial cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday after the crew was told to leave. Since July, US forces have diverted 147 vessels, while five others were disabled for refusing to comply. Iran reported explosions on Qeshm island and elsewhere, and its Revolutionary Guard said two tankers hit mines near the Strait of Hormuz.