US task force to block Iran arms imports via land routes and Caspian Sea

The US military has established a new task force, Iron Gate, to block Iran's import of weapons and sanctioned materials via land borders and the Caspian Sea, according to Reuters. The group will be commanded from Tampa, Florida. The task force will coordinate with the Treasury, State, and Justice Departments, and intelligence agencies. CENTCOM says it aims to cut off corridors for weapons and dual-use technology, and to stop illegal revenue sources for Iran. A Reuters investigation found Iran created a secret network to import military goods worth $2 billion since January 2025, mainly from Russia via the Caspian Sea, Central Asia by land, and air from China and Russia.