US 'Iron Gate' task force targets Iran's land routes and Caspian Sea

U.S. Central Command announced the formation of a task force to prevent Iran from transporting weapons and sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea, while Iraq's foreign minister revealed that Washington had formally asked Baghdad to close all crossings with Iran except two.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the formation of a task force named "Iron Gate" to support the U.S. government's efforts to prevent Iran from using land routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials.

CENTCOM said its commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, issued a directive on November 7 to establish the task force. It comprises about 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, and will coordinate with other U.S. agencies to prevent weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenues from being moved across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

Cooper said the formation of the task force "strengthens the success of our tight naval blockade of Iran," adding that closer cooperation with U.S. agencies "will further limit Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and restore its military capabilities."

Border crossing between Iraq and Iran (archive)

CENTCOM did not specify the crossings or neighboring countries on which the task force would focus. However, a map it published highlighted Iran's borders with Türkiye, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan. According to the command, the naval blockade imposed since July 2026 has prevented Iran from exporting crude oil worth more than $25 billion in recent months.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the United States had formally asked Baghdad to close all border crossings with Iran except two. The Iraqi government had closed the al-Shib border crossing in Maysan province on October 21, prompting protests from drivers, traders and crossing workers.

US 'Iron Gate' task force targets Iran's land routes and Caspian Sea