US Declares Land Blockade on Iran After Maritime Siege

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, has ordered the creation of a task force to disrupt the transfer of advanced weapons systems through Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. The move expands American pressure on Iran beyond the naval blockade on its ports.

The new force, called Iron Gate, will consist of approximately 20 military personnel and civilian employees. It will operate from CENTCOM headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The team will coordinate with other US government agencies to intercept transfers of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technology, and sanctioned materials. The force will also work to disrupt the transfer of funds originating from illegal activity.

Cooper said the new task force is designed to strengthen the impact of the naval blockade and make it harder for Iran to rebuild weapons facilities and replenish its stockpiles of military equipment. According to him, the move is also intended to reduce Tehran's ability to finance terror activity. CENTCOM said the blockade has prevented Iran from exporting crude oil worth more than $25 billion in recent months.

According to the New York Times, since the blockade began, Iran has turned to alternative routes by land, rail, and the Caspian Sea. The newspaper reported on shipments from Russia through the Caspian Sea and cargo transported by truck from Pakistan and Turkey. In addition, Iran is attempting to export oil to China by rail. In its announcement of the task force's establishment, CENTCOM detailed what types of transfers it seeks to intercept, but did not specify which routes it will focus on initially.