OMM Newsroom
The US military has formed a new task force to prevent Iran from transporting advanced weapons systems across its land borders and via the Caspian Sea. According to AnewZ, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the 20-member team, based in Florida, will support government efforts to stop Iran from moving sanctioned materials overland.
CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the establishment of the “Iron Gate” task force would strengthen the success of the US naval blockade against Iran.
“Strengthening CENTCOM’s cooperation with various US government agencies will further limit Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and increase its military stockpiles,” Cooper said.
The announcement came days after the Democratic Party took control of the US Congress. The source linked the shift to voter dissatisfaction over high prices and the war in Iran. The “Iron Gate” task force is an executive branch measure and does not require congressional approval.
Naval blockade against Iran in force since July
After a US-Iran ceasefire collapsed, Washington imposed a naval blockade against Iran in July. CENTCOM said that preventing ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports had halted more than $25 billion in the country’s crude oil exports.
The command said maritime restrictions would remain in place for all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. Humanitarian aid is exempt from the restrictions.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told Al Jazeera on November 7 that the United States had formally asked Baghdad to close most border crossings with Iran. He said Washington wanted only two crossings between Iraq and Iran to remain open, with the others closed.
Qatar on Saturday denied reports that talks between the United States and Iran had failed, saying mediation efforts were continuing.
