U.S. Central Command Forms Task Force Iron Gate to Disrupt Iranian Land and Caspian Transit

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper directed the formation of Task Force Iron Gate on November 7, an internal staff of approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, to coordinate with other U.S. government agencies on preventing Iran from moving advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue streams across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.

The task force supports ongoing U.S. government efforts to stop Iran from using ground routes for those shipments.

Cooper said the establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of the ironclad blockade against Iran at sea and that strengthening CENTCOM collaboration with interagency partners will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish its military.

In recent months the naval blockade has prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil, with strict enforcement continuing against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports.

Locations Affected

The coordination effort covers Iran’s land borders with neighboring states and the Caspian Sea, where illicit movement of the listed materials is the focus.

The existing naval blockade covers all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with humanitarian aid excepted.

Approximate coordinates for the Caspian Sea focus near Iran’s northern coast are 37.0 N, 50.0 E, derived from the named water body and Iranian shoreline because no precise point was released.

Approximate coordinates for the Gulf of Oman approaches to Iranian ports are 25.0 N, 57.0 E, derived from the named ports and waterway.

Latest Developments

• Adm. Brad Cooper directed formation of Task Force Iron Gate on November 7 as a Tampa-based staff of about 20 personnel to coordinate interagency efforts against Iranian land-border and Caspian Sea transit of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue streams.

• The command stated that the naval blockade has prevented more than $25 billion in Iranian crude oil exports in recent months, with enforcement continuing against ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.

• As of November 1, CENTCOM reported that its forces had redirected 144 commercial vessels under the blockade since its July resumption.

Official Statements

• Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Central Command, November 7: “The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea. Strengthening CENTCOM’s collaboration with U.S. interagency partners will further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military.”