08.11.2026 02:30
The US military has decided to expand the naval blockade it has maintained against Iranian ports for months. US Central Command announced the establishment of the "Iron Gate Task Force" to prevent Iran from transporting weapons, military technology, and sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.
The U.S. military announced that it has expanded its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which has been ongoing for months.
In a statement by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), it was noted that CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper ordered the establishment of the "Iron Gate Task Force."
PURPOSE: TO PREVENT IRAN'S MILITARY SHIPMENTS ACROSS ITS LAND BORDERS AND THE CASPIAN SEA
According to the statement, the task force will work in coordination with other U.S. government agencies to prevent Iran from transporting advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies in the military and civilian fields, sanctioned materials, and "illegal sources of revenue" across its land borders and the Caspian Sea. It was reported that a team of approximately 20 people consisting of military and civilian personnel will serve in the new task force, which will be deployed in Tampa, Florida.
CENTCOM Commander Cooper said in his statement regarding the new task force, "The establishment of the Iron Gate Task Force reinforces the success of the steel naval blockade we have imposed against Iran. CENTCOM's strengthening of cooperation with U.S. government agencies will further limit Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and renew its military capacity."
"THE NAVAL BLOCKADE PREVENTED IRAN FROM EXPORTING MORE THAN $25 BILLION IN CRUDE OIL"
CENTCOM reported that the U.S. naval blockade imposed in recent months prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil. The statement noted that naval inspections and the blockade of all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports are being strictly maintained.