US Expands Iran Blockade Beyond Sea, Targets Ground Transit Routes And Caspian Corridor

The move also brings potential alternative transit corridors through the Caspian region and Pakistan into focus.

The United States has expanded its pressure campaign against Iran beyond maritime enforcement, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) establishing a new task force to disrupt the movement of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies and sanctioned materials through Iranian land borders and the Caspian Sea.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper directed the establishment of Task Force Iron Gate on November 7. The new unit will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other US government agencies to prevent Iran from using alternative transit routes to move sensitive materials and generate illegal revenue.

Announcing the initiative, CENTCOM said the task force would support ongoing US government efforts to restrict the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illegal revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

"The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea," Cooper said. "Strengthening CENTCOM's collaboration with US interagency partners will further constrain Iran's ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and replenish their military."

The move comes as Washington continues to…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world