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US launches task force to disrupt Iran’s land-based supply routes
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- CENTCOM has launched Task Force Iron Gate to block Iran’s land-based supply routes, complementing its existing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at preventing the transport of advanced weapons and sanctioned materials.
- The task force, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, will coordinate with US agencies to disrupt Iran’s movement of weapons, dual-use technologies, and illegal revenues across land borders and the Caspian Sea.
- Former US defense official Michael Mulroy indicated that potential US military escalations could target Iran’s economic and infrastructure assets to cut off funding and military capabilities, differing from prior operations focused mainly on military targets.
- CENTCOM disabled an Iranian commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of enforcement actions, which have redirected 147 compliant vessels and disabled five that refused to comply since July.
- Explosions were reported on Qeshm Island and other cities near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran’s IRGC Navy stating two oil tankers struck mines in the area, causing severe damage and halting their movement amid ongoing tensions and talks mediated by Qatar.
