US establishing task force for land blockade on Iran

Amid reports of mediation efforts, the US military is preparing to extend its blockade of Iran to include land-based commerce in order to curb arms smuggling.

The United States military is establishing a new task force dubbed "Iron Gate," intended to tighten the blockade on Iran and restrict its land-based commerce, according to reports by the Jerusalem Post and ynet. The task force, which will be based in Tampa, Florida, is expected to coordinate with various federal agencies to prevent the transfer of advanced weapon systems across Iran's land borders and through the Caspian Sea. The move comes amid reports of indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar and efforts by the Washington administration to achieve regional stability. Further details on the task force's exact operational scope have not yet been released.