US forms Iran sanctions task force based in Florida
US Central Command has set up Task Force Iran Gate, which is based in Tampa, Florida, and staffed by about 20 civilian and military personnel. Its aim is to disrupt Iranian weapons and sanctioned goods moving over land borders and across the Caspian Sea. CENTCOM says its naval blockade has kept Iran from exporting more than $25 billion in crude oil. Admiral Brad Cooper, the command's commander, said the task force reinforces the blockade. A Reuters investigation reported that Iran imported at least $2 billion in hardware, explosives and heavy-duty trucks since January 2025.
Key facts
- The task force will coordinate with the Treasury, State and Justice Departments and the intelligence community.
- Reuters reported Iranian imports entered by Russian cargo ships across the Caspian, trucks from Central Asia and planes from China.
- CENTCOM said US Central Command supported partners in freezing almost $350 million of Iranian cryptocurrency assets.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi claimed Tehran exports Arman missiles and Khordad-3 air defence systems.
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Why it matters
The move extends US pressure on Iran from sea routes to overland transit routes.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, Al-Monitor, The Jerusalem Post, Middle East Eye and The Times of India