As Iran has developed new trade routes to adapt to the US blockade of its ports, the US has established a military office to disrupt Iranian imports over its land borders and through the Caspian Sea. 

On Saturday, Reuters reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) had established Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iranian imports. The task force is based in Tampa, Florida, and will coordinate with other government agencies. 

CENTCOM later announced the task force. “On November 7, the commander of CENTCOM directed the establishment of a task force that will support ongoing US government efforts to prevent Iran from using ground routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials,” a statement said. 

CENTCOM did not explain how the task force will disrupt Iranian trade or whether the effort will involve military operations. The US has attacked ships attempting to reach Iranian ports to enforce the blockade against Iran. 

Last month, Reuters reported that Iran has developed an elaborate network of more than 5,000 military agencies to import equipment despite US sanctions and a naval blockade.

“Iran has created a secret network of military agencies with global reach to import at least $2 billion in hardware, explosives and heavy-duty trucks since January 2025,” Reuters reported. Reuters noted that shipping routes evaded “both the US naval blockade and Western sanctions.”

The outlet explained that the military equipment entering Iran includes parts for its missiles and drones. According to Reuters, Iran has continued to receive military equipment through shipping routes across the Caspian Sea, overland deliveries from Central Asia, and cargo flights from China.

The US is waging an extensive economic war against Iran and has also placed a blockade on Iranian ports. The White House believes the sanctions and blockade are pushing the Iranian economy to the brink of collapse. Some in the Trump administration believe that another short bombing campaign can now break the will to fight in Iran and force Tehran to make significant concessions at the negotiating table.