US forms task force to disrupt weapons supply routes into Iran

WASHINGTON, Nov 8: The United States military has announced plans to expand its economic blockade of Iran by establishing a 20-member task force to disrupt land-based supply routes, prompting Tehran to dismiss the initiative as ineffective and warn of continued retaliation amid escalating tensions in the eight-month war.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that the newly established "Iron Gate" task force would coordinate with civilian and military agencies to prevent the movement of weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit financial resources across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper said the initiative would further restrict Iran's ability to finance militant groups, rebuild weapons factories and replenish its military capabilities.

The move expands an existing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, introduced during the ongoing conflict, as Tehran has also restricted shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies.

Iran shares land borders with seven countries �" Iraq, Turkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan �" while also bordering the Caspian Sea.

However, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has rejected Washington's latest initiative, describing the proposed land blockade as "just a play on words" and insisting that it would not lead to the collapse of the Iranian economy.

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the United States would fail to impose an effective economic blockade regardless of the name or approach used.

"The Americans cannot achieve their goal through this, which is to apply severe economic pressure to collapse and disintegrate the Iranian economy," Mohebi said in comments reported by Fars news agency.

He also dismissed earlier US predictions that Iran would experience an economic collapse within two weeks, saying events had not supported Washington's assessment.

Mohebi added that the United States would be unable to block communication and trade channels between Iran and neighbouring countries.

"The war continues between us and the enemy, both militarily and economically," he said, warning that Iran would respond forcefully to attacks on its vessels.

CENTCOM said its existing naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil. Washington had previously announced an "economic asphyxiation" campaign in August, aimed at intensifying pressure on Iran's already weakened economy.

With Washington seeking to extend restrictions beyond Iranian ports and Tehran maintaining its opposition to the measures, the economic and military confrontation continues to threaten regional stability and international energy supplies.
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