(NewsNation) — Iran is downplaying a new U.S. military initiative aimed at disrupting its weapons shipments and sanctioned trade networks, arguing that Washington cannot isolate the country economically or cut off its transportation routes.
Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told the semi-official Fars News Agency on Sunday that Iran has prepared for such efforts and maintains close coordination with neighboring countries.
“The Iron Gate plan is merely a wordplay,” Mohebbi said. “The Americans cannot achieve their objectives of imposing severe economic pressure to cause economic collapse in Iran through this approach.”
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The comments came a day after the U.S. Central Command announced the creation of Task Force Iron Gate, a new unit designed to support broader U.S. government efforts to block Iran from transporting advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenue through its land borders and across the Caspian Sea.
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According to CENTCOM, commander Adm. Brad Cooper directed the formation of the task force on Nov. 7.
The unit will consist of roughly 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida, and will work with other federal agencies to target Iranian smuggling networks and sanctions evasion efforts.
“The establishment of Task Force Iron Gate reinforces the success of our ironclad blockade against Iran at sea,” Cooper said in a statement.
He added that greater coordination among U.S. agencies would further constrain Iran’s ability to finance terrorism, rebuild weapons factories and replenish military stockpiles.
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CENTCOM said U.S. naval enforcement efforts have already had a significant impact.
Officials claim that in recent months, American maritime operations have prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil. The military said enforcement actions continue against vessels entering and departing Iranian ports.
The new task force represents an expansion of those efforts from the sea to overland trade routes and the Caspian region, areas U.S. officials say Iran has increasingly relied upon to move weapons and generate revenue despite international sanctions.
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Iranian officials maintain the strategy will not succeed, arguing that regional relationships and alternative trade corridors will allow Tehran to continue conducting business despite increased pressure.
The launch of Task Force Iron Gate comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over regional security, sanctions enforcement and Iran’s support for allied militant groups across the Middle East.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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