The key facts

  • The Iron Gate task force was created by CENTCOM decision and will cover Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea
  • Since July, the blockade has affected 147 commercial vessels; five non-compliant ships were disabled
  • Iranian authorities report explosions on Qeshm Island and two tankers struck by mines

A new structure to complement the naval blockade

The United States has formed a special task force, Iron Gate, whose mission is to prevent Iran from moving weapons and other materials overland. The announcement was made by US Central Command (CENTCOM), reports Al Jazeera. The task force was created as part of the expansion of the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz; it will be based in Tampa, Florida, and will cooperate with other US government agencies.

What exactly Iron Gate will be blocking

According to CENTCOM, the task force will focus on interdicting the movement of weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illicit proceeds across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Thus, the blockade, previously applied to maritime routes, is being extended to overland and Caspian supply routes.

Assessments and developments around the blockade

Michael Mulroy, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, believes the task force will study weapons supply routes and options for blocking them; in his view, if President Donald Trump decides to expand the war, subsequent strikes could target Iran's economic and infrastructure facilities.

Actions at sea and reports from Iran

CENTCOM announced on Saturday that in the Gulf of Oman it had disabled the vessel M/V Huda, flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which had failed to comply with the blockade: an American military aircraft struck its stern. According to the command, since July US forces have diverted 147 commercial vessels and disabled five that failed to comply with the requirements.

Explosions on Iranian territory

The Iranian agency IRNA reported on Saturday two explosions on Qeshm Island and several others in the cities of Jask, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas. Trump had earlier in the day confirmed new strikes on Qeshm, calling them