The United States has expanded its blockade of Iran beyond maritime routes, establishing a new task force to prevent Tehran from transporting advanced weapons and other sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.
US Central Command (Centcom) said Admiral Brad Cooper had directed the formation of Task Force Iron Gate, comprising approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida.
The unit will coordinate with other US government agencies to disrupt the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and what Centcom described as illegal revenue streams.
Cooper said the initiative would reinforce the US naval blockade and further constrain Iran’s ability to finance its military activities and replenish weapons supplies. Centcom estimated that the maritime blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil.
In a related development, the US military said an aircraft had fired precision munitions at a St Kitts and Nevis-flagged commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disabling it after it attempted to break the blockade. The vessel had visited an Iranian port, Centcom said.
UAE rescue operation
The UAE National Guard rescued 22 people after a fire broke out aboard a cargo ship in the Sea of Oman, with all those rescued reported to be Arab nationals.
The rescue followed an incident involving a bulk carrier and military forces about 18 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The condition of the crew, extent of damage and environmental impact were initially unknown.
Houthi missile attacks
Saudi-led coalition air defenses intercepted and destroyed four Houthi missiles targeting the kingdom, including two cruise missiles over Riyadh and southern regions and two ballistic missiles directed towards the capital, coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki said.
A separate ballistic missile launched towards the Eastern Province was also intercepted, prompting Saudi Civil Defence alerts in Dammam, Al-Ahsa and Abqaiq. Authorities subsequently issued all-clear messages for the affected areas.
The missile interceptions came amid renewed fighting involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group said the death toll from Saturday’s air strikes on Bani Hushaysh, east of Sanaa, had risen to 33, with 39 people wounded. Riyadh has not claimed responsibility for the strikes.
Iran warns against renewed conflict
Iran’s military said its forces were stronger and on higher alert than at the beginning of the conflict, while reiterating that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington met Tehran’s demands.
Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the country’s armed forces were prepared to respond immediately to any renewed attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also said the range of Iran’s missiles continued to increase.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken with counterparts from 12 countries over the preceding 48 hours, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq and Pakistan, stressing Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
The diplomatic contacts came as Qatar said mediation between Washington and Tehran remained ongoing.
Iran seeks stronger Russian ties
Iran also discussed expanding military and security cooperation with Russia during a three-hour meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Major General Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said the discussions covered defense cooperation, energy projects and transport links, including the Rasht-Astara railway and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Jalali said Tehran had told Moscow that negotiations with Washington could not end the conflict without credible guarantees, reiterating Iran’s demand that the United States accept its seven strategic conditions before any new diplomatic initiative.
