India, Nov. 8 -- The US military has launched a new task force aimed at disrupting Iran's overland networks used to transport weapons, dual-use technologies and sanctioned materials. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that Commander Adm. Brad Cooper had directed the creation of Task Force Iron Gate, an internal team of about 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida.

The initiative marks an expansion of Washington's campaign to curb Tehran's military supply chains by targeting ground transit routes in addition to existing maritime enforcement.

The announcement comes as the United States continues to tighten economic and military pressure on Iran over its regional activities, weapons programs and support ...