US expands blockade to restrict Iran’s land commerce

Photo — Lucas Bower / Pexels

Task Force Iron Gate will be based in Tampa, Florida, and coordinate with other US government agencies, according to Reuters. Its mission will extend beyond weapons transfers to dual-use materials and illegal revenue streams, while Qatar says mediation between Washington and Tehran continues to prevent the confrontation from spiraling. The development comes amid reports of missile strikes near Iran and ongoing tensions across the region.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera