Iran Guards dismiss US 'Iron Gate' plan as joke amid new tanker strikes

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the formation of 'Task Force Iron Gate' to interdict Iranian weapons, dual-use technologies, and sanctioned materials via land routes and the Caspian Sea. This expands existing maritime interdiction efforts, signaling a significant escalation in US pressure on Iran's procurement networks. The operational scope, specific targets, and rules of engagement remain largely unclear, though Iran's IRGC has publicly dismissed the plan while simultaneously threatening a 'devastating' response to any enemy attack.