Middle EastUpdated November 8

CENTCOM forms task force for Iran’s land routes.

Asharq News reported that on November 7, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper directed the formation of an internal task force of approximately 20 civilian and military personnel, based in Tampa, Florida. According to CENTCOM, the team will coordinate with other US agencies to prevent the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and revenue streams across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. CENTCOM describes the task force as reinforcing its existing naval blockade; the announcement gives it a land-route coordination role but does not announce completed interdictions or a formal extension of the blockade over land. In a separate October 26 statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the visit to Tehran by the defense minister and representatives of the Mecca Agreement countries was aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and support for mediation and negotiations to prevent renewed military escalation. In a May 5 statement, the ministry called for the restoration of safe, unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Coverage started November 8