United States President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Iran is "almost sealed off" from the rest of the world, a statement made shortly after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the formation of a new task force to disrupt Tehran's military supply networks.

This announcement comes amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a conflict that has seen increased military activity and strategic maneuvering in the region. Trump's assertion on his Truth Social account suggested that combined with existing naval blockades, the new initiative effectively cuts off imports and exports to Iran.

CENTCOM revealed on Saturday the establishment of Task Force Iron Gate, a unit specifically designed to interdict weapons and materials transported via land routes and the Caspian Sea. The task force aims to prevent Iran from using these pathways to move advanced weaponry and other critical supplies. Trump stated the task force is "in full force and effect."

However, analysts express skepticism about the efficacy of a small, intelligence-focused unit in completely sealing Iran's extensive borders. They suggest that such efforts, without broader regional cooperation, are unlikely to succeed in halting Iran's sophisticated procurement networks. Some experts also warn that attempts to disrupt these networks could inadvertently escalate the conflict by drawing neighboring countries in or undermining diplomatic efforts.

Andreas Krieg, an associate professor of defense studies at King's College London, described Task Force Iron Gate as a "desperate attempt to extend the American naval blockade into Iran’s continental supply networks without deploying American troops along its borders." He indicated that the unit's focus is on intelligence gathering and coordination rather than direct military intervention on Iran's territory.

According to Michael Mulroy, a former US deputy assistant defense secretary for the Middle East, Task Force Iron Gate's primary objective is to "find out where weapons systems are coming in, how they could potentially be cut off" and to monitor "how Iran is transporting its energy." The unit, based in Tampa, Florida, will collaborate with various US government agencies to prevent the movement of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illicit revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea.

CENTCOM stated that the task force will also coordinate sanctions enforcement and exert pressure on foreign entities involved in Iran's energy sector. The initiative reflects a strategy to choke Iran's financial and military capabilities through indirect means, avoiding direct confrontation while aiming for significant disruption.

The effectiveness of Task Force Iron Gate remains a subject of debate among experts. While proponents believe it offers a novel approach to constraining Iran's military reach, critics point to the inherent difficulties in policing vast geographical areas and the potential for unintended consequences, including regional instability and the expansion of the existing conflict.