‘Start a war, face devastating response’: Iran steps up warnings to US (Reuters file photo)
The task force will comprise approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. The latest warning from Tehran comes after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the formation of a new task force to disrupt Iran’s alleged use of land transit routes to transport advanced weapons, dual-use technologies and other sanctioned materials.
He said naval forces, including missile and drone units as well as commandos, maintain a continuous presence to protect Iran’s waters. “The cost of any aggression against Iran must be raised to such an extent that the enemy will no longer dare attack the country again,” he said, according to the IRNA news agency. Razzaqi said Iran’s military strategy extends beyond simply bringing hostilities to an end and focuses on imposing prohibitive costs on any aggressor.
Speaking at a ceremony in the northern coastal city of Astara, Razzaqi described human resources as the most important asset of the army navy. He cited the country’s missile, drone and naval capabilities, strategic geographical position and the steadfastness of its people as key elements of its deterrence strategy. Task Force Iron Gate was established on Saturday under the direction of CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, according to a CENTCOM statement.
It will coordinate with other US government agencies to prevent the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illicit revenue streams across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea, as Washington seeks to tighten restrictions on Tehran’s military supply networks.