Israeli defense minister calls for unity against Iran as IRGC dismisses US 'Iron Gate' plan

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has called for national unity in the face of Iranian threats, urging the formation of a unity government in Israel and stating that the mission regarding Iran remains unfinished. Katz blamed the Israeli opposition for any future attacks, citing their skepticism of government security warnings ahead of elections and arguing that their criticism of the military and government undermines deterrence.

Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohabbi said today that the United States is unable to achieve its goals of economically isolating Iran or blocking its trade routes. He explained that Tehran has made the necessary preparations and maintains close contacts with its neighbors. Mohabbi’s remarks came in response to the US Army’s 'Iron Gate' task force, which was launched to tighten restrictions on Iran’s transfer of advanced weapons systems and other sanctioned materials across its land borders and the Caspian Sea.

Mohabbi described the 'Iron Gate' plan as mere wordplay, insisting that the Americans cannot impose severe economic pressure to trigger an economic collapse in Iran through such measures. He noted that the conflict is ongoing on multiple fronts, including military and economic spheres. He added that while such actions may occur during wartime, the key is to deliver repeated strong blows and prevent the enemy from breaking the Iranian people’s will or achieving its objectives through these actions.

Yesterday, US Central Command announced the formation of a task force to further restrict Iran’s use of land routes for weapons transfers. According to CENTCOM, the force comprises about 20 military and civilian personnel and is named 'Iron Gate.' It will coordinate with government agencies to prevent Iran from using its borders and the Caspian Sea to move weapons. CENTCOM said the new force strengthens the maritime blockade on Iran and limits its ability to fund terrorism, adding that the blockade has prevented Iran from exporting crude oil worth more than $25 billion in recent months.