The border is open. Where might Russian cargo get stuck en route to Iran? Let's imagine that a Russian supplier has agreed to ship industrial equipment to Iran via Azerbaijan, but even with an open crossing in Astara, the shipment could fall through before loading. The shipment is scheduled to travel along the western branch of the North-South Corridor. The carrier is ready to accept the shipment and has agreed on a dispatch date. By this date, the supplier must pay for the shipment and prepare documentation regarding the cargo, sender, and recipient. On November 7, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Admiral Brad Cooper had ordered the creation of the Iron Gate Task Force. The headquarters in Tampa will be staffed by approximately twenty military and civilian specialists... Read more>>>