A Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman has dismissed the new US task force on overland shipping as "wordplay", CBS News reports.
The remark came in a statement to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. The spokesman, who has not been named, said Tehran had made preparations and was communicating closely with its neighbours.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Task Force Iron Gate on Saturday 7 November. According to CBS News, it will aim to stop military technology and illegal revenue streams entering or leaving Iran, including via the Caspian Sea. That would extend the US naval blockade to overland trade routes.
CBS News says it is unclear whether military force will be used. The spokesman's claims about Iran's preparations have not been independently checked.