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School of War

School of War

How Trump’s Blockade of Iran Actually Works with Sal Mercogliano

School of War · Apr 15, 2026 · 43:40

0:0043:40

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Sal Mercogliano, professor of history at Campbell University and host of the What’s Going on with Shipping YouTube channel, joins the show once again to discuss the naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz imposed by United States Central Command. How might this blockade unfold? Is it a tactic to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, or a step that risks igniting a new wave of conflict? We do not know how this game will end, but one thing is certain: The entire world is watching this critical waterway. 

03:13 How is the blockade functioning

08:52 Trump’s messaging

10:54 Blockade is negotiating tactic

11:40 Carrier strike groups

12:12 The U.S. Navy’s run through the strait

12:39 Iranian mines

15:09 The Islamabad process

17:50 American convoying

20:01 Iranian shadow fleet

21:25 Potential blockade tactics

23:20 Boarding vessels

26:54 Merchant marine involvement

28:34 The China factor 

33:08  Economic game of chicken

38:26 A return to violence

Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast, or at The Free Press
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