How Trump’s Blockade of Iran Actually Works with Sal Mercogliano
Podcast: School of WarPublished On: Wed Apr 15 2026
Description: 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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