Episode 69 dives into the Tanker War (1984–1988)—a brutal maritime phase of the Iran-Iraq War that transformed the Persian Gulf into one of the most dangerous waterways on earth. Hope and Brian walk through the conflict chronologically, from Iraq’s opening strikes on oil shipping to Iran’s asymmetric response using mines and small boat attacks. The episode unpacks major flashpoints including the USS Stark missile strike, the mining of USS Samuel B. Roberts, Operation Praying Mantis, and the tragic shootdown of Iran Air Flight 655. Along the way, they explore how economic warfare, constrained geography, and escalation risks shaped U.S. naval operations.

More than history, this episode reveals enduring lessons about sea control, maritime vulnerability, and how modern wars are fought through systems—not just ships and armies.

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