On the August 17, 2026 episode of The NEWSMAX Daily, host Tony Marino breaks down the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iran and its severe impact on the Iranian economy.
Retired Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt joins America Right Now to discuss the blockade and the newly launched Falcon Strike drone initiative aimed at securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. On Carl Higbie FRONTLINE, Carl reacts to recent reports regarding the war with Iran.
Plus, Fidel Castro’s daughter Alina Fernandez sounds the alarm on socialist candidates on Sunday Report. WNBA star Sophie Cunningham draws media fire for speaking out on women’s sports, with Vanity Fair labeling the Indiana Fever player a “MAGA fixation.”
And Formula 1 legend Mario Andretti previews the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Wake Up America Weekend.
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Chapters
00:00 – The NEWSMAX Daily
00:39 – U.S.-Iran tensions and the naval blockade
02:25 – Gen. Blaine Holt on Iran’s economy and Strait of Hormuz
04:31 – Falcon Strike drone initiative
05:33 – USS Abraham Lincoln deployment concerns
08:20 – Carl Higbie reacts to Iran war reporting
13:04 – Alina Fernandez warns about socialism
18:18 – Sophie Cunningham and the women’s sports debate
22:57 – Mario Andretti previews the Freedom 250 Grand Prix
27:18 – Trump, Washington and the day ahead
29:27 – Tony Marino wraps up the show
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