Podcast Summary: Fox News Hourly Update – "The US Naval Blockade Begins" (April 13, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on breaking news concerning President Trump's initiation of a U.S. naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, effectively targeting Iranian shipping and oil exports. The episode includes updates on international reactions, market impacts, political fallout in the U.S., and notable world events spanning religion, politics, and culture.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. US Naval Blockade of Iran

• Announcement & Purpose

  • President Trump has imposed a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, barring ships from entering or exiting Iran.
  • Goal: Disrupt Iran's oil sales and increase pressure for compliance.
  • “Any ship going in and out of port in Iran is subject to search and seizure by US Forces.” [00:24] - C

• Iran’s Response

  • Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps disputes the blockade’s impact, stating the strait remains open for non-military vessels under "smart control and management."
  • “Contrary to the false claims of certain enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is open for the passage of non-military vessels under smart control and management in accordance with specific regulations.” [00:34] - C

• Diplomatic Stalemate

  • Fox's Lucas Tomlinson reports from Islamabad that recent talks between the U.S. and Iran failed to yield progress. [00:45] - A

2. Market Impact

• Oil & Stock Markets

  • Oil prices surge 5% amid tensions, with WTI oil exceeding $100/barrel.
  • Stock markets mixed: Dow down 257 points, S&P down about 1%, NASDAQ up 43 points.
  • “WTI oil prices are staying above $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, the price of gas in the US holding relatively steady at $4.12 a gallon...” [02:51] - G
  • Diesel sees larger price jumps (national average $5.65, close to records). [03:11] - A

• Political Criticism

  • Democrats criticize the operation as “amateur,” urging more diplomacy to avoid economic harm:
  • “There must be diplomacy with Iran or the U.S. economy will be hurt.” [03:02] - G

3. International & Religious Reactions

• Pope Leo Responds

  • Pope Leo denounces the escalation and President Trump’s combative rhetoric:
  • "Blessed be the peacemakers. And he'll continue to speak out loudly against the war." [01:00] - A
  • “Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way to do this.” [01:06] - D

• President Trump on Pope Leo

  • Trump criticizes the Pope’s stances, particularly on nuclear weapons and law & order:
  • “We don't like a pope that's going to say that it's okay to have a nuclear weapon. We don't want a pope that says crime is okay in our cities. I don't like it. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo.” [01:16] - B

4. US Political Developments

• Eric Swalwell Exits California Governor Race
  • Congressman Eric Swalwell withdraws from California governor race amid sexual misconduct and rape allegations.
  • Swalwell denies the “serious false allegations” and commits to fighting them personally:
  • “I will fight the serious false allegations that have been made. But that's my fight, not a campaign's.” [01:30] - E
  • Calls from both Democrats and Republicans for Swalwell to leave Congress. [01:50] - A & E

5. Culture & Sports

• Box Office

  • "Super Mario Galaxy" sequel tops box office for second weekend; biggest movie of the year so far.
  • “Still playing like champ at the box office, holding on to the top spot with $69 million in a second weekend. That's a 48% drop from its debut. But for a blockbuster this size, that's still a power up...” [03:28] - H

• Golf

  • Rory McIlroy becomes the fourth golfter to repeat as Masters champion, achieving his sixth major:
  • "Can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket. And you know, I get two in a row. It's just sort of the way it's..." [04:19] - G

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Blockade's Scope:

  • “Any ship going in and out of port in Iran is subject to search and seizure by US Forces.” [00:24] - C

• Iran’s Pushback:

  • “Contrary to the false claims of certain enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is open for the passage of non military vessels...” [00:34] - C

• Pope Leo’s Plea for Peace:

  • “Blessed be the peacemakers. And he'll continue to speak out loudly against the war.” [01:00] - A
  • “Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed...” [01:06] - D

• Trump on the Pope:

  • “I don't like it. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo.” [01:24] - B

• Swalwell’s Withdrawal:

  • “I will fight the serious false allegations that have been made. But that's my fight, not a campaign's.” [01:30] - E

• Rory McIlroy on Winning:

  • “Can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket. And you know, I get two in a row.” [04:19] - G

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Naval Blockade Announcement & Reactions: 00:02–00:45
• Pope Leo’s Statement & Trump’s Retort: 01:00–01:26
• Swalwell Governor Race Withdrawal: 01:26–01:50
• Financial Market Updates: 02:32–03:11
• Box Office Report: 03:28–04:15
• Rory McIlroy/Masters Recap: 04:15–04:25

This concise but thorough episode delivers a packed news update focused on the sudden U.S. military escalation against Iran, global and market responses, and key news from American politics, entertainment, and sports—all with Fox News' characteristic brisk, authoritative tone.