The double blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a landmark event with countless repercussions. For oil and gas importing countries, especially the poorest ones, it means suffering. It also means hardship for Persian Gulf exporters, accustomed to abundance, who are now seeing their sales channels cut off. And it means a windfall for fossil fuel powers outside the region, who are able to sell—and at much higher prices—everything they extract from the ground. One name stands out: the United States, which in little more than a decade has gone from significant energy dependence to a hegemony now reinforced by the war—its own war—against Iran.

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The World Cup final is drawing to a close, and Lusail Stadium holds its breath. With the score tied at 3-3 and the clock ticking down in extra time, Emiliano Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, makes a last-ditch save from Kolo Muani’s shot, sending the match to penalties. In the shootout, the Albiceleste hold their nerve, defeating France and securing a third gold star on their crest. Adorned before the flashes of cameras wearing an immense black bisht, a traditional Arab garment, Leo Messi raises the World Cup trophy to the sky alongside the Emir of Qatar and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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