The only way this will be settled is war

Editor's note: In "The Great Energy World War," it appears Western naval dominance is ending as affordable standoff weapons from powers like Iran force the U.S. Navy to retreat from key areas such as the Persian Gulf. The February 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict has accelerated this shift, pushing Russia, China, and Iran closer together and risking global economic collapse, disrupted energy trade, famines, and a new Eurasian-dominated world order. Iran has attacked Kuwait's critical power and water desalination plant, causing significant damage and a fire, according to Kuwaiti authorities. The strike threatens the Gulf nation's water supply, as desalination provides about 90% of its drinking water. Iran described the action as retaliation against U.S. and allied forces in the region, claiming hits on military targets including HIMARS (junk) systems, while broader fighting continues with U.S. airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure and mutual attacks across the Gulf. Reminiscence of the Future suggests the US is no longer "the world's premier military power but an obsolete force reliant on outdated doctrine", as shown by ineffective Jordanian and American air defenses, though Hollywood will no doubt "deliver Top Gun sequels."

1/ It's time to realize that we are in an Energy World War, so I just put together this new war map.
I wrote a Substack titled "The Great Energy World War" about this last April, and it has aged well.https://t.co/YEZ5OPbLaE
[All my Substacks are free for everyone to… pic.twitter.com/QBsbznn4GD

— Matt Bracken (@Matt_Bracken48) July 14, 2026

Yes, but do the missiles actually work?

US Approves Nearly $2 Billion Arms Sale for Saudi Arabia After Escalation in Yemen

Aren't US defensive missiles supposed to protect Jordan and Kuwait from this?

U.S. military says 2 troops are dead and 1 is missing after Iran attacks a base in Jordan

It's bombs away on Somalia:

US Bombs Somalia for 75th Time This Year

Are we witnessing "meticulously engineered extraction schemes designed to bleed the American taxpayer while weaponizing global trade for elite profit?"

The Hormuz Extortion: How Washington's Maritime Toll Weaponizes Global Trade for Big Oil

The oil oligarchies discussed in the above linked article are the beneficiaries of this:

Oil prices rise as U.S.-Iran hostilities threaten Strait of Hormuz supply

How Trump's 'original oil guy' boosted US-Israel ties and played down risks of Iran war