#geopolitical-crisis

#geopolitical-crisis

Australia imports roughly 80 per cent of its refined fuel and holds the lowest fuel reserves of any member of the International Energy Agency, with only 36 days of petrol and 29 days of jet fuel. This situation was starkly highlighted when the Strait of Hormuz was closed, leading to a surge in Brent crude prices and exposing the existential nature of Australia's energy crisis.

Airlines that once relied on the shortest, most fuel-efficient routes are now being forced to take lengthy detours to avoid flying over Iran. Flight durations on some routes have risen by 15-40%, while shorter regional sectors have seen journey times more than double in extreme cases.

Even amid grave geopolitical developments, modern football offered a sense of the absurd. As drones and missiles continued to be launched around the Gulf, and headlines began to relay the reported death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Fifa's hierarchy were desperate for details given the potential ramifications for the 2026 World Cup.

I would love to know your feeling at this moment regarding the killing of Ali Khamenei before your match with South Korea and during this tournament.

This time last year, Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, was better known on the global stage for his sporting achievements than international politics. For years he dominated the territory's badminton scene, winning the singles and doubles championships almost every year. He won several medals at the Island Games, earning himself a reputation for very competitive play on the court. As it turned out, that was useful preparation for his time in office.