The Strait of Hormuz crisis offers the richest visual metaphor potential — a narrow chokepoint controlling global energy, described as 'Schrödinger's strait' (simultaneously open and closed). It has the broadest international relevance since it affects global oil supply and shipping, and the absurdist tension of competing 'open' corridors that are actually dangerous is ripe for satire.

The story was selected and the image prompt was written by AI. The cartoon image was generated by AI.