Locator: 50672LITHUANIA.
Not ready for prime time. Sidebar e-mail with reader:
I am fascinated by what is happening in the Gulf. Dynamics are huge. UAE leaving OPEC is huge. OPEC+ includes Russia so any country in the Mideast leaving OPEC is a huge blow to Russia's plans in the Gulf. Russia has no a/c carrier groups (maybe one) as far as I know.
Tea leaves: Trump / Putin are going to make a huge announcement, tying US troops in Germany, NATO, and Ukraine. Will also affect relationships in the Mideast. Trump could easily move those troops in Germany to any American site in the Mideast.
Just after sending that, this over at x: Lithuania will join a US-led naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Once the ball starts rolling, it will gain speed/momentum. Lithuanian looks to embarrass King Charles III -- apparently doesn't even have navy any more.
Back to UAE. One may want to take some time exploring the map of UAE. Right at the exit point of the strait directly across from Iran: Ras Al Khaimah.
The last of the Trucial States to join the newly independent United Arab Emirates, on 10 February 1972, Ras Al Khaimah, under the leadership of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, joined the United Arab Emirates following the Iranian seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs.