The Gulf region is entering a decisive and potentially volatile phase after US Senator Lindsey Graham revealed that American military preparations for a possible strike on Iran are already under way.
Speaking to The National during a visit to Abu Dhabi, the senior Republican lawmaker warned that a critical decision point is fast approaching.
“The military capability is being built up as I speak. The inflection point is weeks away, not months away,” Graham said, underscoring the urgency of the situation. “This can go really good or really bad.”
Military Signals Grow Stronger in the Gulf
Graham’s remarks come amid a visible expansion of US military assets in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is already operating in Gulf waters, while the USS Gerald R. Ford is on its way — a dual-carrier presence that significantly raises the stakes.
From a Gulf perspective, the buildup sends a clear message: Washington is keeping all options on the table as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction.
Nuclear Talks Stalled
The US and Iran remain engaged in negotiations in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear programme. However, progress has been slow. Iran insists talks remain limited strictly to nuclear issues, rejecting US demands to address ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
For Gulf nations, the broader concern extends beyond uranium enrichment to regional security, maritime stability, and the threat posed by armed non-state actors.
Regime Change Rhetoric Intensifies
Following meetings in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Graham reiterated his belief that Iran’s current leadership must be replaced. He was particularly critical of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, arguing that long-term regional stability is unlikely under the current regime.
The senator also praised US President Donald Trump for adopting a firm approach toward Tehran, including vocal support for Iranian protest movements.
Gulf Unity Under Pressure
Beyond Iran, Graham addressed rising tensions within the Gulf itself, particularly criticism of the UAE in parts of Saudi media regarding its participation in the Abraham Accords.
He urged regional powers to set aside internal disputes and focus on what he described as the larger strategic objective: confronting Iran’s influence.
From The Gulf Talk perspective, the message is clear — this is not merely a US-Iran issue. It is a defining moment for Gulf security architecture. Escalation could impact oil markets, shipping lanes, investor confidence, and broader regional stability.
A Narrowing Window
Graham warned that if no diplomatic breakthrough is achieved within the next 30 days, the opportunity for peaceful resolution may diminish rapidly.
For Gulf capitals, the coming weeks will be critical. The region stands at a crossroads — between de-escalation through diplomacy or a confrontation that could reshape Middle East geopolitics for years to come.
