By Suleman Chitera
Tensions in the Middle East have taken a dramatic and dangerous turn.
The United States aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has reportedly been forced into the southern waters of Oman, close to Yemen, after key Gulf states allegedly denied it access to their airspace and transit routes—an extraordinary development that signals growing regional resistance to any military escalation against Iran.
According to regional observers, the UAE refused to open a passage corridor, while Oman has also barred the carrier from using its airspace. This has left the US strike group operating in a constrained maritime zone near the Arabian Sea, an area described as too narrow to safely accommodate large-scale carrier manoeuvres and supporting armadas.
Allies Close Ranks — Routes Blocked
The US military is said to be seeking northern access toward Qatar and Jordan, long-time American allies. However, geography and political resistance appear to have combined to shut down that option. With Pakistan and Iran flanking the Arabian Sea to the east and north, and Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to the west, Washington’s operational freedom is reportedly shrinking fast.
Some American analysts are now openly floating the idea of turning the USS Abraham Lincoln into a stationary offshore launch base—effectively an “airport at sea”—to conduct any potential strikes. But even that option appears fraught with risk.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar Say No
Saudi Arabia has reportedly refused US access to its airspace and issued a warning to former President Donald Trump, urging restraint and advising against confrontation with Iran. Qatar is also said to have declined involvement, further isolating US military planning in the Gulf.
Turkey Draws a Red Line
In a move that raises the stakes significantly, Turkey has deployed radar systems in Syria, reportedly aimed at intercepting any attack originating from Israel before it can reach Iranian territory. This signals a readiness by Ankara to actively counter military actions that could ignite a regional war.
Regional Bloc Forms Around Iran
Perhaps most alarming for Washington and Tel Aviv, Turkey, Yemen, and Afghanistan have reportedly declared their willingness to step in militarily in defence of Iran if conflict erupts. Such a coalition—spanning from the Levant to South Asia—would fundamentally alter the balance of power in the region.
A Region on the Brink
With airspace denied, sea routes constrained, and regional powers drawing firm lines, the Middle East appears closer than ever to a multi-front confrontation. What was once diplomatic tension now risks spiralling into open conflict involving multiple states and alliances.
One thing is clear: the strategic environment has shifted, and the USS Abraham Lincoln is no longer operating in friendly or permissive waters.
As events continue to unfold, the world is watching—and the margin for miscalculation has never been thinner.
