Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Tuesday that US warships in the Persian Gulf “could be sunk to the bottom of the sea.” He said the world’s strongest army may receive “a slap it cannot recover from,” amid renewed nuclear talks in Geneva. His remarks escalate tensions just as indirect diplomacy between Tehran and Washington resumes.
Khamenei criticized US military threats, saying a warship is dangerous but “more dangerous than a warship is the weapon that can sink it.” He was responding to President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Washington has the strongest army in the world. The statements follow Trump’s threat to deploy the USS Gerald R. Ford to the region if negotiations fail.
Read more: Iran’s Khamenei likens protests to ‘coup’, warns of regional war
Currently, the USS Abraham Lincoln and a fleet of destroyers are stationed in the Persian Gulf after being dispatched amid rising tensions with Iran. Khamenei’s warning comes as both sides face pressure to avoid conflict while resuming nuclear negotiations. Analysts say the rhetoric underscores deep mistrust between the two nations.
The second round of indirect nuclear talks began Tuesday in Geneva under Omani mediation. Iran’s delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the US delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, held separate meetings with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi before exchanging notes. Earlier talks in Muscat restarted after an eight-month hiatus following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.
Read more: Iran: Missile capabilities non-negotiable, adviser says
Khamenei also cautioned that deciding the outcome of negotiations beforehand is “wrong and foolish.” Meanwhile, Iran’s top military commander, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warned that any war against the country would serve as “a lesson” for Trump. The diplomatic process continues under looming threats and heightened military presence.