By Gloria Ogbonna
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring that Iran possesses weapons capable of destroying American aircraft carriers and would use them if the United States launches new military strikes against Iran’s controversial nuclear program.
Speaking in remarks broadcast by Iranian state media, Khamenei responded directly to recent comments and policies from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has increased pressure on Tehran over its uranium enrichment activities and has warned of possible consequences if Iran refuses to comply with international demands.
“The U.S. President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasn’t been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good confession,” Khamenei said. “I say: you will not be able to do this either.”
Direct Threat Against U.S. Naval Forces
Khamenei specifically referenced the growing U.S. military presence in the region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and warships near Iranian waters.
“The Americans constantly say that they’ve sent a warship towards Iran,” he said. “Of course, a warship is dangerous. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.”
He further warned that even the world’s most powerful military is not immune to devastating strikes.
“The U.S. President keeps saying they have the strongest military force in the world,” Khamenei continued. “The strongest military force may at times be struck so hard that it cannot recover.”
His remarks underscore the escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the possibility of military confrontation.
U.S. Military Presence Intensifies in the Region
Currently, the United States has significant naval assets positioned within operational range of Iran. Among them is the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which includes more than 90 aircraft along with multiple guided missile destroyers.
In addition, a second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is reportedly en route to the Middle East, further strengthening American military capabilities in the region and signaling Washington’s readiness to respond if tensions escalate.
The deployment of these forces is widely seen as both a deterrent and a show of strength amid ongoing diplomatic and military standoffs.
Iran Rejects U.S. Demands on Nuclear Program
Khamenei also rejected U.S. demands that Iran significantly limit or dismantle its nuclear enrichment program as part of ongoing negotiations.
“They say, ‘Let’s negotiate,’ but the result must be that you no longer have nuclear energy,” he said. “If a negotiation is to take place, predetermining the outcome is foolish and unacceptable.”
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful energy purposes, while the United States and its allies have expressed concerns that the program could be used to develop nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic Talks Continue Amid Threats
Despite the heated rhetoric, diplomatic efforts are continuing. A second round of indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials began Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, with mediation by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
Iranian officials described their approach as “serious and constructive,” but insisted that any agreement must include relief from economic sanctions and must not involve threats or coercion.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majd Takht-Ravanchi warned that Tehran would resist any attempt by the United States to impose its will.
“If the other side believes pressure can force Iran to change its position, we must prove that belief is an illusion,” he said.
Trump Signals Willingness to Negotiate but Warns of Consequences
President Trump confirmed that he is closely monitoring the Geneva negotiations and indicated he remains open to a diplomatic resolution, while also emphasizing that Iran faces serious consequences if talks fail.
“These are very important talks,” Trump said Monday. “I believe Iran wants to make a deal, because I don’t think they want the consequences of not making one.”
The ongoing confrontation highlights the fragile balance between diplomacy and military escalation, as both sides continue to exchange warnings while negotiations attempt to prevent further conflict.
The coming weeks could prove critical in determining whether tensions ease through diplomacy—or intensify into a deeper international crisis.
Source Breitbart
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