New Delhi: The indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran resume in Geneva with tensions already running high. Even before negotiators sat across from each other, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei fired off a series of pointed warnings aimed at US President Donald Trump.
In three back-to-back posts on X, formerly Twitter, Khamenei criticised American military power, questioning Washington’s long-standing pressure tactics and warning about the growing US naval presence near Iran. His tone stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that Iran may be open to reaching an agreement.
While referring to Trump’s earlier remarks to threaten Iran, he said, “The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again.”
The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) February 17, 2026
He added, “The Americans constantly say that they’ve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.”
The Americans constantly say that they’ve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) February 17, 2026
The third and final warning, delivered within a span of thirty minutes read, ‘The US President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasn’t been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good confession. I say, “You, too, will not be able to do this.’”
The US President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasn’t been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good confession. I say, ” You, too, will not be able to do this.”
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) February 17, 2026
Fresh threats as talks begin
The sharp statements came just as the second round of indirect negotiations got underway in Geneva. The talks are being mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, with both sides trying to ease tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump has ordered a visible military buildup in the region, including two aircraft carriers. The satellite images shared by the BBC confirmed the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran. The reports also suggest that the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is the largest warship in the world, has also dispatched and will arrive in the Middle East within weeks.
Khamenei directly referenced these deployments. He said that while a warship is a dangerous piece of hardware, something even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea. The remark was widely seen as a reference to Iran’s anti-ship missile capability.
Military buildup on both sides
Iran has responded to US call with maritime drills conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. The show of force on both sides has added to the already fragile atmosphere surrounding the talks.
On the diplomatic front, the US delegation includes Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both of whom were involved in earlier discussions held in Oman. Trump has said he will remain indirectly involved in the process.
Iran’s side is being led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has said he is seeking a “fair and equitable” agreement. He has also made it clear that submission under threats is not an option.
Ahead of the talks, US Secretary of State has admitted that reaching an agreement will not be easy, though he believes diplomacy still has a chance.
For now, diplomacy and deterrence are unfolding side by side with negotiations in conference rooms and warnings delivered in public view.