Khamenei Threatens USS Carrier Gerald R. Ford as Nuclear Talks Advance

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to the United States on Tuesday, asserting that Tehran possesses the capability to sink American aircraft carriers deployed in the region, even as indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva showed signs of progress.

Speaking on the eve of the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz uprising, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the Islamic Revolution, Khamenei dismissed claims of U.S. military invincibility. "The strongest army in the world may receive a slap it cannot recover from," he said, directly referencing President Donald Trump's assertions of American military superiority. He specifically highlighted the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group off the coast of Oman and the approaching USS Gerald R. Ford, noting, "A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it."

The rhetoric comes amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Middle East, with over 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s, and F-16s, alongside warships positioned near Iran. This buildup follows Trump's threats of potential military action if nuclear talks fail, including suggestions of regime change in Tehran. Khamenei rebuffed such notions, stating that the U.S. would not succeed in deposing the Islamic Republic, echoing his long-standing defiance against Washington.

Despite his threats, negotiators in Geneva reported advancements in the indirect talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as yielding "good progress," with both sides agreeing on "guiding principles" for a potential deal. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, expressed optimism about upcoming detailed proposals on uranium enrichment limits and Iran's ballistic missile program.

The parties are set to convene for a third round of talks soon, though tensions remain high with no immediate breakthroughs on core issues like missile stockpiles, which Khamenei reiterated are non-negotiable.

The U.S. has demanded full dismantlement of Iran's enriched uranium program, while Tehran insists on lifting sanctions and recognizing its right to peaceful nuclear activities. Analysts view Khamenei's speech as a strategic move to bolster domestic support and signal resolve amid the negotiations.

This escalation follows Iran's recent missile tests in the Strait of Hormuz, further straining relations.

The Geneva talks, mediated by Swiss officials, represent a rare diplomatic channel since the collapse of the 2015 JCPOA under the previous Trump administration. Sources close to the Iranian delegation emphasized a "clearer path ahead," but warned that U.S. military posturing could derail the process.

President Trump, indirectly involved in the talks, has maintained that Tehran is eager for a deal but must concede on key demands.