TEHRAN, IRAN February 17, 2026 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to the United States on Tuesday, stating that American warships deployed in the Middle East could be sent to the “bottom of the sea” if tensions escalate into conflict. The remarks come as indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington resumed in Geneva, amid Iran’s announcement of live-fire military drills in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a speech broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei addressed the ongoing U.S. military buildup in the region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers. “They constantly say, ‘We have sent a warship toward Iran.’ Of course, a warship is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink it to the bottom of the sea,” Khamenei said. He further cautioned that the U.S. president’s claims of having the world’s strongest military could be met with a blow from which it “cannot get up.”
The Supreme Leader’s comments were made during a meeting with thousands of people from East Azerbaijan Province, where he emphasized Iran’s defensive posture while accusing the U.S. of attempting to dominate the country. Khamenei also criticized U.S. efforts to dictate terms in the nuclear talks, calling it “a wrong and foolish job.”
This rhetoric aligns with earlier statements from Khamenei, who on February 1 warned that any U.S. attack could spark a “regional war.” Iranian officials have repeatedly framed their military capabilities, including hypersonic missiles and drones, as deterrents against potential aggression.
The timing of Khamenei’s speech coincides with Iran’s decision to temporarily close parts of the Strait of Hormuz for missile drills, a move that has heightened global concerns over potential disruptions to oil shipping routes. The U.S. has responded by bolstering its naval presence, with President Donald Trump hinting at further deployments to pressure Iran during the talks.
From the Iranian perspective, as reported by state media, the drills and warnings are defensive measures against perceived U.S. threats. However, U.S. officials view them as provocative, potentially undermining the fragile negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have amplified the news, with accounts like BRICS News reporting Khamenei’s threat shortly after the speech. Reactions online range from support for Iran’s stance to skepticism about its military capabilities against U.S. forces.
As talks continue under Omani mediation, both sides remain entrenched. Trump has demanded that Iran halt nuclear activities and stop supporting proxy groups, while Tehran insists on the full lifting of sanctions before any concessions. Analysts warn that miscalculations could lead to broader conflict, involving regional allies and impacting global energy markets.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in this high-stakes geopolitical standoff.
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