Geneva: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Tuesday that the US warships currently deployed to the Persian Gulf 'could be sunk to the bottom of the sea.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Khamenei stated at an event in Tehran that the US military, which President Donald Trump claims to be the 'strongest army' in the world, could face unforeseen setbacks. Khamenei remarked on the presence of US warships, suggesting that while they are formidable, Iran possesses the capability to counter them.

Khamenei's comments followed recent threats from Trump and an increased US military presence in the region. Trump announced the potential deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the area if negotiations between Washington and Tehran do not yield results. The USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying destroyers are already stationed in the Persian Gulf, contributing to the rising tensions.

The ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Oman, resumed in Geneva on Tuesday. The Iranian and US delegations, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff respectively, engaged in indirect discussions at the Omani Embassy in Geneva.

These talks mark the resumption of diplomatic efforts that were suspended following a conflict between Iran and Israel. The negotiations continue against a backdrop of military threats from both nations, with Iran's Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi cautioning that any conflict would serve as a 'lesson' for Trump.