Tensions between Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the United States intensified after the Iranian Supreme Leader issued a strong warning, saying even the world’s most powerful military could face a blow from which it may not recover. His remarks came at a sensitive moment as indirect Iran US nuclear negotiations entered a new phase in Geneva.
Khamenei said that military strength alone cannot decide outcomes and insisted that Iran will not surrender to pressure. He repeated that Iran’s nuclear programme is peaceful and focused on energy, healthcare, and agriculture, while declaring that nuclear capability is the right of the Iranian people.
At the same time, Iran launched large scale military exercises near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, temporarily restricting parts of the waterway during live fire drills. The strait carries nearly 20 percent of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major global concern.
In a sudden development described by Iranian officials as a gesture of goodwill, the military drills were temporarily halted as the second round of indirect talks with the US opened in Geneva under Omani mediation. Officials from both sides said progress was made on guiding principles, although no final agreement has been reached yet.
The talks follow an earlier round held on February 6 in Oman and are being watched closely as the US increases its military presence in the region while diplomatic channels remain open. Analysts say the situation now stands between two extremes: escalation or a breakthrough deal.
With rising military rhetoric, naval deployments, and ongoing nuclear negotiations, the Middle East enters a critical phase where a single move could either calm the crisis or push it toward confrontation.
