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3. Iran's Khamenei Warns U.S. Warship in Gulf Can Be Sunk

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Tuesday that a U.S. warship deployed to the Gulf could be sunk, as renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington got underway in Geneva.

“We constantly hear that they have sent a warship toward Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it,” Khamenei said in a speech.

In the same address, he dismissed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could dismantle the Islamic Republic, referencing Trump’s recent statement that the United States had failed for 47 years to destroy Iran’s system of government.

“In one of his recent speeches, the U.S. president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic… I tell you: you will not succeed either,” Khamenei said.

The comments came as U.S. and Iranian officials began indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.

Separately, Iranian state television reported that parts of the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily closed for “safety” measures during military drills conducted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which began Monday.

“Parts of the Strait of Hormuz will be closed in order to respect the principles of safety and navigation,” a state TV journalist said in a report from near the drill site. Authorities did not specify how long the partial closure would remain in effect.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, and any disruption to navigation there is closely watched by international markets and governments.